Randomized phase 2 trial of targeting dormant tumor cells to prevent recurrence of breast cancer

Mouse model studies at Abramson Cancer Center (Philadelphia, PA) showed that inhibition of autophagy with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and inhibition of mTOR signaling with everolimus (EVE) improved recurrence-free survival in mice harboring dormant tumor cells (DTCs). A subsequent phase 2 CLEVER trial found that among breast cancer survivors with DTCs on bone marrow aspirates, treatment with HCQ or EVE or the combination was feasible and safe and resulted in promising RFS. The authors conclude that these findings provide proof-of-concept that targeting DTCs depletes minimal residual disease.