Informing research into how breast cancer spreads through the lymph nodes

Project title: Understanding the Effects of ER-Negative Breast Cancer on the Sentinel Lymph Node Chain After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy 

What’s the study about? 

A team of researchers at King’s College London, funded by Breast Cancer Now, are planning research focused on oestrogen receptor negative (ER-negative) breast cancers which have spread to the lymph nodes.

They're studying how cells in the lymph nodes change when cancer develops. And how communication between lymph nodes can help breast cancer spread. 

The teams hopes that this research will help them understand how treatment-resistant breast cancer spreads through the lymph node chain in the armpit.  

This could support the development of targeted therapies and reduce the number of people needing to have their lymph nodes removed surgically (axillary clearance).  

They want the study to be as accessible as possible, and so would like your feedback on the design of the study, and on the information which will be given to participants.  

Who can take part? 

You can take part if you’ve been personally affected by breast cancer.  

Why do you want me to be involved? 

The researchers want to make sure that the study is accessible for participants, and also that it addresses the key questions and issues which participants may have. This will ensure that it is even more beneficial and impactful for people affected by breast cancer.  

What will you ask me to do? 

The researchers are hosting an online focus group to gather your opinions on the design of the study, and whether the documents and information is informative and easy to understand. 

The focus group will take place on 1 November from 10am to 10.40am. It’ll be held online via Microsoft Teams.  

It’ll be a chance to discuss and give feedback on: 

• The overall study design 
• The consent form 
• The information sheet which will be given to all patients involved in the study 

At the focus group, you won’t be asked to give any identifiable information about yourself, your diagnosis or treatment.   

How do I get involved?  

You can sign up for the focus group by filling in a short online form.  

If you have any questions, you can contact Dr Amy Llewellyn at amy.llewellyn5@nhs.net