ALBANY — Phoebe is actively recruiting breast cancer patients to take part in a clinical trial that could help determine whether weight loss may help protect those patients from a second cancer diagnosis.
“Our Breast Cancer Weight Loss (BWEL) study seeks to determine whether the higher risk for breast cancer recurrence in women who are overweight or obese when they are diagnosed with breast cancer could be reduced or eliminated if weight is lost,” said Dr. Chirag Jani, oncologist, Phoebe Cancer Center. “We hope the results of the trial will help us determine if weight loss programs should be a part of breast cancer treatments.”
Phoebe strives every day to provide southwest Georgians with comprehensive and quality healthcare that allows them to stay close to home for their primary and specialty healthcare needs. It is also committed to this type of cutting-edge medical research. Currently, Phoebe is involved in several clinical trials for various types of cancer in cooperation with a number of respected organizations that sponsor our trials. These trials are monitored by a committee of doctors, nurses and local community leaders called an Institutional Review Board to ensure that participants’ rights are protected and FDA mandates are met.
The ultimate goal of all the trials is to gain knowledge that will help Phoebe improve treatments, resulting in better outcomes for our patients. The specific goal of one of our current studies is to determine if losing weight may help prevent breast cancer from recurring.
Patients may be eligible to participate in BWEL if:
• You have been diagnosed with stage II-III breast cancer within the last 12 months.
• You have completed surgery and chemotherapy (if applicable).
• You are interested in taking part in a weight loss program.

Study participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The Weight Loss Intervention Group will take part in a weight loss program. The Health Education Group will receive helpful information about breast cancer topics. Participants will complete health questionnaires and submit to weight measurements and a fasting blood draw at different points in the study.
“This is an important and ongoing trial,” said Jani. “Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is an appropriate time to highlight this study and encourage more participation.”
If you are interested in participating in this important clinical trial, contact the Clinical Research Department at 229-312-0405.