Clinical Research Directory

Evaluation of Skin Tests in Biotherapy Allergies

Biotherapies are biological (extracted from an organism or living tissue) or biotechnological drugs used in the treatment of multiple conditions, such as autoimmune inflammatory diseases, cancers, and hematologic diseases. In recent years, these biotherapies have notably emerged in the treatment of cancers and hematologic disorders. As such, most patients with cancers or hematologic diseases will likely receive a biotherapy as part of their care pathway. These biotherapies are associated with various side effects, including hypersensitivity or allergic reactions, which are often poorly characterized in clinical trials. These reactions manifest as symptoms without specific dermatologic or allergologic semiology (such as itching, erythema, shortness of breath, sometimes digestive issues, or discomfort, and in some cases, an anaphylactic reaction). Unlike other treatments, such as antibiotics and neuromuscular blockers, there are currently no guidelines on the concentrations to use in skin tests for biotherapies. We propose conducting prospective clinical research to scientifically establish the concentrations to be used when investigating hypersensitivity to a biotherapy, in line with best practice recommendations for drug skin testing.

Pembrolizumab for the Treatment of Locally Advanced and/or Recurrent Orbital or Periocular Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This phase II trial studies how well pembrolizumab works in treating patients with orbital (eye socket) and/or periorbital (surrounding the eye socket) cutaneous squamous cell cancer (cSCC) that has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes (locally advanced) or has come back after a period of improvement (recurrent). Skin cancers that are close to the eye or on the eyelid often have more genetic (heredity) changes than other types of cancers. This means that the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) (the building blocks of the body that determine such things as the color of the hair) in tumor tissue has been altered compared to normal tissue. It is thought cancer cells with these DNA changes are more likely to respond to a type of drug called immunotherapy. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Pembrolizumab is approved for patients with recurrent or metastatic cSCC not amenable (responsive) to cure by surgery or radiation. Giving pembrolizumab may work better in treating patients with locally advanced or recurrent orbital and/or periorbital cSCC.

Intensity Modulated Proton or X-Ray Therapy After Surgery for Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, the HEADLIGHT Study

This clinical trial studies how well intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) or intensity modulated X-ray (radiation) therapy (IMRT) works after surgery in treating patients with head and neck cancer. IMPT is a type of radiation therapy that allows for the most accurate application of proton radiation to the tumor and has the potential to reduce treatment-related side effects. IMRT is a type of 3-dimensional radiation therapy that uses computer-generated images to show the size and shape of the tumor. Thin beams of x-ray radiation of different intensities are aimed at the tumor from many angles. This type of radiation therapy reduces the damage to healthy tissue near the tumor. IMPT may work as well as IMRT after surgery in treating patients with head and neck cancer.