Clinical Research Directory

Measuring the Effects of Talazoparib in Patients With Advanced Cancer and DNA Repair Variations

This phase II trial studies if talazoparib works in patients with cancer that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced) and has mutation(s) in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage response genes who have or have not already been treated with another PARP inhibitor. Talazoparib is an inhibitor of PARP, a protein that helps repair damaged DNA. Blocking PARP may help keep cancer cells from repairing their damaged DNA, causing them to die. PARP inhibitors are a type of targeted therapy. All patients who take part on this study must have a gene aberration that changes how their tumors are able to repair DNA. This trial may help scientists learn whether some patients might benefit from taking different PARP inhibitors "one after the other" and learn how talazoparib works in treating patients with advanced cancer who have aberration in DNA repair genes.

Testing the Combination of Anetumab Ravtansine With Either Nivolumab, Nivolumab and Ipilimumab, or Gemcitabine and Nivolumab in Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of anetumab ravtansine when given together with nivolumab, ipilimumab and gemcitabine hydrochloride in treating patients with mesothelin positive pancreatic cancer that has spread to other places in the body (advanced). Anetumab ravtansine is a monoclonal antibody, called anetumab ravtansine, linked to a chemotherapy drug called DM4. Anetumab attaches to mesothelin positive cancer cells in a targeted way and delivers DM4 to kill them. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as nivolumab and ipilimumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Chemotherapy drugs, such as gemcitabine hydrochloride, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Giving anetumab ravtansine together with nivolumab, ipilimumab, and gemcitabine hydrochloride may work better in treating patients with pancreatic cancer.

Testing the Safety of the Anti-Cancer Drugs Durvalumab and Olaparib During Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer

This phase I trial tests the safety and tolerability of olaparib in combination with durvalumab and radiation therapy in patients with pancreatic cancer that has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes (locally advanced) and cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable). Olaparib is an inhibitor of PARP, an enzyme that helps repair deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) when it becomes damaged. Blocking PARP may help keep cancer cells from repairing their damaged DNA, causing them to die. PARP inhibitors are a type of targeted therapy. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as durvalumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays, particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The combination of targeted therapy with olaparib, immunotherapy with durvalumab and radiation therapy may stimulate an anti-tumor immune response and promote tumor control in locally advanced unresectable pancreatic cancer.

Testing A New Anti-cancer Drug Combination, Entinostat and ZEN003694, for Advanced and Refractory Solid Tumors

This phase I/II trial tests the safety, side effects, and best dose of entinostat and ZEN003694 in treating patients with solid tumors that have spread to other places in the body (advanced) or does not respond to treatment (refractory). Entinostat is in a class of drugs called histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors. It may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. ZEN003694 is an inhibitor of a family of proteins called the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET). It may prevent the growth of tumor cells that over produce BET protein. This trial aims to test the safety of combination therapy with entinostat and ZEN003694 in treating patients with advanced or refractory solid tumors.

Testing Higher Dose Radiation Therapy for Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

This phase III trial compares the effect of dose-escalated radiation therapy to usual care in patients with locally advanced unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have received an initial 4-6 months of chemotherapy. Usual care options include additional chemotherapy, observation, or standard lower-dose radiation therapy. These treatments may delay tumor growth but have not been shown to improve survival. Radiation therapy uses high energy X-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Dose-escalated radiation therapy involves the precise delivery of higher doses to the tumor, often over a shorter period of time. This trial assesses whether using dose-escalated radiation therapy can prolong survival.

OMO-103 for the Treatment of Locally Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

This early phase I trial studies the biological activity of OMO-103 in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes (locally advanced) or that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic). OMO-103 may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. This trial may help researchers determine how exposure to OMO-103 changes pancreatic tumor cells.

Targeted Pathway Inhibition in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer

This early phase I trial aims to determine how cobimetinib, olaparib, onvansertib, azenosertib, AZD5305 or tremelimumab works in patients with pancreatic cancer. Validation of cobimetinib, olaparib, onvansertib azenosertib, AZD5305 and tremelimumab molecular targets will be explored by comparing pre-treatment biopsies with post-treatment specimens. This knowledge will help design future biomarker driven trials to determine whether giving cobimetinib, or olaparib, or onvansertib or azenosertib, or AZD5305, or tremelimumab will work better than standard treatments in patients with pancreatic cancer.

A Phase II Nationwide, Fully Decentralized, Telemedicine Study of Pemigatinib in Adult Patients With Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer With FGFR Genetic Alterations

This phase II study evaluates how well pemigatinib works for the treatment of adult patients with pancreatic cancer that has spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced) or has spread from where it first started to other places in the body (metastatic) and that have abnormal changes (alterations) in the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) gene. FGFR genes are genes that, when altered, can lead to and promote the growth of cancer in patients. Researchers want to test if using pemigatinib can block the function of these abnormal FGFR genes and prevent the tumor from growing and whether treatment can help improve overall quality of life.

Photoradiation With Verteporfin to Facilitate Immunologic Activity of Pembrolizumab in Unresectable, Locally Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

This phase II trial tests how well photoradiation with verteporfin and pembrolizumab plus standard of care chemotherapy works in treating patients with pancreatic cancer that cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable), that has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes (locally advanced) or to other places in the body (metastatic). Photoradiation uses light activated drugs, such as verteporfin, that become active when exposed to light. These activated drugs may kill tumor cells. Vertoporfin may also increase tumor response to 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. Chemotherapy drugs, such as modified fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and oxaliplatin (mFOLFIRINOX), work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Photoradiation with verteporfin and pembrolizumab plus standard of care chemotherapy may kill more tumor cells in patients with unresectable, locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer.

Feasibility of Auricular Acupressure for Appetite and Weight in Patients With Stage II-IV Gastric, Esophageal, and Pancreatic Cancer

This clinical trial evaluates the feasibility and acceptability of acupressure to the ear (auricular) to address appetite and weight in patients with stage II-IV gastric, esophageal, or pancreatic cancer. Cancer anorexia, the abnormal loss of appetite, directly leads to cancer-associated weight loss (cachexia) through malnourishment, reduced caloric intake, treatment side-effects, and other modifiable risk factors. Cachexia prolongs length of hospital stay for patients, negatively impacts treatment tolerance and adherence, and reduces overall patient quality of life. Auricular acupressure is a form of micro-acupuncture that exerts its effect by stimulating the central nervous system using adhesive taped pellets applied to specific locations on the external ear. The use of these pellets to deliver auricular acupressure has been shown to improve pain, fatigue, insomnia, nausea and vomiting, depression, and quality of life in both cancer and non-cancer settings. Auricular acupressure is a safe, inexpensive, and non-invasive approach to addressing cancer-related symptoms and treatment side-effects and may be effective at improving appetite and weight loss in stage II-IV gastric, esophageal, and pancreatic cancer patients.

Calaspargase Pegol-Mnkl and Cobimetinib for the Treatment of Locally Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

This phase I trial tests the safety, side effects, and best dose of calaspargase pegol-mknl in combination with cobimetinib in treating patients with pancreatic cancer that has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes (locally advanced) or has spread to other places in the body (metastatic). Cobimetinib attacks a protein called MEK that has been known to stimulate cells that promote the growth of cancer cells in the body. Calaspargase pegol-mknl is an enzyme that converts the amino acid L-asparagine into aspartic acid and ammonia. Many types of cancer cell rely on the amino acid L-asparagine, and depleting this amino acid with calaspargase pegol-mknl starves cancer cells of this nutrient. Attacking the MEK protein with cobimetinib is thought to further prevent cancer cells from using this amino acid, causing them to die. Giving calaspargase pegol-mknl in combination with cobimetinib may help control the disease in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Lenvatinib and Pembrolizumab Maintenance Therapy for the Treatment of Patients of Advanced Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer

This phase II trial studies the effects of lenvatinib and pembrolizumab maintenance therapy in treating patients with pancreatic cancer that has spread to other places in the body (advanced) and cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable). Lenvatinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. 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. Giving lenvatinib and pembrolizumab may be effective as a maintenance therapy in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Sonoporation and Chemotherapy for the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

This phase I/II trial studies the effect of sonoporation in addition to standard of care chemotherapy in treating patients with pancreatic cancer. Sonoporation is a novel method that uses ultrasound and microbubbles to increase therapeutic effect by increasing uptake or enhance sensitization. Sonoporation together with chemotherapy may work better in treating patients with pancreatic cancer compared to chemotherapy alone.

A Vaccine (Ad5.F35-hGCC-PADRE) for the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Adenocarcinoma

This phase IIA trial investigates the side effects of Ad5.F35-hGCC-PADRE vaccine and to see how well it works in treating patients with gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma. Ad5.F35-hGCC-PADRE vaccine may help to train the patient's own immune system to identify and kill tumor cells and prevent it from coming back.

Gemcitabine, Cisplatin and Nab-Paclitaxel as Neoadjuvant Treatment for Patients With Resectable or Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer

This phase II trial tests how well gemcitabine, cisplatin and nab-paclitaxel given before surgery (neoadjuvant) works in treating patients with pancreatic cancer that can be removed by surgery (resectable) or that is borderline resectable. The standard treatment for resectable and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer is a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Neoadjuvant therapy has been shown to improve overall survival compared to patients receiving surgery first. Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug that blocks the cells from making DNA and may kill tumor cells. Cisplatin is in a class of medications known as platinum-containing compounds. It works by killing, stopping or slowing the growth of tumor cells. Nab-paclitaxel is an albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation of paclitaxel, an antimicrotubule agent that stops tumor cells from growing and dividing and may kill them. Nab-paclitaxel may have fewer side effects and work better than other forms of paclitaxel. Gemcitabine, cisplatin and nab-paclitaxel may be an effective neoadjuvant treatment option for patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer.

A Study to Determine if the Drug, Pyrvinium Pamoate, is Safe and Tolerable in Patients With Pancreatic Cancer

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of pyrvinium pamoate for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that cannot be removed by surgery (resectable). Pyrvinium pamoate may slow down tumor growth and help patients live longer.

Testing the Addition of an Anti-cancer Drug, Elimusertib (BAY 1895344) ATR Inhibitor, to the Chemotherapy Treatment (Gemcitabine) for Advanced Pancreatic and Ovarian Cancer, and Advanced Solid Tumors

This phase I trial identifies the best dose, possible benefits and/or side effects of gemcitabine in combination with elimusertib (BAY 1895344) in treating patients with pancreatic, ovarian, and other solid tumors that have spread to other places in the body (advanced). Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug that blocks the cell from making DNA and may kill tumor cells. elimusertib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Giving gemcitabine and elimusertib in combination may shrink or stabilize cancer.

Danvatirsen and Durvalumab in Treating Patients With Advanced and Refractory Pancreatic, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, and Mismatch Repair Deficient Colorectal Cancer

This phase II trial studies how well danvatirsen and durvalumab work in treating patients with pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and mismatch repair deficient colorectal cancer that has spread to other places in the body and does not respond to treatment. Danvatirsen may be used to block the production of proteins needed for tumor cell growth. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as durvalumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Giving danvatirsen and durvalumab may work better at treating pancreatic cancer, non-small cell lung cancer and mismatch repair deficient colorectal cancer.

Losartan and Hypofractionated Rx After Chemo for Tx of Borderline Resectable or Locally Advanced Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer (SHAPER)

This phase I trial studies the side effects of losartan and hypofractionated radiation therapy after chemotherapy in treating patients with pancreatic cancer that may or may not be removed by surgery (borderline resectable) or has spread from its original site of growth to nearby tissues or lymph nodes and is not amenable to surgical resection (locally advanced unresectable). Losartan may improve blood flow and allows for better tissue oxygenation. Hypofractionated radiation therapy delivers higher doses of radiation therapy over a shorter period of time and may kill more tumor cells and have fewer side effects. Giving losartan and hypofractionated radiation therapy may work better in treating patients with pancreatic cancer compared to hypofractionated radiation therapy alone.

CPI-613 (Devimistat) in Combination With Hydroxychloroquine and 5-fluorouracil or Gemcitabine in Treating Patients With Advanced Chemorefractory Solid Tumors

This phase II trial tests how well CPI-613 (devimistat) in combination with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or gemcitabine works in patients with solid tumors that may have spread from where they first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced) or that have not responded to chemotherapy medications (chemorefractory). Metabolism is how the cells in the body use molecules (carbohydrates, fats, and proteins) from food to get the energy they need to grow, reproduce and stay healthy. Tumor cells, however, do this process differently as they use more molecules (glucose, a type of carbohydrate) to make the energy they need to grow and spread. CPI-613 works by blocking the creation of the energy that tumor cells need to survive, grow in the body and make more tumor cells. When the energy production they need is blocked, the tumor cells can no longer survive. Hydroxychloroquine is a drug used to treat malaria and rheumatoid arthritis and may also improve the immune system in a way that tumors may be better controlled. Fluorouracil is in a class of medications called antimetabolites. It works by killing fast-growing abnormal cells. Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug that blocks the cells from making DNA and may kill tumor cells. CPI-613 (devimistat) in combination with hydroxychloroquine and 5-fluorouracil or gemcitabine may work to better treat advanced solid tumors.