Clinical Research Directory

Testing the Safety and Tolerability of the Anti-cancer Drugs Trastuzumab Deruxtecan and Neratinib for Cancers With Changes in the HER2 Gene

This phase I trial tests the safety, side effects, and best dose of neratinib in combination with trastuzumab deruxtecan in treating patients with solid tumors that have spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic) or that cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable), and have changes in a gene called human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Neratinib is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of an abnormal protein that signals tumor cells to multiply. This helps slow or stop the spread of tumor cells. Trastuzumab deruxtecan is in a class of medications called antibody-drug conjugates. It is composed of a monoclonal antibody, called trastuzumab, linked to a chemotherapy drug, called deruxtecan. Trastuzumab attaches to HER2 positive tumor cells in a targeted way and delivers deruxtecan to kill them. Adding neratinib to trastuzumab deruxtecan may be able to shrink cancer with a change in the HER2 gene.

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 4-8 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.

AB801 in Combination With Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Patients With Borderline Resectable, Locally Advanced or Metastatic Cholangiocarcinoma or Pancreatic Cancer

This phase I trial tests the safety, side effects, best dose and effectiveness of AB801 in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy in treating patients with cholangiocarcinoma or pancreatic adenocarcinoma that may be removed by surgery (borderline resectable), 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). AB801 is a drug designed to block a protein called AXL. AXL is found on the surface of certain cancer cells and plays an important role in helping tumors grow, spread to other parts of the body, and avoid the immune system. It is thought to contribute to resistance against common cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation and immunotherapy. In many cancers, including cholangiocarcinoma and pancreatic adenocarcinoma, AXL is overactive and associated with worse outcomes. AB801 inhibits AXL which may make cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy and allow immune cells to better recognize and attack the tumor. Chemotherapy drugs, such as gemcitabine, cisplatin, oxaliplatin, irinotecan, leucovrin and fluorouracil, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing or by stopping them from spreading. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as durvalumab and zimberelimab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Giving AB801 in combination with chemotherapy and immunotherapy may better treat patients with borderline resectable, locally advanced or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma or pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Niraparib and TSR-042 for the Treatment of BRCA-Mutated Unresectable or Metastatic Breast, Pancreas, Ovary, Fallopian Tube, or Primary Peritoneal Cancer

This phase IB trial evaluates the effect of niraparib and TSR-042 in treating patients with BRCA-mutated breast, pancreas, ovary, fallopian tube, or primary peritoneal cancer that cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable) or has spread to other places in the body (metastatic). Niraparib 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 TSR-042, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Giving niraparib and TSR-042 may kill more cancer cells.

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.

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.

Testing the Addition of an Anti-cancer Drug, BAY 1895344, to Usual Chemotherapy for Advanced Stage Solid Tumors, With a Specific Focus on Patients With Small Cell Lung Cancer, Poorly Differentiated Neuroendocrine Cancer, and Pancreatic Cancer

This phase I trial tests the safety, side effects and best dose of BAY 1895344 when given together with usual chemotherapy (irinotecan or topotecan) in treating patients with solid tumors that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced), with a specific focus on small cell lung cancer, poorly differentiated neuroendocrine cancer, and pancreatic cancer. BAY 1895344 may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Chemotherapy drugs, such as irinotecan and topotecan, 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. Adding BAY 1895344 to irinotecan or topotecan may be safe and tolerable in treating patients with advanced solid tumors.

M6620 and Irinotecan Hydrochloride in Treating Patients With Solid Tumors That Are Metastatic or Cannot Be Removed by Surgery

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of M6620 and irinotecan hydrochloride in treating patients with solid tumors that have spread to other places in the body (metastatic) or cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable). M6620 and irinotecan hydrochloride may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth.

CA-4948 Added to Standard Chemotherapy to Treat Metastatic or Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer

This phase I trial tests the safety, side effects, and best dose of emavusertib (CA-4948) in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel in treating patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic) or cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable). CA-4948 is in a class of medications called kinase inhibitors. It works by blocking the action of abnormal proteins called interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 4 (IRAK4) and FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) that signal cells to multiply. This may help keep cancer cells from growing. The usual approach for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma is treatment with chemotherapy drugs gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel. Gemcitabine is a chemotherapy drug that blocks the cells from making DNA and may kill cancer cells. Paclitaxel is in a class of medications called anti-microtubule agents. It stops cancer cells from growing and dividing and may kill them. Nab-paclitaxel is an albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation of paclitaxel which may have fewer side effects and work better than other forms of paclitaxel. Giving CA-4948 in combination with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel may shrink or stabilize metastatic or unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Testing the Addition of a New Anti-cancer Drug, M3814 (Peposertib), to the Usual Radiotherapy in Patients With Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

This phase I/II trial studies the safety, side effects and best dose of M3814 and to see how well it works when given together with radiation therapy in treating patients with pancreatic cancer that has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes (locally advanced). M3814 may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. 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 M3814 and hypofractionated radiation therapy together may be safe, tolerable and/or more effective than radiation therapy alone in treating patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer.

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.

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.

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.

TR-002 for the Treatment of Advanced Unresectable Metastatic Solid Tumors Unresectable or Metastatic, Refractory Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

This phase I trial tests the safety, side effects and best dose of TR-002 for the treatment of solid tumors that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced), that cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable), that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic) and unresectable or metastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma that does not respond to treatment (refractory). Chemotherapy drugs, such as TR-002, 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. TR-002 may be safe and tolerable in treating patients with advanced, unresectable or metastatic solid tumors and unresectable or metastatic, refractory pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

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 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.

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

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.

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.

A Tailored, Web-based Program (COMPASS) to Improve Exercise and Dietary Changes in Stage I-III Pancreatic Cancer Patients Receiving Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy

This clinical trial studies whether a tailored, web-based program (web portal), Community for Physical Activity and Supportive Nutrition Strategies (COMPASS), can be used to improve exercise and dietary changes in patients with stage I-III pancreatic cancer who are receiving chemotherapy before surgery (neoadjuvant). Pancreatic cancer is a rare and understudied cancer, particularly in the area of promoting a healthy lifestyle to preserve physical and mental well-being during a long and difficult treatment regimen. Since pancreatic cancer is rare, programs have limited resources available to reach the patients who could benefit from programs aimed at promoting exercise and a healthy diet. The COMPASS web-portal is easily accessed by the patient via a computer, tablet, or phone. It is tailored to the unique needs of pancreatic cancer patients and provides exercise and diet recommendations along with behavioral support as they undergo the long process of cancer therapy. This may be a more effective way to reach and engage with the patient, which may improve exercise and dietary changes in stage I-III pancreatic cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Gemcitabine, Nab-Paclitaxel, and Bosentan for the Treatment of Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of bosentan and how well it works when given together with gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel for the treatment of pancreatic cancer that cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable). Bosentan may block the hormone endothelin and prevent the growth and spread of pancreatic cancer. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel, 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 bosentan with chemotherapy (gemcitabine and nab-paclitaxel) may work better in treating patients with pancreatic cancer compared to chemotherapy alone.

Testing the Combination of Anti-Cancer Drugs, Selumetinib and DS-8201a, for Advanced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

This phase I/II trial tests the safety, side effects, best dose and how well giving selumetinib with DS-8201a works for the treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced), that cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable) or that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic). Selumetinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. DS-8201a is in a class of medications called antibody-drug conjugates. It is composed of a monoclonal antibody, called trastuzumab, linked to a chemotherapy drug, called deruxtecan. Trastuzumab attaches to HER2 positive cancer cells in a targeted way and delivers deruxtecan to kill them. Giving selumetinib with DS-8201a may be safe, tolerable and/or effective in treating patients with advanced, unresectable or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Gemcitabine Hydrochloride and Cisplatin With or Without Veliparib or Veliparib Alone in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

This randomized phase II trial studies how well veliparib together with gemcitabine hydrochloride and cisplatin works compared to gemcitabine hydrochloride and cisplatin alone in treating patients with pancreatic cancer that has spread from where it started to nearby tissue or lymph nodes (locally advanced) or spread from the primary site (place where it started) to other places in the body (metastatic). Veliparib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as gemcitabine hydrochloride and cisplatin, 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. It is not yet known whether giving veliparib together with gemcitabine hydrochloride and cisplatin is an effective treatment for pancreatic cancer.

64Cu-DOTA A2 scFv-Fc2 DM With Positron Emission Tomography for the Imaging of Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic PSCA-Expressing Pancreatic Cancer

This clinical trial tests the safety, side effects, best dose and feasibility of using 64Cu-DOTA A2 scFv-Fc2 DM with positron emission tomography for the imaging of patients with PSCA-expressing pancreatic cancer 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). PET is an established imaging technique that utilizes small amounts of radioactivity attached to very minimal amounts of tracer, in the case of this research, 64Cu-DOTA A2 scFv-Fc2 DM. Because PSCA expressing pancreatic cancers take up 64Cu-DOTA A2 scFv-Fc2 DM it can be seen with PET. A PET scan is a procedure in which a small amount of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a vein, and a scanner is used to make detailed, computerized pictures of areas inside the body where the glucose is taken up. Because cancer cells often take up more glucose than normal cells, the pictures can be used to find cancer cells in the body. Using 64Cu-DOTA A2 scFv-Fc2 DM with positron emission tomography may be a safe and feasible way to obtain diagnostic images of patients with locally advanced or metastatic PSCA-expressing pancreatic cancer.

Studying Chemotherapy With or Without Panitumumab for Unresectable, Locally Advanced, or Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer Without KRAS Mutations

This phase III trial compares the effect of adding panitumumab to standard chemotherapy (with nanoliposomal Irinotecan, leucovorin, and 5-fluorouracil \[5-FU\] or irinotecan, leucovorin, and 5-FU or nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine) versus standard chemotherapy alone in treating patients with KRAS wild type (WT) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma that cannot be removed by sugery (unresectable) or 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). Panitumumab is a monoclonal antibody that may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. A monoclonal antibody is a type of protein that can bind to certain targets in the body, such as molecules that cause the body to make an immune response (antigens). Chemotherapy drugs, such as nanoliposomal irinotecan, leucovorin, 5-FU, irinotecan, nab-paclitaxel and gemcitabine, 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. Adding panitumumab to standard chemotherapy may be effective in treating patients with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic KRAS WT pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.