New Trials in Gynecological Cancers Enrolling Now

Core Concepts

Opportunities for patients in gynecological cancer trials.

Abstract

New clinical trials in gynecological cancers have opened recently. Patients with advanced or metastatic gynecological cancers can participate. The National Cancer Institute's ComboMATCH screening trial aims to match tumor genetics to treatment. ComboMATCH suite includes phase 2 treatment trials. Maurie Markman, MD, comments on the trial's focus on combination targeted agents. Different trials target specific types of gynecological cancers. Various investigational agents are being tested in these trials. Primary outcomes include progression-free survival and response rates. Secondary outcomes vary across trials. Trial details available on clinicaltrials.gov. Markman is not involved in these trials. Follow Medscape on social media for more news.

Stats

Sites in 23 states and Puerto Rico started recruiting in March 2023 for 2900 participants with a solid tumor. The study opened in March 2023 across 13 states, looking for 165 participants. Study sites in Florida, Nevada, New Mexico, and Ohio opened in April 2023, ready for 320 participants. Sites in New York and Texas plan to start recruiting 80 participants at the end of June 2023. The National Institutes of Health’s Clinical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, will begin welcoming its 210 participants on June 28, 2023. The research site at the Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, opened its doors to 42 participants in May 2023.

Quotes

"ComboMATCH is examining a number of combination targeted agents, or a targeted agent plus chemotherapy, in multiple clinical settings based on pre-clinical evaluation." - Maurie Markman, MD "[This is] an interesting phase 2 trial comparing targeted agents based on the presence of RAS mutation in recurrent or persistent endometrial or ovarian cancer…based on preclinical data suggesting the favorable impact of this strategy in these gynecologic malignancies." - Maurie Markman, MD

Key Insights Distilled From

New Trials in Gynecological Cancers Enrolling Now

by Helen Leask at www.medscape.com 06-26-2023

https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/993697

Deeper Inquiries

How might the inclusion of different investigational agents impact the overall outcomes of these trials

The inclusion of different investigational agents in these gynecological cancer trials can have a significant impact on the overall outcomes. By testing novel agents like lerociclib, CDX-1140, and telaglenastat, researchers aim to explore new treatment modalities that target specific pathways or mechanisms in cancer cells. For example, lerociclib targets CDK 4/6, which regulate the cell cycle, while CDX-1140 is a novel agonist CD40 antibody that can induce apoptosis in cancer cells. These agents offer the potential to enhance treatment efficacy by addressing specific molecular targets or pathways that may not be effectively targeted by standard therapies. The outcomes of these trials will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of these investigational agents in treating gynecological cancers and may pave the way for the development of targeted therapies in the future.

What potential challenges could arise in recruiting participants for these gynecological cancer trials

Recruiting participants for gynecological cancer trials can present several challenges. One major challenge is the limited pool of eligible patients who meet the specific criteria for each trial. Patients with advanced or recurrent gynecological cancers may have already exhausted standard treatment options, making it challenging to find suitable candidates for these trials. Additionally, the rigorous eligibility criteria, such as specific genetic mutations or disease stages, can further limit the number of eligible participants. Recruiting a diverse patient population across different geographic locations can also be a challenge, as trial sites may be concentrated in certain regions, requiring patients to travel long distances to participate. Moreover, the complexity of the trial protocols and the potential side effects of investigational agents may deter some patients from enrolling. Overcoming these challenges requires close collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, patient advocacy groups, and community outreach efforts to raise awareness about the importance of clinical trials in advancing gynecological cancer treatment.

How can advancements in gynecological cancer research influence the broader landscape of oncology treatments

Advancements in gynecological cancer research have the potential to significantly influence the broader landscape of oncology treatments. By exploring novel targeted agents, immunotherapies, and combination therapies in gynecological cancer trials, researchers can uncover new treatment strategies that may be applicable to other types of cancer. For example, the use of autologous T-cell receptor gene therapy in advanced ovarian cancer may have implications for other solid tumors by harnessing the immune system to target cancer cells. Similarly, the investigation of novel radiosensitizers like telaglenastat in cervical cancer could lead to advancements in radiation therapy for various malignancies. The personalized approach to treatment in these trials, such as matching tumor genetics to specific therapies in ComboMATCH, may also inform precision medicine strategies in oncology more broadly. Overall, the insights gained from gynecological cancer research can contribute to the development of innovative therapies and improve outcomes for cancer patients across different tumor types.