ASTEROID: A Trial of ASTX660 in Combination With Pembrolizumab
This early-stage clinical trial, called ASTEROID, is looking at a new treatment combination for people with advanced cancers such as cervical cancer and a specific type of breast cancer (triple-negative breast cancer). The treatment involves two drugs: ASTX660 and pembrolizumab. Researchers want to find the safest and most effective dose of this combination. The main idea is that ASTX660 might help pembrolizumab, which is an immunotherapy, work better by encouraging the immune system to recognise and attack cancer cells more effectively. This study is unique because ASTX660 works in a different way to previous drugs in its class, aiming to give the immune system a stronger push against the cancer. It's about understanding how these drugs work together to improve cancer treatment pathways for the future.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The ASTEROID study is an early-stage clinical trial investigating a new way to treat several types of advanced cancer, including cervical cancer and triple-negative breast cancer. Researchers are combining two drugs: ASTX660 and pembrolizumab. Pembrolizumab is a type of immunotherapy that helps your own immune system find and fight cancer cells. The hope is that ASTX660 will make pembrolizumab even more effective by boosting the immune system's response to the cancer.
This study is particularly interesting because ASTX660 works differently from similar drugs that have been tested before. It aims to block certain proteins in cancer cells (called cIAP1/2 and XIAP) in a way that helps activate the immune system more strongly to create what's called a 'powerful immune response'. By understanding exactly how ASTX660 affects both the cancer cells and the body's immune system, the researchers hope to figure out the best way to use this drug in combination with immunotherapies in the future.
The main goal is to find the right dose of ASTX660 when given with pembrolizumab and to see if this combination shows promising signs of effectiveness in people whose cancers haven't responded to standard treatments. This research is crucial for developing smarter, more targeted cancer treatments in the future, potentially offering new options for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers.
Key takeaways
- New drug combination: ASTX660 + Pembrolizumab.
- Early-stage trial (Phase 1) focused on advanced cancers.
- Aims to enhance the body's immune response to cancer.
- Includes cancers like cervical and triple-negative breast cancer.
- Seeking safer, more effective future cancer treatments.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older with advanced cancers that haven't responded well to usual treatments or for which no standard treatment is available. This includes certain solid tumours, cervical cancer, and triple-negative breast cancer.
Specifically, some participants will have cancers that have already been treated with immunotherapy and didn't improve. There are also specific criteria for people with certain breast cancers that have progressed after particular treatments.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have an advanced solid cancer that has not responded to usual treatments, or for which there are no other treatment options?
- If you have cervical or triple-negative breast cancer, has it not responded to standard treatments?
- For some cancers, has your cancer progressed despite previous immunotherapy treatment?
What does participation involve?
The information provided does not detail the specific schedule of visits, assessments, medication administration, or the overall duration of participation. However, in a Phase 1 trial like this, you would typically expect frequent hospital visits, especially at the beginning, for close monitoring of your health and how your body reacts to the new drug combination. You would receive the study medications (ASTX660 and Pembrolizumab) according to a set schedule. Regular tests, such as blood tests, scans, and possibly biopsies, would be performed to check the treatment's effect on your cancer and to monitor for any side effects. Your participation would continue as long as you are benefiting from the treatment or until unacceptable side effects occur. You would have regular follow-up appointments after stopping the treatment.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (3)
- Cambridge University Hospitals NHS TrustVerified postcodeCambridge, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- The Royal Marden NHS Foundation Trust - Drug Development UnitVerified postcodeSutton, United Kingdom· Recruiting
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust - Breast UnitVerified postcodeSutton, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Common questions
What is the main goal of this study?
The main goal is to find the safest and most effective dose of a new drug combination (ASTX660 and pembrolizumab) for advanced cancers, and to see if it helps boost the immune system to fight cancer.
What types of cancer are being studied?
This study is looking at advanced solid cancers, including cervical cancer and a specific type of breast cancer called triple-negative breast cancer, among others.
What does 'immunotherapy-refractory' mean?
It means your cancer didn't respond or stopped responding to previous treatments that work by boosting your immune system.
Is ASTX660 a new type of drug?
Yes, ASTX660 works in a new way compared to similar drugs previously tested, aiming to create a stronger immune response against cancer cells.
Who can join this study?
Adults (18 or older) with specific advanced cancers that haven't responded to standard treatments or for which no other treatment options are available.
How to find out more
Anna Zachariou, PhD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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