Investigating the Effects of Atezolizumab in People Whose Tumour DNA or RNA Indicates Possible Sensitivity
This study is investigating a medicine called atezolizumab for people with various types of cancer, including breast, lung, and other solid tumours. Researchers are testing if analysing a patient's cancer cells (looking at their DNA and RNA) can help predict whether this specific medicine, atezolizumab, might be effective for them. The goal is to understand if this advanced testing can help target treatments better. About 200 people will take part. Participants will receive the same dose of atezolizumab, and the study will monitor how their cancer responds. This is a Phase 2 study, meaning the medicine has already been checked for basic safety and is now being looked at for its effectiveness.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is a Phase 2 clinical trial involving a medicine called atezolizumab. It's designed to explore how well atezolizumab works for various types of cancer. The exciting part is that researchers are using special tests that look closely at the genetic make-up (DNA and RNA) of your cancer cells. The idea is to see if these detailed insights from your cancer's unique signature can help predict who might respond best to atezolizumab.
The main goal is to figure out if knowing more about your cancer's genetics can guide treatment decisions and lead to better results. Think of it like a detective trying to match the right key (the medicine) to the right lock (your cancer). By understanding specific features of your cancer, doctors hope to offer treatments that are more likely to be effective for you.
About 200 people will participate in this study. You would receive atezolizumab, and doctors would carefully monitor how your cancer responds. This research is important because it could help us move towards more personalised cancer treatments in the future, where medicines are chosen specifically for each person based on their cancer's unique characteristics.
Key takeaways
- Looks at a medicine called atezolizumab for various cancers.
- Uses genetic tests of your cancer to find out who might benefit most.
- Aims to make cancer treatment more personalised.
- About 200 people will join this Phase 2 study.
- You would receive regular doses of atezolizumab and be closely monitored.
- You can stop participating at any time.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a solid cancer that doctors can currently measure, which means they can track its changes. You also need to have had special tests on your cancer cells (called whole genome and transcriptome analysis, or WGTA) as part of a particular programme. These tests help identify specific features in your cancer that might suggest atezolizumab could be helpful.
It's important that your overall health is good enough to take part. This means having certain blood test results within a healthy range, showing that your blood counts, liver, and kidney functions are working well. Your doctors will also assess your general fitness level to ensure you can cope with the study treatments.
Unfortunately, if your cancer hasn't had the specific genetic testing outlined, or if your general health doesn't meet the required levels (for example, if certain blood tests are outside the healthy range or your overall fitness is not high enough), you wouldn't be able to join this particular study. Your doctor will discuss all these requirements with you in detail.
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 or older?
- Do you have a solid cancer that doctors can currently measure?
- Have you had special genetic tests (WGTA) on your cancer cells that identified specific features?
- Is your general health, including blood tests and organ function, considered good by your doctor?
- Is your overall fitness level suitable for participating in a clinical study?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to join this study, you would receive the study medicine, atezolizumab, administered as an intravenous infusion (into a vein) every 3 weeks. You'll continue treatment for as long as your doctors believe it's helping and you're not experiencing significant side effects, or until you choose to stop.
Throughout the study, you'll have regular visits with the study team. These visits will involve physical examinations, blood tests, and scans to monitor your health and how your cancer is responding to the treatment. The exact number and frequency of visits will be explained by the study team, but they are crucial for keeping track of your progress and safety. There is no set total duration; treatment continues as long as it's beneficial.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- BC CancerVerified postcodeVancouver, Canada· Recruiting
- University Health Network / Princess Margaret Cancer CentreVerified postcodeToronto, Canada· Withdrawn
Common questions
What is atezolizumab?
Atezolizumab is a type of medicine called an immunotherapy, which works by helping your body's immune system fight cancer.
Why do you need my cancer's DNA and RNA?
Researchers are looking for specific clues in your cancer's genetic information to see if they can predict who might respond well to atezolizumab.
How is the medicine given?
Atezolizumab will be given through a drip (intravenous infusion) into your vein, usually every three weeks.
Will I definitely get better if I join?
There's no guarantee that the treatment will work for everyone, but the study aims to find out if it's effective for people with specific cancer genetic profiles.
Can I stop participating at any time?
Yes, you have the right to leave the study at any point, and it won't affect your future medical care.
How to find out more
Janessa Laskin, MD
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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