BEACON 2: A Multi-Arm, Multi-Stage Platform Trial For Relapsed Neuroblastoma
The BEACON 2 trial is investigating new treatment options for a type of cancer called neuroblastoma. This study is specifically for young people and adults whose neuroblastoma has returned or progressed, even after being considered high-risk at any point after diagnosis. The trial aims to find safer and more effective ways to treat this condition by testing different combinations of existing medications, such as Temozolomide, Topotecan, Irinotecan, Kimozo, Bevacizumab, and Qarziba. The main goal is to see if these new combinations can stop the cancer from growing for longer. Researchers will also look at how well the treatments shrink the cancer, if they improve quality of life, and what side effects might occur.
At a glance
What is this study about?
The BEACON 2 study is a really important research project for people who have neuroblastoma that has come back or grown worse after previous treatments. Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that usually starts in nerve cells outside the brain and spinal cord. Sometimes, even with treatment, it can return, and when it does, doctors need new and better ways to fight it. This study is testing new combinations of medicines that are already available, but using them in new ways to see if they can work better together.
The main aim of BEACON 2 is to find out if these new drug combinations can keep the cancer from growing or spreading for a longer time. They also want to understand if these treatments are safe and what side effects they might have. The study is designed in a clever way, with different groups of participants trying different combinations of medicines, and researchers carefully watching how everyone responds.
Ultimately, the hope is that this research will lead to new, more effective, and gentler treatments for neuroblastoma that has returned. Finding better ways to manage this challenging condition is crucial for improving the health and quality of life for those affected.
Key takeaways
- This study is for young people and adults with neuroblastoma that has come back.
- It aims to find better ways to combine existing cancer drugs.
- The main goal is to improve how long the cancer stays stable or shrinks.
- Researchers will also track side effects and quality of life.
- Your participation could help advance treatment for future patients.
Who may be eligible?
This study is designed for young people and adults. To be considered for this trial, you must be 18 years old or older.
Your neuroblastoma must have come back (relapsed) or gotten worse (progressed) after you were first diagnosed. This means that at some point after your original diagnosis, your neuroblastoma was identified as 'high risk' and then either returned or continued to grow despite treatment.
Also, a doctor will need to confirm your diagnosis of neuroblastoma through a tissue sample (biopsy) that meets specific international standards.
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?
- Has your neuroblastoma returned or gotten worse after previous treatments?
- Was your neuroblastoma considered 'high risk' at some point after diagnosis?
- Has your neuroblastoma diagnosis been confirmed by specific international standards?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be given a combination of medications, which could include drugs like Temozolomide, Topotecan, Irinotecan, Kimozo, Bevacizumab, or Qarziba. These will be given according to a specific schedule decided by the study team. You will have regular visits to the hospital for treatment and check-ups. These visits will involve various tests, such as blood tests, scans, and possibly other procedures to see how the treatment is working and to monitor your health.
The team will carefully watch how your cancer responds, whether it shrinks or stays stable, and they'll also keep a close eye on any side effects you might experience. They'll also ask you to complete questionnaires about your quality of life to understand how the treatment affects your daily living. The total duration of your participation will depend on how you respond to the treatment and the specific arm of the study you are in, but it will involve ongoing assessments for a period of time.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (10)
- —UnverifiedFrance
- —UnverifiedAustria
- —UnverifiedGermany
- —UnverifiedBelgium
- —UnverifiedNorway
- —UnverifiedDenmark
- —UnverifiedSweden
- —UnverifiedItaly
- —UnverifiedSpain
- —UnverifiedNetherlands
Common questions
What is neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that usually starts in nerve cells outside the brain and spinal cord, often in children and young adults.
What does 'relapsed' mean?
Relapsed means the cancer has returned or progressed after it was previously treated and had responded or been stable.
Are the study drugs new?
The study tests new combinations of medicines that are already available, rather than completely new, unproven drugs.
Will I know which treatment I'm getting?
For some parts of the study, you might be randomly assigned to a specific treatment combination, much like drawing lots, to ensure a fair comparison.
How long will I be in the study?
The length of your participation will depend on your individual response to treatment and the specific part of the study you are in. The study team will discuss this in detail with you.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
Community discussion
Powered by our forum at community.patient.info. Please be respectful — this is not medical advice.