Basket Study of Tucatinib and Trastuzumab in Solid Tumors With HER2 Alterations
This study investigates a new treatment approach for several types of advanced solid tumours that have changes in a gene called HER2. These changes mean the cancer cells either have too much HER2 or a different type of HER2 than usual. The study uses two drugs, tucatinib and trastuzumab, given together. For people with hormone-sensitive breast cancer, another drug called fulvestrant will also be given. The main aim is to see how effective this combination treatment is and to understand any side effects it might cause. The cancers included are those that have spread to other parts of the body or cannot be completely removed by an operation. It's a Phase 2 study, meaning it's still being tested but has shown some promise in earlier research.
At a glance
Results
Results from this study
Posted November 2024Results have been published for this study.
What is this study about?
This study is exploring a new way to treat several different types of advanced cancers. When we say 'advanced', we mean cancers that have either spread to other parts of the body (this is called metastatic) or are too widespread to be completely removed with an operation. These cancers all have something in common: a specific change in a gene called HER2. This change can mean the cancer cells make too much of a protein called HER2, or they have a slightly different version of it. Targeting this HER2 change is a common way to treat some cancers, like certain types of breast cancer, but this study is looking at its effect in a wider range of solid tumours.
The main treatment being tested involves two drugs: tucatinib and trastuzumab. Patients in the study will receive both of these. For those with a specific type of breast cancer that is also sensitive to hormones, a third drug called fulvestrant will be added to this combination. The aim is to see if this treatment can shrink tumours or stop them from growing, and importantly, to understand any side effects people might experience. Side effects are any effects a medicine has other than its main intended purpose. Knowing about side effects helps doctors understand if a treatment is safe and tolerable.
This is a 'Phase 2' study, which means it builds on earlier research that suggested these drugs might be helpful. It's not a first-line treatment, but rather for people whose cancer has unfortunately progressed after previous treatments, or for whom standard treatments aren't available. By studying how these drugs work in different cancers with HER2 changes, researchers hope to find new, effective treatments for a broader group of patients.
Key takeaways
- This study is for people with advanced solid cancers that have a HER2 gene change.
- It uses a combination of two (or three for some breast cancers) specific anti-HER2 drugs.
- It's a Phase 2 study, focusing on how well the treatment works and what side effects occur.
- Participants must have tried other treatments already, or have no standard options available.
- The study aims to find new treatment options for a wider range of cancers with HER2 changes.
- Your health will be closely monitored throughout your participation.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you generally need to have an advanced solid tumour that has spread or can't be removed by surgery. This cancer must also show specific changes in the HER2 gene, meaning either too much HER2 protein is being made, or there's an unusual version of the gene. These HER2 changes must have been confirmed by a specific test.
Your cancer should also have progressed (grown or worsened) despite receiving at least one previous standard treatment for your advanced cancer. If you have a specific type of lung cancer (called non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer), you need to have already gone through standard treatments or not have any standard options left.
There are also some important reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you have certain types of breast, stomach, or bowel cancer with HER2 changes, you usually won't be eligible. Also, if you've had previous treatment that specifically targets HER2 (except for certain specific situations with trastuzumab), or if you are allergic to any of the study drugs, you wouldn't be able to take part. You also need to be well enough to take part, as assessed by your doctor.
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.
- Do I have a solid cancer that has spread or can't be removed by surgery?
- Has my cancer recently progressed after previous treatment (or are there no standard treatments left)?
- Have tests shown that my cancer has a HER2 gene alteration (either too much HER2 or a mutated HER2 gene)?
- Have I generally not received other HER2-targeted therapies before?
- Am I feeling well enough to take part in a study, as my doctor would assess?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you will receive the study drugs, tucatinib and trastuzumab. If you have hormone-receptor positive breast cancer, you will also receive fulvestrant. These drugs will be given regularly according to a schedule decided by the study doctors. You will have regular visits to the clinic for check-ups, scans to see how your tumour is responding, and blood tests to monitor your health and any side effects. You'll also be asked about any symptoms or side effects you might be experiencing. The exact number of visits and the total length of time you'll be in the study will depend on how your body responds to the treatment and the study plan, but typical cancer trials involve regular follow-ups for many months, and sometimes years. You will be closely monitored throughout the process.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (106)
- HonorHealthVerified postcodePhoenix, United States
- HonorHealthVerified postcodeTempe, United States
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center-North CampusVerified postcodeTucson, United States
- City of Hope at Huntington BeachVerified postcodeHuntington Beach, United States
- City of Hope at Irvine Sand CanyonVerified postcodeIrvine, United States
- Koman Family Outpatient PavilionVerified postcodeLa Jolla, United States
- UC San Diego Medical Center - La Jolla (Jacobs Medical Center / Thornton Pavilion)Verified postcodeLa Jolla, United States
- UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center- Investigational Drug ServicesVerified postcodeLa Jolla, United States
- UC San Diego Moores Cancer CenterVerified postcodeLa Jolla, United States
- City of Hope at Long Beach WorshamVerified postcodeLong Beach, United States
- City of Hope at Long Beach ElmVerified postcodeLong Beach, United States
- City of Hope at Newport Beach LidoVerified postcodeNewport Beach, United States
Common questions
What does 'HER2 alteration' mean?
It means your cancer cells have a change in a specific gene called HER2, which might make them grow differently. This could be having too much HER2 protein or a changed HER2 gene.
What is a 'solid tumour'?
A solid tumour is a mass of abnormal tissue that usually doesn't contain cysts or liquid areas. Most cancers are solid tumours.
What are tucatinib and trastuzumab?
They are types of targeted cancer drugs designed to specifically block the HER2 protein or the signals it sends, aiming to stop cancer cell growth. Trastuzumab is a well-known drug, while tucatinib is newer.
What is a 'Phase 2' study?
A Phase 2 study checks if a new treatment works and is safe in a larger group of people. It’s part of the process to find out if a new drug should be approved.
Will I get a placebo (dummy treatment)?
No, in this study, all participants will receive the active study drugs (tucatinib and trastuzumab, and possibly fulvestrant if applicable).
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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