Chemotherapy Combinations for Endometrial Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to identify the most effective chemotherapy combination for advanced or recurring endometrial cancer. Researchers will test three different drug regimens, each using a mix of drugs such as paclitaxel, carboplatin, bevacizumab (Avastin), temsirolimus, or ixabepilone, which stop or slow tumor growth in various ways. The trial seeks participants with stage III or IV endometrial cancer, or cancer that has returned after treatment, who have not previously received chemotherapy for this cancer. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must not have received prior chemotherapy or targeted therapy for endometrial cancer, and any prior hormonal therapy must be stopped at least one week before starting the study.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that the combination of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab is generally well-tolerated by patients with endometrial cancer. Studies have found these drugs to be effective, with side effects that are usually manageable. However, some patients might experience higher blood pressure or fatigue.
For the combination of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and temsirolimus, previous patients have found it quite tolerable, though reports have noted severe fatigue and low platelet levels, which are crucial for blood clotting.
The combination of ixabepilone, carboplatin, and bevacizumab is also under study for safety. Like the other treatments, it is generally manageable, but some individuals might experience similar side effects, such as fatigue or increased blood pressure.
Overall, these treatments have been used in other types of cancer, suggesting a level of safety. However, individual experiences can vary.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for endometrial cancer because they combine chemotherapy with targeted therapies that may enhance effectiveness. Unlike standard treatments that often rely solely on chemotherapy, these combinations include innovative drugs like bevacizumab and temsirolimus, which inhibit blood vessel growth and target specific cancer cell pathways. The addition of ixabepilone offers a unique mechanism by stabilizing microtubules, potentially increasing cancer cell death. These novel combinations could lead to improved outcomes by attacking the cancer from multiple angles, offering hope for better control of the disease.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for endometrial cancer?
This trial will evaluate different chemotherapy combinations for endometrial cancer. Research has shown that a combination of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab, which participants in Arm I may receive, can be effective in treating endometrial cancer. In one study, 82.8% of patients responded positively, with some experiencing complete tumor shrinkage. This suggests that this combination can effectively target and slow tumor growth.
Participants in Arm II will receive paclitaxel, carboplatin, and temsirolimus. Early data indicates that temsirolimus might block enzymes necessary for tumor growth. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
For those in Arm III, the combination of ixabepilone, carboplatin, and bevacizumab has shown significant benefits for endometrial cancer. Studies have demonstrated that adding bevacizumab increased response rates to 74.4% in some cases, suggesting it may enhance treatment effectiveness.12346Who Is on the Research Team?
Carol Aghajanian
Principal Investigator
NRG Oncology
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with advanced (stage III/IV) or recurrent endometrial cancer. Eligible participants may have had hormonal therapy but must not have received chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation outside of specific criteria. They should have a certain level of blood cells and organ function, no serious wounds or bleeding risks, controlled seizures if present, stable heart conditions without recent severe events, and no known allergies to certain biologic drugs.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive chemotherapy and monoclonal antibodies in one of three treatment arms, repeated every 21 days for 6 courses
Maintenance Therapy
Participants receive maintenance therapy with bevacizumab or temsirolimus every 21 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment completion
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Bevacizumab
- Carboplatin
- Ixabepilone
- Paclitaxel
- Temsirolimus
Bevacizumab is already approved in European Union, United States, Japan, Canada for the following indications:
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Ovarian cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Glioblastoma
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Cervical cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Ovarian cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Breast cancer
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Ovarian cancer
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Lead Sponsor
NRG Oncology
Collaborator