Targeted Therapies for Colorectal Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether specific drug combinations can manage colorectal cancer by targeting the disease's unique characteristics. The treatments tested include a mix of chemotherapy and targeted therapies, such as Adagrasib and Trastuzumab deruxtecan. It is designed for individuals with measurable and biopsy-eligible colorectal cancer. Participants must have a confirmed non-MSI-H/pMMR status, indicating certain genetic features of the cancer. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research aims to understand how the treatment works in people, offering participants the chance to receive potentially groundbreaking therapies.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for colorectal cancer because they target specific genetic mutations and pathways that are often involved in the disease's progression. For example, drugs like Adagrasib and Sotorasib specifically inhibit KRAS mutations, which are notoriously difficult to treat with standard chemotherapy. Meanwhile, Trastuzumab deruxtecan is an antibody-drug conjugate designed to deliver a potent chemotherapy directly to cancer cells overexpressing HER2, potentially leading to targeted destruction with fewer side effects. These targeted therapies offer a more personalized approach, which could improve outcomes and reduce the unwanted side effects associated with traditional treatments like FOLFIRI and FOLFOX.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Scott Kopetz, MD
Principal Investigator
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 with measurable, biopsy-able metastatic colorectal cancer that's not MSI-H/pMMR. Participants must have an ECOG performance status of 0-2 and agree to use contraception if they can bear children. It excludes those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have had certain treatments recently, or conditions that could interfere with the study.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Sample Collection and Initial Treatment
Participants undergo standard of care treatment and sample collection for biomarker analysis
Novel Intervention Strategies
Participants receive novel intervention strategies aimed at improving progression-free survival
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Adagrasib
- Bevacizumab
- Cetuximab
- Encorafenib
- FOLFIRI
- FOLFOX
- Panitumumab
- Sotorasib
- Trastuzumab deruxtecan
- Trifluridine/tipiracil (TAS-102)
- Tucatinib
Trial Overview
The ASCEND-CRC trial tests how well different targeted drug combinations control metastatic colorectal cancer based on individual disease characteristics. Treatments include Cetuximab, Bevacizumab, FOLFIRI/FOLFOX chemotherapy regimens, and newer drugs like Trastuzumab deruxtecan.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Standard of care
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor
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