MK-4830 + Pembrolizumab for Cancer

Recruiting at 37 trial locations

Overseen By Toll Free Number

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Sponsor: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Must not be taking: Immunotherapy, Corticosteroids

Disqualifiers: CNS metastases, Cardiac disease, Autoimmune, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 9

442 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot have had chemotherapy, radiation, or biological cancer therapy within 4 weeks before starting the trial, and you must not be taking chronic systemic steroids in doses greater than 10 mg daily of prednisone or equivalent within 7 days prior to the first dose of trial treatment.

What data supports the effectiveness of the drug pembrolizumab in cancer treatment?

Pembrolizumab has shown effectiveness in treating various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer and melanoma, by improving survival rates and showing durable responses. It works by helping the immune system attack cancer cells more effectively. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the combination of MK-4830 and Pembrolizumab generally safe for humans?

Pembrolizumab, a part of the treatment, has been used in various cancer treatments and is generally considered safe, but it can cause side effects like fatigue, cough, nausea, and more serious immune-related reactions such as pneumonitis (lung inflammation). These side effects have been observed in clinical trials for different cancers. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

How is the drug MK-4830 + Pembrolizumab different from other cancer treatments?

The combination of MK-4830 and Pembrolizumab is unique because it combines a new investigational drug (MK-4830) with Pembrolizumab, a well-known PD-1 inhibitor that helps the immune system attack cancer cells. This combination aims to enhance the immune response against cancer, potentially offering a novel approach compared to standard treatments. ^{1 2 3 4 7}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial is testing a new drug called MK-4830 alone and with other cancer treatments to see if it is safe and effective. It focuses on cancer patients, including those in China. The treatments work by helping the immune system fight cancer and killing cancer cells.

Research Team

Medical Director

Principal Investigator

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults with various advanced solid tumors, including specific types such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma, renal cell cancer, and non-small-cell lung cancer. Participants must have tried certain treatments without success or be ineligible for them. They should have measurable disease, adequate organ function, and agree to contraception if applicable.

Inclusion Criteria

I have high-grade ovarian, fallopian, or peritoneal cancer, have had treatment before, my cancer has worsened, and I can receive paclitaxel.

I have triple-negative breast cancer that's either inoperable, locally recurrent, or untreated and metastatic. I've also been treated with anthracycline.

I am Chinese, living in China, with advanced cancer and have tried up to 2 treatments.

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently being treated for an infection.

I have serious heart problems, including recent heart attacks or severe heart failure.

Has a known active hepatitis B or C

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Dose Escalation

Evaluation of safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of MK-4830 monotherapy and in combination with pembrolizumab

Up to 24 months

Every 3 weeks (Q3W) for up to 35 cycles

Dose Expansion

Evaluation of objective response rate (ORR) and safety of MK-4830 in combination with pembrolizumab and other therapies

Up to 24 months

Every 3 weeks (Q3W) for up to 35 cycles

Coformulation

Evaluation of safety and tolerability of MK-4830A (coformulation of MK-4830 and pembrolizumab)

Up to 24 months

Every 3 weeks (Q3W) for up to 35 cycles

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

Up to 3 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Carboplatin
• Cisplatin
• Lenvatinib
• MK-4830
• MK-4830A
• Paclitaxel
• Pembrolizumab
• Pemetrexed

Trial Overview The study tests MK-4830 alone and combined with Pembrolizumab in treating advanced tumors. It includes dose escalation to assess safety and preliminary efficacy; dose expansion to evaluate response rates; plus a coformulation part testing a mix of MK-4830 and Pembrolizumab.

Participant Groups

Group I: Dose Expansion, Arm M: Advanced Solid Tumor in Chinese Participants In China Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Combination therapy with the preliminary RP2D A of MK-4830, and pembrolizumab, in Chinese participants, who reside in China, have histologically or cytologically-confirmed advanced/metastatic solid tumor, and who have been previously treated with at least 2 prior lines of therapy. MK-4830 will be administered IV following pembrolizumab infusion, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days. Pembrolizumab will be administered by IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1. Each cycle is 21 days. The combination may be administered for a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years).

Group II: Dose Expansion, Arm L: Mesothelioma Experimental Treatment 4 Interventions

Triple combination therapy with pembrolizumab plus preliminary RP2D A of MK-4830 plus pemetrexed plus cisplatin in participants who have histologically confirmed advanced mesothelioma. MK-4830 will be administered IV following pembrolizumab infusion, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days. Pembrolizumab will be administered by IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1 for a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years). Each cycle is 21 days. Pemetrexed will be administered by IV, on Day 1 of each Q3W cycle for a maximum of 6 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days. Cisplatin will be administered by IV, on Day 1 of each Q3W cycle for a maximum of 6 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days.

Group III: Dose Expansion, Arm K: Triple negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Triple combination therapy with pembrolizumab plus preliminary RP2D A of MK-4830 plus paclitaxel in participants who have histologically confirmed TNBC. MK-4830 will be administered IV following pembrolizumab infusion, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days. Pembrolizumab will be administered by IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1 for a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years). Each cycle is 21 days. Paclitaxel will be administered by IV on Days 1, 8, and 15 every 4 weeks (Q4W) until disease progression or prohibitive toxicity.

Group IV: Dose Expansion, Arm J: Ovarian Cancer Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Triple combination therapy with pembrolizumab plus preliminary RP2D A of MK-4830 plus paclitaxel in participants who have histologically confirmed, ovarian cancer. MK-4830 will be administered IV following pembrolizumab infusion, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days. Pembrolizumab will be administered by IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1 for a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years). Each cycle is 21 days. Paclitaxel will be administered by IV, once every week (QW) on Days 1, 8, and 15 of each 21-day cycle until disease progression or prohibitive toxicity.

Group V: Dose Expansion, Arm I: R/M Gastric/GE Junction Adenocarcinoma Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Combination therapy with the preliminary RP2D A of MK-4830, and pembrolizumab, in participants who have histologically or cytologically-confirmed recurrent or metastatic (R/M) gastric or gastroesophageal (GE) junction adenocarcinoma and who have been previously treated with at least 2 prior lines of therapy. MK-4830 will be administered IV following pembrolizumab infusion, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days. Pembrolizumab will be administered by IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1. Each cycle is 21 days. The combination may be administered for a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years).

Group VI: Dose Expansion, Arm H: RCC, +Lenvatinib Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Combination therapy with the preliminary RP2D A of MK-4830, pembrolizumab, and lenvatinib in participants with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MK-4830 will be administered IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1 following pembrolizumab infusion, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days. Pembrolizumab will be administered by IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1. Each cycle is 21 days. The combination may be administered for a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years). Lenvatinib will be administered orally once daily for up to 35 cycles of 21 days (up to approximately 2 years).

Group VII: Dose Expansion, Arm G: NSCLC, +Carboplatin/Pemetrexed Experimental Treatment 4 Interventions

Combination therapy with the preliminary RP2D A of MK-4830, pembrolizumab, and carboplatin/pemetrexed in participants with advanced non-squamous non-small-cell-lung-cancer (NSCLC) (Stage IIIB or IV). MK-4830 will be administered IV following pembrolizumab infusion, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days. Pembrolizumab will be administered by IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1. Each cycle is 21 days. The combination may be administered for a maximum of 35 cycles. Carboplatin and pemetrexed will be administered IV Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for 4 cycles, followed by pemetrexed Q3W continuous with MK-4830 and pembrolizumab, up to 35 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days (up to approximately 2 years).

Group VIII: Dose Expansion, Arm F: First-Line Advanced NSCLC, Dose B Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Combination therapy with the preliminary RP2D B of MK-4830, and pembrolizumab, in participants who have histologically-confirmed, first-line treatment advanced non-small-cell-lung-cancer (NSCLC) (Stage IIIB or IV). MK-4830 will be administered IV following pembrolizumab infusion, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days. Pembrolizumab will be administered by IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1. Each cycle is 21 days. The combination may be administered for a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years).

Group IX: Dose Expansion, Arm E: First-Line Advanced NSCLC, Dose A Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Combination therapy with the preliminary RP2D A of MK-4830, and pembrolizumab, in participants who have histologically-confirmed, first-line treatment advanced non-small-cell-lung-cancer (NSCLC) (Stage IIIB or IV). MK-4830 will be administered IV following pembrolizumab infusion, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days. Pembrolizumab will be administered by IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1. Each cycle is 21 days. The combination may be administered for a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years).

Group X: Dose Expansion, Arm D: PD-L1 positive HNSCC, Dose A Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Combination therapy with the preliminary RP2D A of MK-4830, and pembrolizumab, in participants who have histologically or cytologically-confirmed advanced programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). MK-4830 will be administered IV following pembrolizumab infusion, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days. Pembrolizumab will be administered by IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1. Each cycle is 21 days. The combination may be administered for a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years).

Group XI: Dose Expansion, Arm C: R/M HNSCC Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Combination therapy with the preliminary RP2D A of MK-4830, and pembrolizumab, in participants who have histologically or cytologically-confirmed recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) whose disease progressed on an anti-programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD1/L1) therapy. MK-4830 will be administered IV following pembrolizumab infusion, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days. Pembrolizumab will be administered by IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1. Each cycle is 21 days. The combination may be administered for a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years).

Group XII: Dose Expansion, Arm B: Glioblastoma (GBM) Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Combination therapy with the preliminary RP2D A of MK-4830, and pembrolizumab, in participants with histologically or cytologically confirmed GBM. MK-4830 will be administered IV following pembrolizumab infusion, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days. Pembrolizumab will be administered by IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1. Each cycle is 21 days. The combination may be administered for a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years).

Group XIII: Dose Expansion, Arm A: Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Combination therapy with the preliminary recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) A of MK-4830, and pembrolizumab, in participants with histologically or cytologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma. MK-4830 will be administered IV following pembrolizumab infusion, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days. Pembrolizumab will be administered by IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1. Each cycle is 21 days. The combination may be administered for a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years).

Group XIV: Dose Escalation, Part C: MK-4830 and Pembrolizumab Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Combination therapy with MK-4830 and pembrolizumab (with MK-4830 doses determined by an mTPI design). MK-4830 will be administered IV following pembrolizumab infusion, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles. Each cycle is 21 days. Pembrolizumab will be administered by IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1. Each cycle is 21 days. The combination may be administered for a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years).

Group XV: Dose Escalation, Part B: MK-4830 Monotherapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

MK-4830 monotherapy (with MK 4830 doses determined by a modified toxicity probability interval \[mTPI\] method) will be administered IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years). Each cycle is 21 days. Participants enroll with histologically or cytologically confirmed pleural or peritoneal malignant mesothelioma, epithelial, sarcomatoid, or biphasic subtypes.

Group XVI: Dose Escalation, Part A: MK-4830 Monotherapy Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

MK-4830 monotherapy (with MK-4830 doses determined by an accelerated titration design \[ATD\]) will be administered intravenously (IV), every 3 weeks (Q3W), starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years). Each cycle is 21 days. Participants enroll with histologically or cytologically confirmed pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Group XVII: Coformulation Phase, Arm N: MK-4830A (Coformulation of MK-4830 + pembrolizumab) Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Monotherapy with MK-4830A, a coformulation of MK-4830 800 mg + pembrolizumab 200 mg, in participants with histologically or cytologically-confirmed advanced/metastatic solid tumor, and who and have received, been intolerant to, been ineligible for, or refused all treatment known to confer clinical benefit. MK-4830A will be administered IV, Q3W, starting with Cycle 1, Day 1, for a maximum of 35 cycles (up to approximately 2 years). Each cycle is 21 days.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Lead Sponsor

Trials

4,096

Recruited

5,232,000+

Chirfi Guindo

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Chief Marketing Officer since 2022

Degree in Engineering from Ecole Centrale de Paris, MBA from New York University Stern School of Business

Robert M. Davis

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Chief Executive Officer since 2021

JD from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Bachelor's in Finance from Miami University

Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2,287

Recruited

4,582,000+

Chirfi Guindo

Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.

Chief Medical Officer

Engineering degree from Ecole Centrale de Paris, MBA from New York University Stern School of Business

Robert M. Davis

Merck Sharp & Dohme Corp.

Chief Executive Officer since 2021

J.D. from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Bachelor's in Finance from Miami University

Findings from Research

In a phase II trial involving 15 patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), neoadjuvant treatment with pembrolizumab showed a major pathologic response in 27% of patients, indicating promising antitumor activity before surgery.

The treatment was found to be feasible and safe, with only 33% of patients experiencing moderate adverse events, and no postoperative mortality, suggesting that pembrolizumab does not compromise surgical outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neoadjuvant anti-programmed death-1 immunotherapy by pembrolizumab in resectable non-small cell lung cancer: First clinical experience. Eichhorn, F., Klotz, LV., Kriegsmann, M., et al.[2022]

Pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, has demonstrated clinical effectiveness in treating various solid tumors, particularly in patients with PD-L1-positive non-small-cell lung cancer and unresectable/metastatic melanoma.

Early-phase trials and ongoing studies are focused on further confirming the clinical benefits of pembrolizumab in thoracic malignancies, highlighting its potential as a significant treatment option in cancer therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pembrolizumab for the treatment of thoracic malignancies: current landscape and future directions. Karim, S., Leighl, N.[2017]

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) was approved by the FDA for treating metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) in patients with tumors expressing PD-L1, showing significant improvements in overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in two major clinical trials with thousands of participants.

In the KEYNOTE-024 trial, pembrolizumab demonstrated a 40% reduction in the risk of death compared to chemotherapy, while in the KEYNOTE-010 trial, it also showed a significant survival advantage over chemotherapy in patients who had previously progressed on treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

FDA Approval Summary: Pembrolizumab for Treatment of Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: First-Line Therapy and Beyond. Pai-Scherf, L., Blumenthal, GM., Li, H., et al.[2022]

Pembrolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that effectively blocks the PD-1 receptor on T cells, enhancing their ability to attack cancer cells, particularly in melanoma patients.

In a Phase I study involving 411 patients, pembrolizumab demonstrated high durable response rates with minimal toxicity, indicating its potential as a safe and effective treatment option for melanoma.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pembrolizumab joins the anti-PD-1 armamentarium in the treatment of melanoma. Hersey, P., Gowrishankar, K.[2017]

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) is the first anti-PD-1 therapy approved in the US for treating advanced malignant melanoma, specifically for patients who have progressed after prior treatments.

It is designed to target the PD-1 protein, enhancing the immune system's ability to fight cancer, and is currently under review for approval in the EU.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pembrolizumab: first global approval. Poole, RM.[2021]

Pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA) was approved by the FDA for treating advanced melanoma, showing an overall response rate of 24% in a trial of 89 patients, with 86% of responses lasting at least 6 months.

While there are potential immune-mediated side effects, the benefits of prolonged tumor response durations were deemed to outweigh these risks, marking an improvement over existing treatments.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

FDA Approval Summary: Accelerated Approval of Pembrolizumab for Second-Line Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma. Chuk, MK., Chang, JT., Theoret, MR., et al.[2021]

Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, can cause pneumonitis in 1%-5% of patients, and this case report highlights an atypical presentation of this side effect in a patient with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.

The patient was successfully treated with steroid therapy after ruling out other potential causes, leading to complete resolution of the pneumonitis, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and managing atypical cases of checkpoint inhibitor-pneumonitis.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Recurrent and atypical immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced pneumonitis. Jeon, WJ., Nguyen, J., Castillo, DR., et al.[2023]

References

1. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neoadjuvant anti-programmed death-1 immunotherapy by pembrolizumab in resectable non-small cell lung cancer: First clinical experience. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pembrolizumab for the treatment of thoracic malignancies: current landscape and future directions. [2017]

3. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

FDA Approval Summary: Pembrolizumab for Treatment of Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: First-Line Therapy and Beyond. [2022]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pembrolizumab joins the anti-PD-1 armamentarium in the treatment of melanoma. [2017]

5. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pembrolizumab: first global approval. [2021]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

FDA Approval Summary: Accelerated Approval of Pembrolizumab for Second-Line Treatment of Metastatic Melanoma. [2021]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Recurrent and atypical immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced pneumonitis. [2023]