Asciminib for Leukemia
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new treatment called asciminib for individuals with Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The goal is to determine the safety and effectiveness of asciminib in preventing leukemia recurrence after treatments such as stem cell or CAR T cell therapies. Participants must have recently undergone cellular therapies for their leukemia and currently show no signs of the disease. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this new treatment.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial requires that you do not take strong inducers of CYP3A, and you should switch to an alternative at least one week before starting the study treatment. Other than this, the protocol does not specify if you need to stop other medications.
Is there any evidence suggesting that asciminib is likely to be safe for humans?
Research has shown that asciminib is generally safe for use. In studies with patients who have chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), asciminib was usually well-tolerated. The most common side effect was a low platelet count, known as thrombocytopenia. However, these studies suggest that patients can use asciminib for many years without serious safety concerns.
Comparisons with other CML treatments have found asciminib to be safer and easier to tolerate, resulting in fewer or less severe side effects than some other cancer treatments. While these results are encouraging, further research is important to confirm asciminib's safety for patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Asciminib is unique because it targets a specific protein, ABL myristoyl pocket, which is different from the way traditional leukemia treatments like tyrosine kinase inhibitors work. This novel mechanism of action may offer a more precise way to attack cancer cells with potentially fewer side effects. Researchers are excited about asciminib because it represents a new approach in the fight against leukemia, with the potential to improve patient outcomes where other treatments may have limited effectiveness.
What evidence suggests that asciminib might be an effective treatment for leukemia?
Studies have shown that asciminib, the treatment being tested in this trial, effectively treats certain types of leukemia, particularly chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In one study, 45% of patients experienced a significant decrease in cancer indicators. Asciminib has also proven safe and effective over the long term for people with CML. It blocks specific proteins that cancer cells need to grow. While most research has focused on CML, these results suggest that asciminib might also help with other types of leukemia, such as Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).46789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Ibrahim Aldoss
Principal Investigator
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults with Philadelphia chromosome positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia who have had cellular therapies like stem cell transplants or CAR T cell therapy. The trial is to see if the cancer can be kept at bay after initial treatments.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive asciminib orally once or twice daily on days 1-28 of each cycle. Cycles repeat every 28 days for 12 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Asciminib
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
City of Hope Medical Center
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator