Immunotherapy for Brain Cancer
Trial Summary
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, certain treatments like high-dose corticosteroids or recent investigational agents may affect eligibility, so it's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment MK-3475 for brain cancer?
Immunotherapy, which includes treatments like MK-3475, has shown promise in treating brain tumors by helping the immune system attack cancer cells. Although specific data on MK-3475 for brain cancer is not provided, similar immunotherapy approaches have shown encouraging results in clinical trials for brain tumors, suggesting potential effectiveness.12345
Is MK-3475 safe for humans?
How does the drug MK-3475 differ from other treatments for brain cancer?
MK-3475, also known as pembrolizumab, is an immunotherapy drug that works by blocking a protein called PD-1 on immune cells, which helps the immune system attack cancer cells more effectively. This mechanism is different from traditional treatments like chemotherapy, which directly kill cancer cells, and it offers a novel approach by enhancing the body's own immune response against brain cancer.12111213
What is the purpose of this trial?
This research study is studying an immunotherapy as a possible treatment for Glioblastoma.
Research Team
Patrick Wen, MD
Principal Investigator
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults with Grade IV malignant glioma (glioblastoma or gliosarcoma) who have undergone initial treatment and are at their first or second relapse. Participants must be over 18, able to consent, have a performance status indicating they can carry out daily activities, and show tumor progression on scans. They should also have normal organ function as defined by the study's criteria.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Pre-surgery Treatment
Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) administered pre-surgery at a predetermined dosage
Post-surgery Treatment
Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) administered every 3 weeks post-surgery
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- MK-3475
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Lead Sponsor
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Industry Sponsor
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