Olaparib + Radiotherapy for Small Cell Lung Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores the safety of using a new medication, Olaparib, alongside radiation therapy for individuals with small cell lung cancer. The goal is to determine if this combination is safe and potentially effective for treating this specific type of lung cancer. Participants with small cell lung cancer that has spread beyond the lungs and who have completed a specific chemotherapy regimen without disease progression might be suitable candidates. As a Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this new therapy.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial requires you to stop taking certain medications that are strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors or inducers before starting the study drug, Olaparib. There is a washout period (time without taking certain medications) of 2 weeks for strong CYP3A inhibitors and 3 to 5 weeks for moderate CYP3A inducers, depending on the specific medication.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that using Olaparib with radiotherapy might be safe for patients. One study found that taking 200mg of Olaparib twice a day was well-tolerated when combined with low-dose radiation, meaning people did not experience unexpected side effects.
Olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, makes cancer cells more sensitive to radiation, potentially enhancing the destruction of cancer cells. Although this treatment is still in early testing stages for small cell lung cancer, it has been shown to be safe in other studies. This suggests that the treatment could be promising and worth further exploration.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Unlike the standard treatments for small cell lung cancer, which typically include chemotherapy and radiation, the combination of Olaparib and radiotherapy offers a fresh approach. Olaparib is a PARP inhibitor that works by preventing cancer cells from repairing their DNA, making them more susceptible to damage and destruction. Researchers are particularly excited about this combination because it leverages Olaparib's unique mechanism of action alongside radiotherapy to potentially enhance the treatment's effectiveness. This novel approach could lead to improved outcomes for patients who have limited options with current therapies.
What evidence suggests that Olaparib combined with radiotherapy might be an effective treatment for small cell lung cancer?
Research has shown that adding PARP inhibitors like Olaparib to small cell lung cancer treatment can significantly improve patient outcomes. Specifically, Olaparib increases progression-free survival, allowing patients to live longer without their cancer worsening, and improves the overall response rate, meaning more patients respond well to the treatment when combined with other therapies. Additionally, Olaparib has effectively shrunk tumors in some patients with certain genetic mutations. Radiotherapy, another treatment in this trial, is a well-established method for small cell lung cancer and plays a crucial role in improving survival rates, especially in patients with limited-stage disease. This trial will evaluate the combination of Olaparib with radiotherapy, potentially enhancing treatment effectiveness and offering hope for better management of the condition.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Abraham Wu, MD
Principal Investigator
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with small cell lung cancer who've finished at least 4 cycles of specific chemotherapy without disease progression. They must be postmenopausal or not able to bear children, have a good performance status, and recovered from previous treatments. No recent investigational drugs, systemic chemo, or radiotherapy are allowed.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive Olaparib combined with low dose thoracic radiotherapy
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Olaparib
- Radiotherapy
Olaparib is already approved in European Union, United States for the following indications:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Fallopian tube cancer
- Peritoneal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor