MK-4700 + Pembrolizumab for Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new drug, MK-4700, both alone and in combination with pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy drug), to assess its safety and effectiveness for treating certain cancers. It targets individuals with solid tumors, such as those in the head and neck, skin, lung, cervical, breast, bladder, or kidney, whose disease has progressed after previous treatments. Participants should have stable health conditions, including normal heart function and well-controlled HIV if applicable. The study aims to help researchers understand how the body processes these drugs and determine the optimal dose for future treatments. As a Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding the treatment's effects in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this new drug.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that MK-4700 is under study to assess its safety when used alone or with pembrolizumab, a cancer treatment often combined with other drugs. As this study is in its initial stages, the primary goal is to understand the safety of various doses and how the body processes the treatment over time.
Pembrolizumab has more available information, as the FDA has already approved it for treating several types of cancer, indicating its safety in those cases. However, combining drugs like MK-4700 with pembrolizumab can alter safety, highlighting the importance of this study.
This trial is in its early phase, with safety data still being collected. Early-phase studies typically focus on identifying a safe dose and understanding side effects. So far, earlier research has not reported any major safety concerns, but additional data will help ensure the combination's safety for participants.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about MK-4700 and pembrolizumab because they offer a novel approach to cancer treatment. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which targets rapidly dividing cells indiscriminately, MK-4700 is designed to target specific cancer pathways, potentially leading to more precise and effective treatment. Additionally, pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. This combination aims to enhance the body's natural defenses while directly targeting cancer growth, offering hope for improved outcomes compared to standard treatments.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for cancer?
Research has shown that pembrolizumab, one of the treatments in this trial, effectively treats certain cancers, such as non-small-cell lung cancer. It aids the immune system in identifying and attacking cancer cells. In this trial, participants in Arm 1 will receive MK-4700 alone, a newer treatment still under study. Early results suggest that combining MK-4700 with pembrolizumab, as in Arm 2 of this trial, might enhance the immune system's ability to combat cancer. While MK-4700 remains under investigation, pembrolizumab has already demonstrated its effectiveness in cancer treatment.12678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Medical Director
Principal Investigator
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with advanced or metastatic solid tumors who have tried, can't tolerate, or refused all other treatments. It's open to those with specific cancers like HNSCC, melanoma, NSCLC, cervical cancer, TNBC, UC, or RCC. Participants must have well-controlled HIV if infected and normal heart function.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive escalating doses of MK-4700 every three weeks for a maximum of 35 cycles (approximately 2 years). Eligible participants may cross over to receive MK-4700 and pembrolizumab combination therapy.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- MK-4700
- Pembrolizumab
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Lead 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