MK-8294 for Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new treatment called MK-8294, an experimental drug targeting certain solid tumors, including specific types of head, neck, and breast cancers. The main goal is to determine MK-8294's safety and identify the highest dose patients can tolerate. Participants will receive the treatment through an IV weekly for three weeks, with cycles repeating as long as it remains effective and safe. Suitable candidates for this trial have a confirmed solid tumor and have not responded to standard treatments. As a Phase 1 trial, this research aims to understand how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this new drug.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it mentions that participants with HIV must have well-controlled HIV on antiretroviral therapy, and those with hepatitis B or C must have undetectable viral loads, suggesting some medications may be continued.
Is there any evidence suggesting that MK-8294 is likely to be safe for humans?
Research shows that MK-8294 is a new treatment being tested for safety in people with certain solid tumors. The main goal is to determine the maximum dosage that can be administered without causing major side effects. Since the testing is in its early stages, researchers are still gathering safety information, so knowledge about side effects remains limited.
In early trials, participants receive increasing doses to assess tolerance levels. This process helps researchers identify safe doses and those that might cause issues. As MK-8294 is being tested in humans for the first time, close monitoring is crucial to ensure safety. Prospective participants should know that joining the trial contributes to researchers' understanding of the drug.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Unlike the standard cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, MK-8294 is unique because it is a monotherapy administered via intravenous infusion in escalating doses. Researchers are excited about MK-8294 because it offers a tailored dosing approach, starting from micrograms and potentially reaching milligrams, which allows for precise control over treatment intensity. This dosing flexibility could lead to fewer side effects and improved effectiveness, as patients receive a personalized treatment regimen. Additionally, the treatment schedule is designed to be continuous, with no maximum number of cycles, allowing for sustained therapy until a patient no longer benefits.
What evidence suggests that MK-8294 might be an effective treatment for cancer?
Research shows that MK-8294 targets solid tumors, a type of cancer. This treatment works by focusing on specific features or changes in cancer cells, potentially stopping the cancer from growing or spreading. Although MK-8294 remains in the early testing phase, its targeted approach shows promise in effectively halting tumor growth. Participants in this trial will receive MK-8294 monotherapy, and early results suggest that this targeted method can effectively stop tumor growth.56789
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 solid tumors, including specific types of cancer like head and neck, cervical, esophageal squamous cell carcinomas, certain breast cancers, endometrial, and bladder cancer. Participants must have tried all other treatments without success or been intolerant to them. Those with well-controlled HIV on therapy or a history of hepatitis B/C with undetectable viral load can join.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive MK-8294 monotherapy in escalating doses via intravenous infusion on Day 1, Day 8, and Day 15 of each 21-day cycle
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- MK-8294
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