Lorlatinib for Neuroblastoma
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a drug called lorlatinib (also known as Lorbrena) to determine its effectiveness in treating neuroblastoma, a cancer affecting nerve cells, particularly in children. The trial aims to find the right dose for children and assess its efficacy alone or with chemotherapy. It targets patients with high-risk neuroblastoma that has recurred or not responded well to other treatments. Individuals with an ALK gene change in their tumor who have struggled with standard treatments might be suitable candidates. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants a chance to be among the first to receive this new therapy.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you must stop taking your current medications, but it does mention that you cannot take other anti-cancer agents, certain steroids, or drugs that affect CYP34A enzymes. It's best to discuss your current medications with the trial team.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that lorlatinib has been tested in both children and adults for treating neuroblastoma, a type of cancer. Studies have found that lorlatinib, whether used alone or with chemotherapy, is generally safe and tolerable. Most people have managed the treatment well, with controllable side effects.
In these studies, common side effects included mood changes, higher cholesterol levels, and weight gain. However, these were not severe for most participants. This trial is in the early stages, so researchers are still determining the safest and most effective dose.
While lorlatinib is still being tested for neuroblastoma, its use in other conditions suggests a known safety profile. Those considering joining a trial should discuss the possible risks and benefits with their doctor.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for neuroblastoma?
Researchers are excited about Lorlatinib for neuroblastoma because it offers a unique mechanism of action, targeting specific genetic mutations known as ALK and ROS1, which are not directly targeted by current treatments. Unlike standard chemotherapy, Lorlatinib is a targeted therapy that may offer more precision and potentially fewer side effects by honing in on these specific molecular targets. Additionally, Lorlatinib is administered orally, which could provide more convenience compared to some traditional treatments that require intravenous administration. This targeted approach could lead to improved outcomes for patients who have these specific genetic mutations.
What evidence suggests that lorlatinib might be an effective treatment for neuroblastoma?
Previous studies have shown that lorlatinib holds promise for treating neuroblastoma, particularly in patients with ALK mutations. Research indicates that lorlatinib effectively reaches the brain, leading to positive outcomes. In one study, 33% of patients responded to the treatment, with some experiencing long-lasting benefits. This trial tests lorlatinib in various treatment arms, with some participants receiving it alone and others in combination with chemotherapy. Lorlatinib has proven safe and effective for people of different ages, suggesting it might be a strong option for those with relapsed or difficult-to-treat neuroblastoma.12367
Who Is on the Research Team?
Yael Mosse, MD
Principal Investigator
Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for children and adults with high-risk neuroblastoma that's come back or hasn't responded to treatment. They must have certain types of tumor cells in their bone marrow, a life expectancy over 12 weeks, and good organ function. They can't have had lorlatinib before but other ALK inhibitors are okay. No recent cancer treatments or uncontrolled illnesses.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Dose Escalation (Cohort A1)
Lorlatinib is administered orally once daily for 28 days to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) using a 3+3 design.
Expansion (Cohort B1)
Once RP2D is established, an expansion cohort of 6 patients will receive lorlatinib at the RP2D for 28 days.
Combination with Chemotherapy (Cohort B2)
Lorlatinib is administered in combination with chemotherapy (Cyclophosphamide and Topotecan) for 28 days, with lorlatinib given at least one hour prior to chemotherapy on days 1-5 of each cycle.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including assessment of toxicities and overall response.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Lorlatinib
Lorlatinib is already approved in United States, European Union, Japan, Canada for the following indications:
- Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement
- Advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement
- Unresectable, advanced/recurrent non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement
- Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangement
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
New Approaches to Neuroblastoma Therapy Consortium
Lead Sponsor
Ronan Thompson Foundation
Collaborator
University of Southern California
Collaborator
The Band of Parents
Collaborator
Wade's Army
Collaborator
The Catherine Elizabeth Blair Memorial Foundation
Collaborator
Pfizer
Industry Sponsor
Albert Bourla
Pfizer
Chief Executive Officer since 2019
PhD in Biotechnology of Reproduction, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Patrizia Cavazzoni
Pfizer
Chief Medical Officer
MD from McGill University
Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation
Collaborator
Solving Kids' Cancer US/EU
Collaborator
Cookies for Kids' Cancer
Collaborator