Drug Combination for Ewing Sarcoma
(METTSEO Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a new approach to treating widely metastatic Ewing sarcoma or metastatic CIC-rearranged sarcoma. The research aims to determine if a combination of drugs—Actinomycin, Cyclophosphamide, Doxorubicin, Etoposide, Ifosfamide, Irinotecan, Liposomal doxorubicin, Temozolomide, and Vincristine—can effectively reduce and eventually eliminate cancer cells by initially targeting them aggressively, followed by ongoing treatment. Participants should have a new diagnosis of the specified sarcoma types and must not have received certain cancer treatments before joining. 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 potentially groundbreaking therapy.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications, but you cannot be on any other cancer treatments while participating.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
A previous study found that the drugs vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide effectively treat Ewing sarcoma, but monitoring for cyclophosphamide's side effects is crucial. Patients with relapsed Ewing sarcoma have tolerated irinotecan and temozolomide well, demonstrating both effectiveness and safety. Some studies found that cabozantinib causes side effects similar to those in other cancers, suggesting they are generally manageable. Reports indicate that high-dose ifosfamide is better tolerated when administered continuously.
The combination of topotecan and cyclophosphamide is considered tolerable, though it may be less effective in adults with recurring sarcoma. Oral etoposide has shown efficacy in fighting tumors even in relapsed patients. Finally, vincristine with liposomal doxorubicin has an acceptable level of side effects.
This trial is in Phase 1, focusing on assessing the safety of these drug combinations. At this early stage, researchers gather safety data, so information on drug tolerance may be limited.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about this treatment for Ewing Sarcoma because it combines multiple chemotherapy agents in a unique sequential therapy approach. While standard treatments often rely on a consistent regimen of drugs like Vincristine, Doxorubicin, and Cyclophosphamide, this experimental approach varies the drugs over time and incorporates newer options like Liposomal Doxorubicin and targeted therapies like Cabozantinib. This method aims to maximize effectiveness while potentially reducing resistance, offering hope for improved outcomes in treating this aggressive cancer.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for Ewing Sarcoma?
This trial will evaluate a sequential therapy approach for Ewing Sarcoma, using different drug combinations at various stages. Research has shown that combining vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide, administered during weeks 1-8, greatly improves survival rates for patients with Ewing Sarcoma. Adding ifosfamide and etoposide in the trial's maintenance phase has led to even better outcomes. The combination of irinotecan and temozolomide, used in weeks 33-38, effectively shrinks tumors and is considered safe for patients with recurrent Ewing Sarcoma. Studies on cabozantinib, given with radiation therapy during weeks 15-20, showed that 26% of patients responded positively, with the cancer not worsening for an average of 4.4 months. High doses of ifosfamide, used in weeks 27-32, have been found to be more effective for treating recurring Ewing Sarcoma, helping patients live longer without the cancer returning. Each of these treatments targets and reduces cancer cells in different ways.12367
Who Is on the Research Team?
Matteo Trucco, MD
Principal Investigator
Cleveland Clinic Hospital
Jonathan Metts, MD
Principal Investigator
Moffitt Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for individuals over 1 year old with a new diagnosis of widely metastatic Ewing sarcoma or CIC-rearranged sarcoma, who haven't had much prior treatment. They must be healthy enough to handle the therapy and agree to use two contraception methods if applicable. Those with previous cancer treatments, uncontrolled illnesses, CNS tumors, or pregnant/breastfeeding women can't join.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Initial Intense Treatment
Initial intense first strike to deplete the bulk of the cancer cells using Vincristine/Doxorubicin/Cyclophosphamide
Sequential Second Strikes
Sequential second strikes to eliminate residual, resistant populations with various chemotherapy regimens
Maintenance Chemotherapy
Prolonged period of maintenance chemotherapy to eliminate any remnant cells
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Actinomycin
- Cabozantinib
- Cyclophosphamide
- Doxorubicin
- Etoposide
- Ifosfamide
- Irinotecan
- Liposomal doxorubicin
- Temozolomide
- Topotecan
- Vincristine
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute
Lead Sponsor
National Pediatric Cancer Foundation
Collaborator