Olaparib + Temozolomide for Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether a new combination of drugs, olaparib (Lynparza) and temozolomide, can outperform the usual treatments, trabectedin or pazopanib, for advanced uterine leiomyosarcoma. Olaparib hinders a protein that repairs cancer cell DNA, while temozolomide slows the growth of these cells. The goal is to determine if this new combination can better shrink or control the cancer compared to current treatments. This trial may suit individuals with advanced uterine leiomyosarcoma that has worsened despite previous chemotherapy. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you stop taking certain medications that are strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors or inducers. There is a required washout period (time without taking these medications) of 2 weeks for inhibitors and up to 5 weeks for some inducers before starting the study treatment.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that using olaparib and temozolomide together is generally safe. Studies have found that patients with advanced conditions can handle the side effects of this combination without serious problems. Common side effects include nausea and tiredness, but these are usually mild.
Other research indicates that while olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, and temozolomide, a form of chemotherapy, may not be more effective than treatments like pazopanib or trabectedin, they remain safe for most patients, with manageable side effects.
For those considering joining a trial with this combination, current evidence suggests that despite some side effects, the treatment is reasonably safe.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about the treatments for uterine leiomyosarcoma in this trial because they offer new approaches compared to current options. Olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, is unique because it works by blocking DNA repair in cancer cells, potentially leading to cell death. Temozolomide, when used with olaparib, may enhance this effect by further damaging the cancer cells' DNA. On the other hand, trabectedin and pazopanib present another approach; trabectedin disrupts the cancer cell's DNA transcription, while pazopanib inhibits tumor growth by targeting blood vessel development. These combinations aim to provide more effective treatment options with potentially improved outcomes for patients.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for uterine leiomyosarcoma?
Research has shown that using olaparib with temozolomide has helped some patients with advanced cancers. In this trial, one group of participants will receive this combination. Olaparib is a drug that prevents a protein from repairing damaged DNA in cells. When cancer cells can't repair their DNA, they might die. Temozolomide aids by stopping cancer cells from growing. Another group in this trial will receive standard treatments like trabectedin or pazopanib. Recent studies have found that the olaparib and temozolomide combination is not more effective than these standard treatments for uterine leiomyosarcoma. Despite initial hopes, the combination did not perform better in slowing the disease.12356
Who Is on the Research Team?
Brian Van Tine
Principal Investigator
Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with advanced uterine leiomyosarcoma that has worsened after at least two prior treatments, including an anthracycline. Participants must have measurable disease, be in relatively good health (ECOG <=2), and women must test negative for pregnancy. Those with significant treatment-related side effects or who haven't recovered from previous therapies are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either olaparib plus temozolomide or investigator's choice of trabectedin or pazopanib. Cycles repeat every 21 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment. Follow-up occurs every 6 weeks until disease progression, then every 3 months for the first 2 years, and every 6 months thereafter until 5 years post-randomization or death.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Olaparib
- Temozolomide
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?
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Lead Sponsor