Patritumab Deruxtecan + Pembrolizumab for Breast Cancer

Recruiting at 5 trial locations

Overseen By Toll Free Number

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 2

Sponsor: Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Must not be taking: Anti-PD-1, Anti-PD-L1, Anti-PD-L2, Anti-HER3

Disqualifiers: Cardiovascular disease, Corneal disease, HIV, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 9

372 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

Researchers are looking for new ways to treat triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and hormone receptor (HR) low positive/human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) negative breast cancer. The main goals of this study are to learn: * About the safety of the study treatments and if people tolerate them * If people who receive patritumab deruxtecan, pembrolizumab, and chemotherapy before surgery have fewer cancer cells removed during surgery compared to those who receive only pembrolizumab (pembro) and chemotherapy.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What safety information is available for Pembrolizumab in cancer treatment?

Pembrolizumab, used in cancer treatment, has been associated with a 1.2% risk of fatal adverse events, which can vary by cancer type and when combined with chemotherapy. Common serious side effects include infections, heart problems, and lung inflammation, and it can also cause skin reactions and autoimmune issues affecting various organs. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

How is the drug Patritumab Deruxtecan + Pembrolizumab different from other breast cancer treatments?

This treatment combines Patritumab Deruxtecan, an antibody-drug conjugate that targets cancer cells, with Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor that helps the immune system attack cancer. This combination is unique because it uses both targeted therapy and immunotherapy to potentially enhance the treatment's effectiveness against breast cancer. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Patritumab Deruxtecan + Pembrolizumab for breast cancer?

Research shows that pembrolizumab, when combined with other treatments like trastuzumab, has shown clinical benefits in advanced breast cancer, particularly in cases resistant to previous treatments. This suggests that pembrolizumab can enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer, which may support its use in combination with other drugs for breast cancer. ^{8 10 11 12 13}

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 people with early-stage, high-risk triple-negative or hormone receptor-low positive/HER-2 negative breast cancer that hasn't spread. Participants should be relatively healthy and active (ECOG 0-1), have a good heart function (LVEF ≥50%), and no history of certain infections or treatments like anti-PD-1/L1/L2 agents.

Inclusion Criteria

Participants with history of HCV infection must have undetectable HCV viral load

Has LVEF of ≥50% or ≥LLN as assessed by ECHO or MUGA scan

My breast cancer has not spread beyond nearby areas.

Exclusion Criteria

Has concurrent active HBV and HCV infection

I have received treatment for my current breast cancer diagnosis.

I have been treated with anti-HER3 antibody or ADC with exatecan.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Neoadjuvant Treatment

Participants receive neoadjuvant pembrolizumab and other agents for 12 weeks

12 weeks

Every 3 weeks (in-person)

Surgery

Participants undergo surgery for breast cancer 3 to 6 weeks after last dose of neoadjuvant treatment

3-6 weeks after treatment

Adjuvant Treatment

Participants receive adjuvant pembrolizumab and additional treatment of physician's choice for approximately 30 weeks

30 weeks

Every 6 weeks (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

Up to 100 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Patritumab Deruxtecan
• Pembrolizumab

Trial Overview The study tests if combining patritumab deruxtecan and pembrolizumab with chemotherapy before surgery can reduce cancer cells more effectively than just pembrolizumab and chemo. It also looks at the safety and tolerability of these treatments.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Part 2, B: Pembrolizumab + paclitaxel + carboplatin → Pembrolizumab + patritumab deruxtecan Experimental Treatment 9 Interventions

In Part 2, participants receive neoadjuvant pembrolizumab 200 mg IV infusion Q3W plus paclitaxel 80 mg/m\^2 IV infusion QW and carboplatin AUC1.5 mg/ml/min IV infusion QW for 12 weeks, followed by pembrolizumab 200 mg IV infusion Q3W plus patritumab deruxtecan (dose to be determined in part 1) via IV infusion Q3W for 12 weeks. At 3 to 6 weeks after last dose of neoadjuvant treatment, participants will undergo surgery for their breast cancer. After surgery, participants will receive adjuvant pembrolizumab 400 mg IV infusion Q6W for \~30 weeks. Additional adjuvant TPC may be administered to participants with residual disease. TPC options include olaparib 300 mg oral BID for 1 year (participants with gBRCAm only), capecitabine 1000-1250 mg/m\^2 oral BID days 1-14 and 22-35 Q6W for 4 six-week cycles or doxorubicin 60mg/m\^2 (or epirubicin 90 mg/m\^2) IV infusion Q3W or Q2W and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m\^2 IV infusion Q3W or Q2W for 4 doses.

Group II: Part 2, A: Pembrolizimab + patritumab deruxtecan → Pembrolizumab + paclitaxel + carboplatin Experimental Treatment 9 Interventions

In Part 2, participants receive neoadjuvant pembrolizumab 200 mg IV infusion every Q3W plus patritumab deruxtecan (dose to be determined in part 1) IV infusion Q3W for 12 weeks, followed by pembrolizumab 200 mg IV infusion Q3W plus paclitaxel 80 mg/m\^2 IV infusion QW and carboplatin AUC1.5 mg/ml/min IV infusion QW for 12 weeks. At 3-6 weeks after last dose of neoadjuvant treatment, participants undergo surgery for breast cancer. After surgery, participants receive adjuvant pembrolizumab 400 mg IV every 6 weeks (Q6W) for \~30 weeks. Additional adjuvant treatment of physician's choice (TPC) may be given to participants with residual disease. TPC options are olaparib 300 mg oral twice daily (BID) for 1 year (participants with germline BRCA mutation \[gBRCAm\] only), capecitabine 1000-1250 mg/m\^2 oral BID days 1-14 and 22-35 Q6W for 4 six-week cycles or doxorubicin 60mg/m\^2 (or epirubicin 90 mg/m\^2) IV Q3W or every 2 weeks (Q2W) and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m\^2 IV Q3W or Q2W for 4 doses.

Group III: Part 1, A: Pembrolizimab + patritumab deruxtecan → Pembrolizumab + paclitaxel + carboplatin Experimental Treatment 4 Interventions

In Part 1, participants receive neoadjuvant pembrolizumab 200 mg via intravenous (IV) infusion every 3 weeks (Q3W) plus patritumab deruxtecan via IV infusion Q3W for 12 weeks, followed by pembrolizumab 200 mg via IV infusion Q3W plus paclitaxel 80 mg/m\^2 via IV infusion every week (QW) and carboplatin AUC1.5 mg/ml/min via IV infusion QW for 12 weeks. At 3 to 6 weeks after last dose of neoadjuvant treatment, participants will undergo surgery for their breast cancer.

Group IV: Part 2, C: Pembro + paclitaxel + carboplatin→ Pembro + doxorubicin (or epirubicin) +cyclophosphamide Active Control 8 Interventions

In Part 2, participants receive neoadjuvant pembrolizumab 200 mg IV infusion Q3W plus paclitaxel 80 mg/m\^2 IV infusion QW and carboplatin AUC1.5 mg/ml/min via IV infusion QW for 12 weeks, followed by pembrolizumab 200 mg IV infusion Q3W plus doxorubicin 60mg/m\^2 (or epirubicin 90 mg/m\^2) IV infusion Q3W and cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m\^2 IV infusion Q3W for 12 weeks. At 3 to 6 weeks after last dose of neoadjuvant treatment, participants will undergo surgery for their breast cancer. After surgery, participants will receive adjuvant pembrolizumab 400 mg IV infusion Q6W for approximately 30 weeks. Additional adjuvant TPC may be administered to participants with residual disease. TPC options include olaparib 300 mg oral BID for 1 year (participants with gBRCAm only) or capecitabine 1000-1250 mg/m\^2 oral BID days 1-14 and 22-35 Q6W for 4 six-week cycles.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Lead Sponsor

Trials

4,096

Recruited

5,232,000+

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

Daiichi Sankyo

Industry Sponsor

Trials

443

Recruited

493,000+

Hiroyuki Okuzawa

Daiichi Sankyo

Chief Executive Officer

Degree in Social Sciences from Hitotsubashi University

Yuki Abe

Daiichi Sankyo

Chief Medical Officer since 2023

MD

Published Research Related to This Trial

In a phase Ib/II trial, the combination of the PD-1 inhibitor pembrolizumab with trastuzumab demonstrated clinical benefits for patients with advanced HER2-positive breast cancer who had become resistant to trastuzumab.

The study identified tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte levels as a potential biomarker, which could help predict how well patients might respond to this combined treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Role for Immune Therapy in Advanced Breast Cancer. [2019]

In a study of 145 patients with PD-L1 strongly positive non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), those with higher PD-L1 expression (≥ 75%) experienced better treatment outcomes with pembrolizumab, showing a higher objective response rate (51% vs. 33%) and longer progression-free survival (13.9 months vs. 5.2 months).

Patients with liver metastasis had significantly poorer responses to pembrolizumab, with an objective response rate of only 20% compared to 47% in those without liver metastasis, indicating that both PD-L1 expression and liver metastasis are important predictors of treatment efficacy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Differential Efficacy of Pembrolizumab According to Metastatic Sites in Patients With PD-L1 Strongly Positive (TPS ≥ 50%) NSCLC. Takeyasu, Y., Yoshida, T., Shibaki, R., et al.[2021]

In a phase II study involving 22 patients with BRCA1/2-related metastatic breast cancer, the combination of pembrolizumab and carboplatin showed an overall response rate (ORR) of 43% and a disease control rate (DCR) of 76%, indicating some level of efficacy, particularly in luminal tumors.

Despite the promising results, the study did not meet its primary aim of achieving an ORR of 70%, leading to its termination; however, the safety profile was acceptable with only 22.7% of patients experiencing grade ≥3 adverse events.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A phase II study of pembrolizumab plus carboplatin in BRCA-related metastatic breast cancer (PEMBRACA). Cortesi, L., Venturelli, M., Cortesi, G., et al.[2023]

Pembrolizumab, when combined with carboplatin and pemetrexed, significantly improves overall and progression-free survival rates in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), demonstrating its efficacy as a treatment option.

This case report highlights a unique instance of immune-mediated sarcoidosis developing in a patient with NSCLC after receiving pembrolizumab, indicating potential immune-related side effects of this therapy that require further investigation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pulmonary Sarcoidosis Activation following Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab plus Chemotherapy Combination Therapy in a Patient with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report. Fakhri, G., Akel, R., Salem, Z., et al.[2022]

Checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab and pembrolizumab can lead to autoimmune side effects, including immune thrombocytopenia, which was observed in a patient with metastatic melanoma shortly after starting treatment.

Unlike chemotherapy-induced cytopenia, which is caused by bone marrow toxicity, thrombocytopenia from checkpoint inhibitors is primarily autoimmune in nature, highlighting the need for careful monitoring and immune testing during treatment.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Case of Immune Thrombocytopenia as a Rare Side Effect of an Immunotherapy with PD1-Blocking Agents for Metastatic Melanoma. Pföhler, C., Eichler, H., Burgard, B., et al.[2022]

In a meta-analysis of 11 clinical trials involving 3713 patients, the overall incidence of fatal adverse events (FAEs) associated with pembrolizumab was found to be 1.2%, indicating a relatively low risk of severe complications from this immune checkpoint inhibitor.

The incidence of FAEs varied significantly by tumor type, with breast cancer patients experiencing a higher risk (3.1%) compared to melanoma patients (0.2%), and the combination of pembrolizumab with chemotherapy resulted in a much higher incidence of FAEs (7.0%) compared to pembrolizumab alone (0.7%).

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fatal Adverse Events Associated with Pembrolizumab in Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis. Sher, AF., Golshani, GM., Wu, S.[2020]

In a multicenter retrospective analysis of early triple-negative breast cancer (eTNBC) patients treated with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy, the incidence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) was found to be 63.9%, with 20% of patients experiencing severe (grade 3 or higher) irAEs.

The study reported a pathological complete response (pCR) rate of 57.1%, with a significant correlation between the occurrence of irAEs and higher pCR rates (72.2% vs. 30.8%), indicating that while irAEs are common, they may be associated with better treatment outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Emergence of immune-related adverse events correlates with pathological complete response in patients receiving pembrolizumab for early triple-negative breast cancer. Marhold, M., Udovica, S., Halstead, A., et al.[2023]

Pembrolizumab, when combined with chemotherapy, significantly improves pathological complete response (pCR) and event-free survival (EFS) in patients with high-risk, early-stage triple-negative breast cancer, as shown in the KEYNOTE-522 trial with 123 EFS events in the pembrolizumab group compared to 93 in the control group.

Despite 44% of patients experiencing immune-related adverse reactions, the benefits of pembrolizumab, including a 7.5% absolute improvement in pCR rates, support its use as an effective neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment option.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

FDA Approval Summary: Pembrolizumab for Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Treatment of Patients with High-Risk Early-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Shah, M., Osgood, CL., Amatya, AK., et al.[2023]

A review of 29 articles identified specific dermatological adverse events (AEs) associated with various immunotherapy combinations, highlighting that combinations like nivolumab/ipilimumab and lenvatinib/pembrolizumab had the highest incidence of rash.

Understanding these dermatological AEs, such as pruritus and alopecia, is crucial for optimizing treatment plans and improving patient monitoring during therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dermatological adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor-based combinations of anticancer therapies: a systematic review. Salloum, A., Habre, M., Chebl, JA., et al.[2022]

In a phase Ib study involving 64 patients with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the combination of necitumumab and pembrolizumab showed a confirmed overall response rate of 23.4%, indicating modest efficacy in this patient population.

The treatment was well-tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities reported, and the safety profile was consistent with typical effects of epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitors and immunotherapies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of necitumumab and pembrolizumab combination therapy in patients with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. Besse, B., Garrido, P., Cortot, AB., et al.[2021]

Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor used for treating non-small cell lung cancer, is generally well tolerated, but can lead to rare immune-mediated adverse effects such as pleuropericarditis, as seen in a case involving a 64-year-old female patient.

The patient was effectively treated with colchicine, furosemide, and methylprednisolone, leading to symptom improvement and a decision to discontinue pembrolizumab, after which she remained asymptomatic for six months, highlighting the importance of recognizing and managing potential side effects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An unusual case of checkpoint-inhibitor-induced pleuropericarditis. Suarez, ZK., Finke, AC., Hospedales, E., et al.[2023]

Citations

1. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pembrolizumab plus trastuzumab in trastuzumab-resistant, advanced, HER2-positive breast cancer (PANACEA): a single-arm, multicentre, phase 1b-2 trial. [2020]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Role for Immune Therapy in Advanced Breast Cancer. [2019]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Differential Efficacy of Pembrolizumab According to Metastatic Sites in Patients With PD-L1 Strongly Positive (TPS ≥ 50%) NSCLC. [2021]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A phase II study of pembrolizumab plus carboplatin in BRCA-related metastatic breast cancer (PEMBRACA). [2023]

5. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pulmonary Sarcoidosis Activation following Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab plus Chemotherapy Combination Therapy in a Patient with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report. [2022]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A Case of Immune Thrombocytopenia as a Rare Side Effect of an Immunotherapy with PD1-Blocking Agents for Metastatic Melanoma. [2022]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Fatal Adverse Events Associated with Pembrolizumab in Cancer Patients: A Meta-Analysis. [2020]

8. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Emergence of immune-related adverse events correlates with pathological complete response in patients receiving pembrolizumab for early triple-negative breast cancer. [2023]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

FDA Approval Summary: Pembrolizumab for Neoadjuvant and Adjuvant Treatment of Patients with High-Risk Early-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. [2023]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dermatological adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitor-based combinations of anticancer therapies: a systematic review. [2022]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pembrolizumab-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. [2022]

12. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Efficacy and safety of necitumumab and pembrolizumab combination therapy in patients with Stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. [2021]

13. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An unusual case of checkpoint-inhibitor-induced pleuropericarditis. [2023]