Radiosurgery + Olaparib + Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer Brain Metastases
(SOLARA Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new treatment combination for individuals with breast cancer that has spread to the brain. Researchers study the safety and effectiveness of focused radiation (radiosurgery) combined with the cancer drug olaparib, followed by immunotherapy using durvalumab. The trial targets patients with specific types of breast cancer, either triple-negative or BRCA-mutated, who have noticeable brain metastases. Suitable candidates for this trial include those with this type of cancer who have at least one brain metastasis larger than 5mm and plans for focused radiation treatment. As a Phase 1, Phase 2 trial, the research aims to understand how the treatment works in people and measure its effectiveness in an initial, smaller group.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires a washout period for certain medications. If you are taking strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors or inducers, you will need to stop them 2 to 5 weeks before starting olaparib. Other medications may also need to be stopped, so 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 olaparib, a drug used in this trial, is usually well-tolerated. Common side effects include nausea and low red blood cell count (anemia), but only 6.3% of patients discontinued use due to these issues. Importantly, recent studies have not identified any new safety concerns.
Stereotactic radiosurgery, the focused radiation treatment in this trial, also appears safe. Studies indicate it is effective and safe for treating cancer that has spread to the brain from breast cancer.
Lastly, durvalumab, an immunotherapy drug in this study, is considered safe for many cancer patients. It has a manageable safety profile when used with other treatments.
Overall, previous research shows that the treatments in this trial are generally safe. However, like all treatments, they may still cause side effects in some patients.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about this combination treatment for breast cancer brain metastases because it brings together olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) with immunotherapy in a novel way. Unlike traditional treatments like chemotherapy or whole-brain radiation, which can affect healthy tissue, SRS precisely targets tumor sites, potentially reducing side effects. Olaparib specifically exploits cancer cell weaknesses by interfering with DNA repair, making it a powerful partner to radiosurgery. Additionally, the inclusion of durvalumab, an immunotherapy drug, could enhance the immune system's ability to fight cancer, offering a multi-pronged attack against the disease that current standard treatments don't provide.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for breast cancer brain metastases?
Research shows that olaparib, which participants in this trial will receive, may effectively treat breast cancer with certain genetic changes. Studies found that it helped patients live longer without disease progression compared to some traditional chemotherapy treatments. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), also part of this trial, is a precise form of radiation therapy that effectively controls cancer spread to the brain, with success rates between 65% and 94% for breast cancer cases. Regarding immunotherapy, durvalumab, another treatment in this trial, demonstrated lasting tumor shrinkage in treating advanced triple-negative breast cancer. Together, these treatments offer potential hope for managing breast cancer that has spread to the brain.46789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Colette Shen
Principal Investigator
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 with breast cancer that has spread to the brain, specifically triple negative or BRCA-mutated types. They should have completed prior cancer treatments at least a week before and recovered from any acute effects except hair loss. Participants need normal organ and bone marrow function, must not be pregnant, agree to use contraception, and have a life expectancy of more than 16 weeks.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Radiation and Olaparib Treatment
Cycle 1: Olaparib is given twice daily concurrently with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for up to 28 days
Systemic Therapy and Durvalumab
Cycle 2 and 3: Physician's choice systemic therapy and durvalumab are administered, each cycle lasting 21 days
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Durvalumab
- Olaparib
- Physicians Choice Systemic Chemotherapy
- Stereotactic Radiosurgery
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?
Colette Shen
Lead Sponsor
AstraZeneca
Industry Sponsor
Sir Pascal Soriot
AstraZeneca
Chief Executive Officer since 2012
Veterinary Medicine from École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, MBA from HEC Paris
Dr. Cristian Massacesi
AstraZeneca
Chief Medical Officer since 2021
MD from Marche Polytechnic University, Oncology training at Royal Marsden Hospital, Kaplan Comprehensive Cancer Center, and European Institute of Oncology
Pascal Soriot
AstraZeneca
Chief Executive Officer since 2012
Veterinary Medicine from École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, MBA from HEC Paris
Cristian Massacesi
AstraZeneca
Chief Medical Officer since 2021
MD from Marche Polytechnic University, Medical Oncology training at Royal Marsden Hospital, Kaplan Comprehensive Cancer Center, and European Institute of Oncology
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Collaborator