Olaparib + Sapacitabine for Breast Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a combination of two drugs, Olaparib (also known as Lynparza, a type of targeted cancer therapy) and Sapacitabine, to determine their effectiveness in treating breast cancer in patients with a BRCA gene mutation. The study aims to identify the optimal dose levels of these drugs when used together. Individuals with metastatic or hard-to-remove breast cancer and a known harmful BRCA mutation might be suitable candidates. Participants should have previously tried treatments like endocrine therapy or HER2-directed therapy that were unsuccessful. 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 combination therapy.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that you stop taking certain medications before participating. Specifically, you must stop any endocrine therapy at least 7 days before starting the trial. Additionally, if you are taking strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors or inducers, you will need to stop them 2 to 5 weeks before the trial, depending on the specific medication.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that the combination of Olaparib and Sapacitabine has been studied for safety and effectiveness in treating breast cancer with a BRCA mutation. Previous studies found that this combination can be beneficial, with some patients experiencing improvements lasting over 15 months. These results suggest that many patients tolerate the treatment well.
Olaparib, one of the drugs in this combination, has been used alone in other studies and is known to be safe. It has shown benefits in extending patient survival and reducing the risk of cancer-related events. Sapacitabine has also been tested in different contexts and has proven safe when used with other treatments. While specific safety data for the combination of Olaparib and Sapacitabine is limited, the use of these drugs in other studies provides some reassurance about their safety.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Unlike the standard of care for breast cancer, which often includes chemotherapy and hormone therapy, the combination of Olaparib and Sapacitabine offers a unique approach by targeting specific DNA repair mechanisms. Olaparib is a PARP inhibitor that helps prevent cancer cells from repairing their DNA, making them more susceptible to damage. Sapacitabine, on the other hand, introduces DNA damage, which complements Olaparib's action. Researchers are excited because this dual approach could potentially enhance the effectiveness of treatment by specifically targeting cancer cell vulnerabilities, leading to better outcomes with potentially fewer side effects.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for breast cancer with a BRCA mutation?
Research has shown that Olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, effectively treats breast cancer, particularly in patients with BRCA1/2 gene mutations. One study found that 87.5% of patients were still alive after six years, compared to 83.2% in the group not receiving Olaparib. Another study demonstrated that Olaparib reduced the risk of death by 32% in early-stage breast cancer. In this trial, participants will receive a combination of Olaparib and Sapacitabine at varying dose levels. Early results from 18 patients indicated that 89% experienced a positive tumor response after two months. These findings suggest that this combination could be a promising treatment for breast cancer with BRCA mutations.23567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Filipa Lynce, MD
Principal Investigator
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with metastatic or unresectable breast cancer that has a BRCA mutation. Candidates must have progressed after certain therapies, depending on their cancer type. They should be able to take oral medication and agree to use effective contraception. People with recent treatments, active hepatitis or HIV, heart issues, prior PARP inhibitor treatment, MDS/AML history, major surgery complications within 2 weeks before the study start are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive Olaparib and Sapacitabine in 28-day cycles to evaluate safety and effectiveness
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Olaparib
- Sapacitabine
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?
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
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
Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Industry Sponsor