Patritumab Deruxtecan for Gastrointestinal Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a new treatment called patritumab deruxtecan, an experimental drug, to determine its effectiveness in treating certain advanced gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Researchers aim to assess the treatment's safety and how well participants tolerate it. They also seek to observe whether the cancer shrinks or disappears in response to the treatment. Individuals with advanced colorectal, biliary tract, liver, or gastroesophageal cancers who have previously tried other treatments and recovered from any side effects might be suitable candidates. 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 new treatment.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. Please consult with the trial coordinators for more details.
Is there any evidence suggesting that patritumab deruxtecan is likely to be safe for humans?
Research has shown that patritumab deruxtecan is generally well-tolerated by patients. One study found its safety profile in people with gastrointestinal cancer similar to that in those with metastatic breast cancer. Common side effects, usually manageable, include nausea, tiredness, and low blood cell counts. Serious side effects can occur but are less common. As this trial is in the early stages, the researchers are still collecting safety information. Participants are closely monitored for any side effects during the study.12345
Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Patritumab deruxtecan is unique because it is a targeted therapy that combines an antibody with a chemotherapy drug to specifically attack cancer cells. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which can affect both healthy and cancerous cells, patritumab deruxtecan targets the HER3 protein that is often overexpressed in gastrointestinal cancers. This targeted approach aims to deliver chemotherapy directly to the cancer cells, potentially reducing side effects and increasing effectiveness. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it represents a new way to precisely target cancer cells, offering hope for better outcomes with fewer side effects than standard chemotherapy options.
What evidence suggests that patritumab deruxtecan might be an effective treatment for gastrointestinal cancer?
Research has shown that patritumab deruxtecan, which participants in this trial will receive, may help treat certain types of gastrointestinal cancers. In earlier studies, this treatment proved effective in patients whose cancers did not respond well to other treatments. For instance, one study that gradually increased the dosage found that some patients experienced a noticeable decrease in tumor size. This treatment targets a specific protein on cancer cells, allowing the drug to go directly to the tumor. Overall, early results suggest that patritumab deruxtecan could be useful in managing advanced gastrointestinal cancers, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.12367
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 advanced gastrointestinal cancers that have spread, including colorectal cancer, biliary tract cancer (BTC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) not treatable by local therapy. Participants should have had prior treatment and recovered from any previous treatment side effects.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive patritumab deruxtecan intravenous (IV) infusion on Day 1 of each 21-day cycle (every 3 weeks) until disease progression, intolerable toxicity, or investigator decision
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Patritumab Deruxtecan
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Lead Sponsor
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
Hiroyuki Okuzawa
Daiichi Sankyo
Chief Executive Officer
Degree in Social Sciences from Hitotsubashi University
Yuki Abe
Daiichi Sankyo
Chief Medical Officer since 2023
MD