Pembrolizumab + Radiation Therapy for Melanoma
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This is an open-label, single center, one cohort, non-randomized, phase II study. The aim is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the combination of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HRT) and pembrolizumab on local tumor control in mucosal melanoma patients. Treatment effect will be compared with historical radiation therapy-alone control data.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot be on systemic steroid therapy or immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days before starting the study, except for up to 10 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.
Is the combination of pembrolizumab and radiation therapy safe for treating melanoma?
Pembrolizumab, also known as Keytruda, has been approved for treating melanoma and has shown some common side effects like fatigue, cough, and nausea. More serious immune-related side effects can include lung inflammation, liver inflammation, and thyroid issues. When combined with radiation therapy, it has been studied for safety in treating various cancers, including melanoma.12345
How is the treatment of pembrolizumab combined with hypofractionated radiation therapy unique for melanoma?
This treatment is unique because it combines pembrolizumab, an immune-boosting drug that helps T cells attack cancer, with hypofractionated radiation therapy, which delivers higher doses of radiation in fewer sessions. This combination may enhance the immune response against melanoma, especially in difficult-to-treat cases, and could potentially lead to better outcomes than using either treatment alone.35678
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Pembrolizumab + Radiation Therapy for Melanoma?
Research shows that combining pembrolizumab (a drug that helps the immune system fight cancer) with hypofractionated radiotherapy (a type of radiation treatment given in larger doses over fewer sessions) can enhance the effectiveness of treatment in advanced melanoma patients, even those who previously did not respond to pembrolizumab alone. Some studies reported that this combination led to tumor shrinkage and improved survival rates in difficult-to-treat cases.457910
Who Is on the Research Team?
George Ansstas, M.D.
Principal Investigator
Washington University School of Medicine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with mucosal melanoma who've had surgery to remove it, have not had radiation in the affected area, and are generally healthy. They must understand the study and agree to use birth control. People with active autoimmune diseases, recent vaccines, certain infections or other cancers aren't eligible.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive pembrolizumab intravenously every 21 days for up to 12 months and hypofractionated radiation therapy during the first 2 cycles
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy
- Pembrolizumab
Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
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Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Washington University School of Medicine
Lead Sponsor