Dostarlimab + Niraparib for Penile Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores a new treatment for individuals with advanced penile cancer unresponsive to previous therapies. It combines two drugs, dostarlimab (an immunotherapy) and niraparib (a PARP inhibitor), to evaluate their combined effectiveness against cancer. The trial seeks participants with confirmed stage III or IV penile cancer who have not previously received certain immune therapies. Those who have experienced issues with other treatments or have recurrent cancer may find this trial suitable. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on assessing the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of participants.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications to join the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot be on chronic systemic steroids over 20 mg daily or have used an investigational agent recently. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that the combination of dostarlimab and niraparib is being tested for safety in treating advanced penile cancer. Earlier studies suggest that this combination can help the immune system fight tumors more effectively.
These treatments have been tested together in people with similar conditions, and many patients have tolerated the treatment well. However, like any treatment, side effects can occur. Some people have experienced nausea, tiredness, and low blood counts. These effects are common with cancer treatments, so discussing any concerns with a doctor is important.
Since this study is in an early stage, researchers are still gathering information to better understand the treatment's safety. While there's more to learn, the initial results are promising. Always consult a healthcare provider about the risks and benefits before joining a trial.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about Dostarlimab and Niraparib for penile cancer because they bring a new approach to treatment. Unlike traditional chemotherapy and radiation, Dostarlimab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. Niraparib, on the other hand, is a PARP inhibitor that prevents cancer cells from repairing their DNA, leading to their death. This combination of targeting the immune system and disrupting cancer cell repair mechanisms offers a promising alternative to existing options.
What evidence suggests that the combination of Dostarlimab and Niraparib could be effective for penile cancer?
This trial will evaluate the combination of dostarlimab and niraparib for treating advanced penile cancer. Studies have shown that using these drugs together can help the immune system attack tumors in patients who haven't responded to cisplatin. This combination might be more effective at destroying cancer cells than using each drug alone. Research also indicates that these drugs can enhance the body's ability to fight cancer. While more information is needed, early results are promising for those with difficult-to-treat penile cancer.12356
Who Is on the Research Team?
Juskaran Chadha, DO
Principal Investigator
Moffitt Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with advanced penile cancer that has returned or resisted treatment. They must have measurable disease, good organ function, and a life expectancy over 12 weeks. Only those who've had at most one prior therapy and no immune-oncology treatments can join. Participants need to agree to contraception use during the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive 500 mg Dostarlimab IV every 3 weeks for 4 cycles followed by 1000 mg every 6 weeks, along with 200 mg Niraparib by mouth once daily days 1-21 of all cycles
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Dostarlimab
- Niraparib
Dostarlimab is already approved in European Union, United States for the following indications:
- Mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)/microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) primary advanced or recurrent endometrial cancer
- dMMR/MSI-H recurrent or advanced endometrial cancer that has progressed on or following prior treatment with a platinum-containing regimen
- Adults with dMMR recurrent or advanced solid tumors who have progressed on or following prior treatment and lack satisfactory alternative treatment options
- Primary advanced or recurrent dMMR endometrial cancer in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute
Lead Sponsor
GlaxoSmithKline
Industry Sponsor
Dame Emma Walmsley
GlaxoSmithKline
Chief Executive Officer since 2017
MA in Classics and Modern Languages from Oxford University
Dr. Hal Barron
GlaxoSmithKline
Chief Medical Officer since 2018
MD from Harvard Medical School