Crizotinib for Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to test the effectiveness of crizotinib, a medication that blocks certain enzymes and blood vessels crucial for cancer growth, in patients with specific genetic changes in their cancer. It specifically targets cancers with the MET exon 14 deletion, a particular genetic mutation. Suitable candidates for this trial have cancers with this genetic change and have not previously taken similar drugs. Participants will take crizotinib in cycles and undergo regular check-ups, including tumor biopsies and blood tests. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, allowing participants to contribute to significant cancer research.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial requires that you do not use drugs or foods that are strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers, and you must not need to use CYP3A substrates with narrow therapeutic indices. If you are taking any of these, you may need to stop or adjust them.
Is there any evidence suggesting that crizotinib is likely to be safe for humans?
Research has shown that crizotinib is generally well-tolerated by patients with certain types of cancer. Studies have included patients taking crizotinib for ALK-positive or ROS1-positive tumors, similar to those in this trial. In these studies, the most common side effects included vision problems, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and swelling, which were usually manageable.
More than 300 patients have taken crizotinib in earlier studies, providing a good understanding of its safety. Some patients experienced more serious effects, such as liver problems or lung inflammation, but these were less common. Since crizotinib is already approved for use in other cancers, there is a solid understanding of its safety in humans. Prospective participants should discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Crizotinib is unique because it specifically targets certain genetic mutations found in some cancers, like ALK (anaplastic lymphoma kinase) and ROS1 gene rearrangements. This precision targeting is different from traditional chemotherapy, which attacks rapidly dividing cells but doesn't differentiate between healthy and cancerous ones. Researchers are excited about crizotinib because it can potentially reduce tumor size and slow cancer progression with fewer side effects, offering a more tailored and potentially more effective treatment option for patients with these specific genetic markers.
What evidence suggests that crizotinib might be an effective treatment for cancer with MET exon 14 deletion?
Research has shown that crizotinib, the treatment under study in this trial, effectively treats certain cancers, particularly those with specific genetic changes like ALK-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Studies have found that crizotinib can shrink tumors in about 60% of patients with this cancer type. One study found an overall response rate of 70.6%, with patients experiencing a median progression-free survival of 14.5 months, meaning the cancer did not worsen during and after treatment for this period. Crizotinib blocks enzymes that cancer cells need to grow and spread, and it may also prevent tumors from forming new blood vessels. This makes it a promising option for treating cancers with MET exon 14 deletion genetic changes.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
David S Hong
Principal Investigator
ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients with various types of cancer, such as lymphoma and solid tumors, that have a specific genetic change called MET exon 14 deletion. The exact eligibility criteria are not provided but typically include factors like age, overall health status, and the stage of cancer.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive crizotinib orally twice daily on days 1-28 of each cycle. Cycles repeat every 28 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients undergo tumor biopsy, radiologic evaluation, and blood sample collection throughout the study.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment completion. Follow-up occurs every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months for year 3.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Crizotinib
Crizotinib is already approved in United States, European Union, Japan, Canada for the following indications:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with ALK rearrangements
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with ALK rearrangements
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with ALK rearrangements
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with ALK rearrangements
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Lead Sponsor