Sacituzumab + Atezolizumab for Urologic Cancers
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if two drugs, sacituzumab govitecan (SG) and atezolizumab (Tecentriq), can treat rare tumors in the urinary system, including the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and penis. Researchers will test SG alone or with atezolizumab to assess their effects on various types of these rare cancers. Individuals with unusual and aggressive forms of cancer in these areas, such as certain bladder or penile cancers, may be suitable for this trial. Participants will receive the treatments intravenously in cycles, with regular check-ups and tests to monitor progress. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to important findings.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify if you must stop taking your current medications. However, there are specific 'washout' periods (time without taking certain medications) for prior treatments like chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and certain immunosuppressive medications before starting the trial. It's best to discuss your current medications with the study team to understand any potential interactions.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Previous studies have shown that sacituzumab govitecan holds promise in treating various cancers, including breast and bladder cancers. Most patients tolerate it well, though some have experienced side effects such as low white blood cell counts and diarrhea. Monitoring these side effects is important, but they can be managed with care.
Atezolizumab, a medicine that helps the immune system fight cancer, is already approved for other cancers, indicating a well-understood safety profile. Common side effects include fatigue and some immune-related reactions, which are usually manageable.
Studies have examined the safety of combining sacituzumab govitecan and atezolizumab. The combination is generally considered tolerable, with reported side effects like low blood counts and diarrhea. These require monitoring but can typically be managed with medical support.
Overall, both treatments have been studied in patients and are known to have manageable safety profiles. Participants should discuss possible side effects and management strategies with their healthcare provider.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about sacituzumab govitecan and atezolizumab for urologic cancers because these treatments offer a novel approach compared to current options like chemotherapy or surgery. Sacituzumab govitecan is an antibody-drug conjugate that specifically targets cancer cells with a unique mechanism by delivering chemotherapy directly to the tumor, potentially reducing side effects. Atezolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. Together, these treatments might enhance the body's ability to fight cancer while minimizing damage to healthy cells, offering new hope for patients with urologic cancers.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for rare GU tumors?
Research has shown that sacituzumab govitecan (SG), which participants in this trial may receive, can be effective in treating advanced bladder cancer. Studies have found that about 27% of patients respond to SG, with an average survival time of around 10.9 months, surpassing some standard treatments. In this trial, some participants will receive SG alone, while others will receive a combination of SG and atezolizumab. Early research in different cancers suggests that combining SG with atezolizumab might enhance effectiveness, particularly for certain types like PD-L1-positive breast cancer. Atezolizumab alone has demonstrated a 23% response rate in some cancers and an average survival time of 15.9 months. These findings suggest that combining SG and atezolizumab could benefit the treatment of rare urologic cancers.46789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Andrea B Apolo, M.D.
Principal Investigator
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults over 18 with rare genitourinary tumors like small cell carcinoma of the bladder, squamous cell carcinoma of the bladder or penis, primary adenocarcinoma of the bladder, and renal medullary carcinoma. They must have measurable disease progression if previously treated, good physical function (ECOG <=1), adequate organ/marrow function, may have had any number of prior treatments or be treatment-naive.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive sacituzumab govitecan on days 1 and 8 of each 21-day cycle, with some also receiving atezolizumab on day 1
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Atezolizumab
- Sacituzumab Govitecan
Atezolizumab is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Melanoma
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Small cell lung cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Urothelial carcinoma
- Melanoma
- Hepatocellular carcinoma
- Small cell lung cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Urothelial carcinoma
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Lead Sponsor