Trastuzumab Emtansine for Salivary Gland Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests new treatments for HER2-positive salivary gland cancer that is recurrent, metastatic (spread to other parts of the body), or cannot be surgically removed. It compares the usual chemotherapy with docetaxel and trastuzumab to newer drugs like trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla) and trastuzumab deruxtecan. These new drugs target HER2 receptors on cancer cells, potentially improving treatment outcomes by delivering chemotherapy directly to the cancer cells. People with HER2-positive salivary gland cancer that has spread or returned, and who cannot have surgery, might be a good fit for this trial. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on measuring how well the treatment works in an initial, smaller group of people.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor to get specific guidance based on your situation.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that trastuzumab emtansine is generally safe and well-tolerated. In studies with patients who have aggressive salivary gland cancers, it proved effective and caused fewer severe side effects compared to other treatments. Specifically, 46.4% of patients experienced serious side effects, while 90.9% did with another treatment.
For trastuzumab deruxtecan, research indicates it can help control disease in patients with HER2-expressing cancers. However, 40.8% of patients experienced severe side effects, and about 10.5% developed a type of lung disease related to the drug.
Both treatments have been tested in patients with various types of cancer, demonstrating effectiveness but also some side effects. Anyone considering joining a trial should understand these potential risks and discuss them with their doctor.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about these treatments for salivary gland cancer because they offer new ways to target and treat the disease. Trastuzumab emtansine is unique because it combines trastuzumab, which targets HER2-positive cancer cells, with a chemotherapy agent that is delivered directly to the cancer cells, potentially increasing effectiveness and reducing side effects. Trastuzumab deruxtecan works similarly but is designed to be even more potent, providing another promising option. These treatments differ from the standard chemotherapy options by specifically targeting cancer cells, which may lead to better outcomes and fewer side effects for patients.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for salivary gland cancer?
Research has shown that trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), which participants in this trial may receive, can effectively treat HER2-positive salivary gland cancer. Studies have found that T-DM1 works well and is safer than traditional chemotherapy, particularly for advanced cancer. For patients with HER2-amplified salivary gland tumors, T-DM1 has shown promising results. Additionally, the combination of docetaxel with trastuzumab, another treatment option in this trial, has a high success rate of 67-70% and can help control the cancer for about 8-9 months. These findings suggest that both T-DM1 and the docetaxel-trastuzumab combination could be effective treatment options for certain types of salivary gland cancer.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Alan L Ho
Principal Investigator
NRG Oncology
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults with HER2-positive salivary gland cancer that's recurrent, metastatic, or can't be surgically removed. Must have adequate organ function and agree to use effective contraception. Excludes those who've had systemic therapy for this cancer stage, certain severe health conditions, active infections requiring IV antibiotics, specific heart diseases, or untreated brain metastases.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive assigned treatment (docetaxel plus trastuzumab, trastuzumab emtansine, or trastuzumab deruxtecan) every 21 days in cycles, with imaging and blood sample collection throughout the trial
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment completion
Crossover Treatment (optional)
Participants may cross over to an alternative treatment arm upon disease progression
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Docetaxel
- Trastuzumab
- Trastuzumab Emtansine
Docetaxel is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada, Japan for the following indications:
- Breast Cancer
- Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
- Gastric Cancer
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
- Gastric Cancer
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
- Gastric Cancer
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Breast Cancer
- Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
- Gastric Cancer
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
NRG Oncology
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator