Olaparib Monotherapy vs Combination Therapy for Breast Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine the best use of the drug olaparib for treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) that has spread and progressed despite prior treatments. Researchers compare olaparib alone to olaparib combined with Ceralasertib, an experimental treatment, to assess which is safer and more effective. The trial seeks participants with confirmed TNBC and a specific gene mutation who have undergone at least one but no more than two prior treatments for their metastatic cancer. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify if you must stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot have had cytotoxic chemotherapy, hormonal or non-hormonal targeted therapy within 21 days before starting the trial. You can continue a stable dose of bisphosphonates or denosumab for bone metastases if started at least 5 days before the study.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that olaparib, when used alone, is generally well-tolerated by patients with certain genetic mutations. Studies have demonstrated significant survival benefits for patients with BRCA mutations using olaparib. Most patients in these studies continued treatment without major issues.
Regarding safety with combination treatments, the study also examined adding Ceralasertib and Adavosertib to olaparib. The segment involving Adavosertib was stopped, but patients could continue taking olaparib alone. This suggests potential concerns about the safety or effectiveness of the combination. Unfortunately, clear safety information for the combination of olaparib and Ceralasertib is not available.
This trial is in Phase 2, meaning researchers are still gathering detailed safety information. Phase 2 trials aim to determine the right dose and identify any side effects, providing some level of safety assurance, though it is not complete.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about these treatments because they offer potentially novel approaches to managing breast cancer. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which targets rapidly dividing cells, Olaparib is a PARP inhibitor that specifically targets cancer cells with defective DNA repair mechanisms, making it a more targeted therapy. The combination therapies, Olaparib with Ceralasertib and Olaparib with adavosertib, aim to enhance this effect by further disrupting cancer cell repair processes, potentially leading to improved outcomes. These approaches could provide more effective and less toxic treatment options compared to current standards.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for breast cancer?
This trial will compare Olaparib monotherapy with combination therapies for breast cancer. Studies have shown that Olaparib effectively treats breast cancer, especially in patients with specific BRCA gene changes. One study found that Olaparib reduced the risk of death by 32% in early breast cancer compared to a placebo. It also significantly improved the time patients lived without the cancer worsening compared to chemotherapy.
In this trial, one arm will test the combination of Olaparib and Ceralasertib, aiming to enhance Olaparib's effectiveness by targeting a protein called ATR, which may prevent cancer cells from repairing themselves. Another arm initially tested the combination of Olaparib and Adavosertib to further disrupt cancer cell repair, but this part of the study was stopped, and patients were switched to Olaparib monotherapy. Overall, Olaparib shows promise, particularly in patients with certain genetic backgrounds.26789Who Is on the Research Team?
Andrew Tutt, MB ChB PhD
Principal Investigator
Guy's Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London.
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) who have measurable metastatic disease, are postmenopausal or using contraception, and have received no more than two prior chemotherapy treatments. They must not be immunocompromised, have had previous PARP inhibitor treatment, uncontrolled medical issues, brain metastases that cause symptoms, or gastrointestinal disorders affecting medication absorption.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive olaparib monotherapy or olaparib in combination with Ceralasertib or adavosertib in a randomized setting
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Open-label extension (optional)
Participants may opt into continuation of treatment long-term with olaparib monotherapy
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Adavosertib
- Ceralasertib
- Olaparib
Olaparib is already approved in European Union, United States for the following indications:
- Breast cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Fallopian tube cancer
- Peritoneal cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
AstraZeneca
Lead Sponsor
Sir Pascal Soriot
AstraZeneca
Chief Executive Officer since 2012
Veterinary Medicine from École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, MBA from HEC Paris
Dr. Cristian Massacesi
AstraZeneca
Chief Medical Officer since 2021
MD from Marche Polytechnic University, Oncology training at Royal Marsden Hospital, Kaplan Comprehensive Cancer Center, and European Institute of Oncology
Pascal Soriot
AstraZeneca
Chief Executive Officer since 2012
Veterinary Medicine from École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, MBA from HEC Paris
Cristian Massacesi
AstraZeneca
Chief Medical Officer since 2021
MD from Marche Polytechnic University, Medical Oncology training at Royal Marsden Hospital, Kaplan Comprehensive Cancer Center, and European Institute of Oncology