Niraparib + Dostarlimab for Breast Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests a combination of two drugs, Niraparib and Dostarlimab, as a pre-surgery treatment for certain types of breast cancer. It targets patients with specific genetic mutations, BRCA and PALB2, which can influence disease progression. The trial includes groups with triple-negative breast cancer (lacking three typical receptors that fuel most breast cancer growth) and estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer (where cancer cells grow in response to estrogen). Participants must have invasive breast cancer and a BRCA or PALB2 mutation. As a Phase 2 trial, the research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of people.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are on medications that interact with the study drugs or are part of an investigational therapy, you may need to stop them. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the study team.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that the combination of niraparib and dostarlimab is being tested for safety and effectiveness in breast cancer patients with specific genetic markers, such as BRCA and PALB2 mutations. Previous studies found that some patients with these mutations tolerated the combination treatment well.
Other studies with similar patient groups found the treatment generally well-tolerated, though side effects like tiredness and nausea were noted. These side effects are common with many cancer treatments. Both niraparib and dostarlimab are already used in treatments for other conditions, suggesting they are generally safe.
Prospective participants in a clinical trial for this combination should be aware that while safety findings are promising, side effects can still occur. Discussing potential risks and benefits with a healthcare provider is always important.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about Niraparib and Dostarlimab for breast cancer because they offer a novel approach to treatment. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which targets rapidly dividing cells indiscriminately, Niraparib is a PARP inhibitor that specifically targets cancer cells with certain genetic defects, enhancing their vulnerability to damage. Dostarlimab, on the other hand, is an immunotherapy that works by blocking a pathway used by cancer cells to evade the immune system, effectively empowering the body's natural defenses to fight the cancer. Together, these drugs could potentially offer a more targeted and less toxic treatment option for patients with triple-negative and ER+/HER2- breast cancers.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for breast cancer?
Research has shown that the combination of niraparib and dostarlimab may help treat breast cancer, particularly in patients with specific genetic mutations such as BRCA and PALB2. One study found that patients with BRCA-mutated breast cancer experienced positive outcomes, including cases where no cancer was detected after treatment. Another study demonstrated that this treatment left very little cancer remaining. In this trial, participants with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) will be randomized to receive the combination treatment in different sequences, while an exploratory cohort of patients with ER+/HER2- breast cancer will also receive the combination. Specifically, 3 out of 18 patients with ER+/HER2- breast cancer had a complete response, meaning the cancer was no longer detectable. These findings suggest that niraparib and dostarlimab could be effective for certain types of breast cancer.23567
Who Is on the Research Team?
Erica L. Mayer, MD MPH
Principal Investigator
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with Stage I to III breast cancer who have a BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 mutation. They must be able to take oral medication and have no history of treatment for their current breast cancer. Individuals with severe health issues like heart disease, uncontrolled infections, or recent major surgery are not eligible.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive Niraparib and Dostarlimab as pre-operative therapy for 18 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Long-term follow-up
Participants are monitored for long-term safety and outcomes
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?
Dana-Farber Cancer 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
Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium
Collaborator
Johns Hopkins University
Collaborator