Margetuximab vs Trastuzumab Combinations for Breast Cancer
(MARGOT Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests two different drug combinations to determine which is more effective for treating stage II-III HER2-positive breast cancer before surgery. One group receives paclitaxel, pertuzumab, and margetuximab (a type of targeted therapy), while the other group receives paclitaxel, pertuzumab, and trastuzumab. It targets individuals with HER2-positive breast cancer who have not received prior treatment for this condition. The trial aims to assess how well these drugs shrink the cancer before surgery. Participants must agree to undergo breast biopsies for research purposes. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on evaluating 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, it does mention that you cannot have received any prior treatment for the current breast cancer, including chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, or experimental therapy.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that margetuximab, when combined with chemotherapy, is generally safe but can cause reactions during infusion. About 13% of patients have experienced these reactions, with 1.5% being severe. While most people tolerate it well, some may have strong reactions during treatment.
In contrast, the combination of trastuzumab and pertuzumab with paclitaxel is usually well-tolerated. Studies have demonstrated impressive response rates with manageable side effects. This indicates that patients generally handle these drugs well together, with few serious issues reported.
Both drug combinations have undergone safety studies, and while some risks exist, they are generally considered safe for those who need them.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about margetuximab for breast cancer because it offers a unique mechanism compared to standard treatments like trastuzumab. Margetuximab is an engineered antibody designed to enhance the immune system's ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells by engaging immune cells more effectively. This could potentially lead to improved outcomes for patients whose tumors are resistant to current HER2-targeted therapies. The combination of margetuximab with other drugs like paclitaxel and pertuzumab aims to provide a more robust attack on cancer cells, potentially enhancing treatment efficacy.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for breast cancer?
This trial will compare two treatment combinations for HER2-positive breast cancer. One group of participants will receive margetuximab, paclitaxel, and pertuzumab. Research has shown that this combination may be effective, with 48% of patients in one study experiencing tumor shrinkage and some having confirmed positive responses. This suggests that margetuximab, when used with chemotherapy, might lead to better results than other treatments.
Another group in this trial will receive trastuzumab, paclitaxel, and pertuzumab. Studies on this combination have demonstrated significant improvements in both the time patients live without the cancer worsening and overall survival. This combination is well-documented and has a strong track record of success in treating HER2-positive breast cancer.
Both treatment combinations offer potential benefits. Trastuzumab has a proven history of improving patient outcomes, while margetuximab shows promising early results.12367Who Is on the Research Team?
Adrienne Waks, MD
Principal Investigator
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 with stage II-III HER2-positive breast cancer, who haven't had invasive breast cancer in the past 5 years or any treatment for their current cancer. Participants must have proper organ function and a specific genetic profile (CD16 FF/FV). Women of childbearing age need a negative pregnancy test and agree to use contraception.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive paclitaxel, pertuzumab, and either margetuximab or trastuzumab for 12 weeks prior to surgery
Surgery
Participants undergo surgery after the 12-week treatment phase
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after surgery
Open-label extension (optional)
Participants who respond well to margetuximab may continue to receive it for a total of one year
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Margetuximab
- Paclitaxel
- Pertuzumab
- Trastuzumab
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Lead Sponsor
MacroGenics
Industry Sponsor
Translational Breast Cancer Research Consortium
Collaborator