Olaparib for Kidney Cancer
(ORCHID Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests olaparib, a medication, to evaluate its effectiveness for individuals with kidney cancer that has metastasized. Researchers aim to determine if olaparib benefits those with specific genetic mutations who have previously tried treatments like immune therapy or anti-VEGF therapy. Suitable participants have metastatic kidney cancer, possess one of these genetic mutations, and have undergone at least one immune checkpoint inhibitor or anti-VEGF therapy. The trial seeks to assess whether olaparib can slow or halt cancer growth in these patients. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on measuring the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires a washout period (time without taking certain medications) for strong or moderate CYP3A inhibitors and inducers before starting olaparib. You may need to stop these medications 2 to 5 weeks prior, depending on the specific drug. If you are on these medications, discuss with your doctor about possible alternatives or adjustments.
Is there any evidence suggesting that olaparib is likely to be safe for humans?
Research has shown that olaparib is generally well-tolerated by many cancer patients. In past studies with breast cancer patients, some experienced side effects, but these were often manageable. Common side effects included nausea, tiredness, and blood issues, such as anemia (a low red blood cell count).
Serious side effects were less common, with fewer than 10% of patients experiencing them, mostly related to blood counts. The FDA has already approved olaparib for other cancers, which adds confidence in its safety.
In this trial for kidney cancer, the starting dose of olaparib is lower for the first month. This approach allows researchers to monitor for any serious side effects and adjust treatment if needed. Regular check-ups are part of the trial to ensure safety.
Overall, while no treatment is without risks, olaparib has a history of being safe for many patients, with side effects that are often predictable and manageable.12345Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising for kidney cancer?
Olaparib is unique because it specifically targets genetic mutations linked to DNA repair, such as those in BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are not typically addressed by standard kidney cancer treatments. Most current treatments for kidney cancer involve immune checkpoint inhibitors or anti-VEGF therapies, which focus on enhancing the immune response or inhibiting blood vessel growth in tumors. Olaparib works by inhibiting the PARP enzyme, leading to cancer cell death in tumors with DNA repair deficiencies. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it offers a targeted approach that could potentially be more effective for patients with specific genetic profiles, offering new hope for those who haven't responded well to existing therapies.
What evidence suggests that olaparib might be an effective treatment for kidney cancer?
Studies have shown that olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, holds promise for patients with advanced kidney cancer who have certain genetic changes. In this trial, participants with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and specific genetic mutations will receive olaparib. Early research suggests that olaparib effectively targets tumors with these specific changes. These changes affect how cancer cells repair their DNA, and olaparib blocks a protein that helps fix damaged DNA, slowing cancer growth. Initial studies demonstrated that olaparib is active in these cancers, offering hope to patients who have already tried other treatments like immune therapies or anti-VEGF therapy. While more research is needed, these early results encourage those with kidney cancer with these genetic traits.25678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Mark C Markowski, MD, Ph.D
Principal Investigator
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults with metastatic renal cell carcinoma and specific gene mutations who've had prior anti-cancer treatments can join. They must have a certain level of blood counts, organ function, and life expectancy. Women should not be pregnant or breastfeeding, and men must 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 olaparib 150mg by mouth twice daily for one month, then increased to 300mg twice daily if no grade 3 or greater adverse events occur
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Long-term follow-up
Participants are monitored for progression-free survival and adverse events
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- 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?
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
Lead Sponsor
AstraZeneca
Industry 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