Chemotherapy + Veliparib for Pancreatic Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This randomized phase II trial studies how well modified irinotecan hydrochloride, leucovorin calcium, fluorouracil (FOLFIRI) and veliparib as a second line of therapy work compared to FOLFIRI in treating patients with pancreatic cancer that has come back after a period of improvement (metastatic). Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as irinotecan hydrochloride, leucovorin calcium, and fluorouracil, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Veliparib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. It is not yet known whether modified FOLFIRI and veliparib as second line therapy is more effective than FOLFIRI alone in treating metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you must not have received prior irinotecan-based chemotherapy or PARP inhibitor therapy. It's best to discuss your current medications with the trial team.
Is the combination of chemotherapy drugs including 5-FU and irinotecan safe for treating pancreatic cancer?
How is the drug combination of Chemotherapy + Veliparib unique for treating pancreatic cancer?
The combination of chemotherapy drugs like 5-fluorouracil and irinotecan with Veliparib is unique because Veliparib is a PARP inhibitor, which may enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy by preventing cancer cells from repairing themselves, potentially offering a novel approach compared to standard treatments like FOLFIRINOX or gemcitabine-based therapies.56789
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug combination including Irinotecan and Veliparib for pancreatic cancer?
Research shows that Irinotecan, when combined with other drugs like gemcitabine, has shown promising results in treating pancreatic cancer, with some patients experiencing partial responses. Additionally, combination therapies involving Irinotecan have been effective in improving survival times in advanced pancreatic cancer.110111213
Who Is on the Research Team?
Elena G Chiorean
Principal Investigator
SWOG Cancer Research Network
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer who have had one prior chemotherapy regimen but not irinotecan-based therapy or PARP inhibitors. They must have measurable disease, no history of brain metastases or seizures, and be in good physical condition (Zubrod performance status of 0-1). Participants need to have recovered from previous treatments' side effects and cannot have significant medical conditions like uncontrolled heart failure.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Patients receive either veliparib and modified FOLFIRI or FOLFIRI alone, with courses repeating every 14 days
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Fluorouracil
- Irinotecan Hydrochloride
- Laboratory Biomarker Analysis
- Veliparib
Fluorouracil is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Skin cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Lead Sponsor