Experimental Therapies for KICS

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Robert Yarchoan, M.D.

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 2

Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Grade 4 toxicity, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

140 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It might depend on the specific treatments you receive during the study, so it's best to discuss this with the study researchers.

What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Liposomal Doxorubicin for treating KICS?

Liposomal Doxorubicin has been shown to be effective in treating Kaposi's sarcoma, particularly in patients with HIV, with studies reporting partial or complete resolution of symptoms. This suggests potential effectiveness for similar conditions like KICS, as both involve immune system complications. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is the treatment generally safe for humans?

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil, Caelyx) has been shown to have a favorable safety profile compared to conventional doxorubicin, with reduced heart-related side effects and mild skin and mouth-related toxicities. It has been used safely in various cancers, including breast and ovarian cancer, with ongoing studies to further understand its safety in combination treatments. ^{4 6 7 8 9}

How does the drug for KICS differ from other treatments?

The drug for KICS, which involves liposomal doxorubicin, is unique because it uses a special coating to help the medicine stay in the bloodstream longer and target tumor sites more effectively, reducing side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. This approach has been shown to be effective in treating similar conditions like Kaposi's sarcoma with fewer side effects. ^{1 2 3 4 10}

What is the purpose of this trial?

Background: - KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS) is a newly recognized disease caused by Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). This virus can cause cancer. People with KICS can have severe symptoms. They include fever, weight loss, and fluid in the legs or abdomen. People with KICS may also be at risk of getting other cancers associated with KSHV. These cancers include Kaposi sarcoma and lymphoma. Because KICS is a newly identified disease, more information is needed on how the disease works and what can be done to treat it. Objectives: - To collect genetic and medical information from people with KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome. Eligibility: - Individuals at least 18 years of age who have Kaposi sarcoma herpes virus and symptoms that resemble those caused by KICS. Design: * Participants will have regular study visits. The schedule will be determined by the study researchers. * Participants will provide a complete medical history and have a full physical exam. Blood and urine samples will be collected as well. * People with KICS that requires treatment may get new experimental treatments. These treatments may include antiviral drugs and chemotherapy drugs, depending on the nature of the disease. * Participants will have imaging studies, such as chest x-rays and computed tomography scans, to study the tumors. * Bone marrow and lymph node biopsies may be done to collect tissue samples for study. * Participants who have Kaposi sarcoma will have photographs taken of their lesions.

Research Team

Robert Yarchoan, M.D.

Principal Investigator

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Eligibility Criteria

Adults with Kaposi sarcoma herpes virus and symptoms like fever, weight loss, or fluid accumulation. They must have evidence of the virus in blood or tissues and may also have related cancers. Participants need to use contraception and can't be pregnant. Those with severe unrelated health issues are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

I am at risk for KSHV infection or have evidence of it.

I have at least two symptoms from different categories that might be due to KICS and can't be explained by other conditions.

I agree to use birth control during and after the study as required.

Exclusion Criteria

Biopsy proven KSHV-associated MCD

Pregnancy

I don't have severe health issues unrelated to HIV or KICS that would stop me from receiving the study treatments.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Natural History Observation

Participants are observed for the natural history of KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS) with regular study visits, medical history collection, physical exams, and sample collection.

1 year

Regular visits as determined by study researchers

Treatment (if required)

Participants with KICS requiring treatment may receive experimental treatments including antiviral and chemotherapy drugs.

Varies based on treatment

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment or observation.

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Liposomal Doxorubicin
• Rituximab
• Valganiclovir
• Zidovudine

Trial Overview The trial is studying how KSHV inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS) works and testing treatments including antiviral drugs like Valganiclovir and chemotherapy agents such as Rituximab, Zidovudine, Liposomal Doxorubicin against standard therapies.

Participant Groups

Group I: 6 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Natural history

Group II: 5 Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Standard and alternative rational therapies (inactive)

Group III: 4 Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Rituximab with or without liposomal doxorubicin (inactive)

Group IV: 3 Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

High dose zidovudine + valganciclovir (inactive)

Group V: 2 Active Control 1 Intervention

Natural history/Observation arm (inactive)

Group VI: 1 Active Control 1 Intervention

Evaluation for Alternative Causes of KICS Symptoms (inactive)

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Lead Sponsor

Trials

14,080

Recruited

41,180,000+

Findings from Research

Liposomal formulations of doxorubicin (Doxil and Evacet) and daunorubicin (DaunoXome) have shown promise in clinical studies by reducing toxicity while maintaining or enhancing the effectiveness of these chemotherapy drugs.

Doxorubicin has already been approved for treating Kaposi's sarcoma and ovarian cancers, while daunorubicin is approved for Kaposi's sarcoma, with ongoing research likely to expand their clinical applications.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Liposomal encapsulated anthracyclines: new therapeutic horizons. Muggia, FM.[2022]

Liposomal doxorubicin was effective in treating Kaposi's sarcoma in HIV-infected patients, with five out of eight participants achieving a complete clinical response and three showing a partial response after six months of treatment.

While the treatment led to significant improvements, all patients experienced relapse after stopping therapy, highlighting the need for ongoing treatment; however, neutropenia was managed successfully with filgrastim, allowing for uninterrupted therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma with liposomal doxorubicin. Bergin, C., O'Leary, A., McCreary, C., et al.[2019]

Liposomal encapsulated doxorubicin (DOX-SL) was administered to 25 patients with HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma, showing a defined response in 11 patients, with 9 achieving a partial response and 2 a complete response, indicating its efficacy as a treatment.

The treatment was well tolerated, with minimal acute toxicity and no reported cardiac toxicity, making DOX-SL a safe palliative option for patients with AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A phase II study of liposomal doxorubicin in the treatment of HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma. Newell, M., Milliken, S., Goldstein, D., et al.[2019]

Caelyx/Doxil, a pegylated liposomal formulation of doxorubicin, has a unique pharmacokinetic profile that allows it to effectively target tumor sites while reducing toxicity compared to traditional doxorubicin.

It has been approved by the FDA and EMEA for treating AIDS-related Kaposi's sarcoma and recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer, and is being investigated for use in various other cancers, indicating its potential as a versatile treatment option.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Caelyx/Doxil for the treatment of metastatic ovarian and breast cancer. Tejada-Berges, T., Granai, CO., Gordinier, M., et al.[2022]

In a Phase I/II study involving 15 patients with HIV-related cutaneous Kaposi's sarcoma, Doxil (liposomal doxorubicin) demonstrated a high partial response rate of 73%, indicating its efficacy as a palliative treatment for this severe condition.

Doxil was well tolerated among patients, with manageable toxicity primarily affecting blood cell counts, suggesting it is a safer option for patients with poor prognosis who have previously undergone chemotherapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil): an effective new treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma in AIDS. James, ND., Coker, RJ., Tomlinson, D., et al.[2019]

In a phase II study involving 12 patients with refractory renal cell cancer, pegylated-liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil) was administered with mild toxicities, primarily related to mucositis and hand-foot syndrome.

Despite the treatment being well-tolerated, no objective responses were observed in 11 evaluable patients, indicating that pegylated-liposomal doxorubicin does not demonstrate efficacy in this type of cancer.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Phase II trial of pegylated-liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil) in renal cell cancer. Skubitz, KM.[2019]

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx®/Doxil®) is an improved formulation of conventional doxorubicin that significantly reduces cardiotoxicity and enhances pharmacokinetics.

Clinical trials demonstrate that pegylated liposomal doxorubicin is effective in treating several cancers, including metastatic breast cancer and ovarian cancer, while maintaining a favorable safety profile compared to traditional chemotherapy agents.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin: a guide to its use in various malignancies. Lyseng-Williamson, KA., Duggan, ST., Keating, GM.[2018]

Stealth liposomal doxorubicin (Caelyx, Doxil) shows promise as a treatment for breast cancer, leveraging its unique liposomal formulation to improve drug delivery and efficacy.

The liposomal encapsulation of doxorubicin significantly alters its pharmacokinetics and reduces toxicity compared to traditional non-liposomal doxorubicin, making it a safer option for patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Caelyx (stealth liposomal doxorubicin) in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. Ranson, MR., Cheeseman, S., White, S., et al.[2019]

Liposomal anthracyclines, including pegylated and non-pegylated formulations of doxorubicin, have been developed to enhance the safety of traditional anthracyclines while maintaining their effectiveness against breast cancer.

These liposomal formulations are currently approved in Europe and Canada for treating metastatic breast cancer, aiming to reduce toxic side effects like cardiotoxicity, myelosuppression, and nausea.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Role of liposomal anthracyclines in breast cancer. Lorusso, V., Manzione, L., Silvestris, N.[2023]

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) and daunorubicin citrate liposome (DNX) show higher response rates and less toxicity compared to conventional chemotherapy regimens for advanced Kaposi's sarcoma, making them more effective treatment options.

Patients treated with PLD or DNX experienced improved health-related quality of life in several areas, despite some common side effects like myelosuppression and stomatitis.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of liposomal anthracyclines in Kaposi's sarcoma. Krown, SE., Northfelt, DW., Osoba, D., et al.[2019]

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Liposomal encapsulated anthracyclines: new therapeutic horizons. [2022]

2. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Treatment of Kaposi's sarcoma with liposomal doxorubicin. [2019]

3. Australia pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A phase II study of liposomal doxorubicin in the treatment of HIV-related Kaposi's sarcoma. [2019]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Caelyx/Doxil for the treatment of metastatic ovarian and breast cancer. [2022]

5. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil): an effective new treatment for Kaposi's sarcoma in AIDS. [2019]

6. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Phase II trial of pegylated-liposomal doxorubicin (Doxil) in renal cell cancer. [2019]

7. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin: a guide to its use in various malignancies. [2018]

8. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Caelyx (stealth liposomal doxorubicin) in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. [2019]

9. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Role of liposomal anthracyclines in breast cancer. [2023]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of liposomal anthracyclines in Kaposi's sarcoma. [2019]