Intraperitoneal Paclitaxel for Metastatic Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma

A Phase I/II Study of Intraperitoneal Paclitaxel in Patients With Metastatic Appendiceal Adenocarcinoma

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT06207305

This study is testing how much of a drug called paclitaxel can be safely given directly into the belly to see if it helps people with advanced appendiceal cancer feel better and shrink their tumors.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment39 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, Radiation
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06207305 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to determine the maximum tolerated dose of paclitaxel administered directly into the abdominal cavity for patients with metastatic appendiceal adenocarcinoma. It consists of two phases: the first phase focuses on identifying the safe dosage, while the second phase evaluates the drug's effectiveness in reducing tumor size and improving patient outcomes. Participants will be closely monitored for tumor response, symptom relief, and overall safety during treatment. The study also explores various secondary objectives, including survival rates and the potential for surgical intervention after treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with unresectable locally metastatic appendiceal adenocarcinoma and adequate organ function.

Not a fit: Patients with resectable appendiceal adenocarcinoma or those who do not meet the eligibility criteria will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new therapeutic option for patients with advanced appendiceal cancer who currently have limited treatment choices.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of intraperitoneal paclitaxel for this condition is novel, similar studies using intraperitoneal chemotherapy have shown promise in other cancers.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 years and above. There will be no upper age restriction
2. ECOG performance status ≤ 2
3. Participants must have histologically confirmed diagnosis of unresectable locally metastatic appendiceal adenocarcinoma
4. Metastatic disease in the peritoneal cavity and not a candidate for cytoreductive surgery
5. Participants must have adequate organ and marrow function as defined below:

   leukocytes ≥3000/mcL absolute neutrophil count ≥1,500/mcL platelets ≥75,000/mcL total bilirubin ≤ institutional upper limit of normal (ULN) creatinine ≤ 1.5X institutional ULN
6. For participants with evidence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the HBV viral load must be undetectable on suppressive therapy, if indicated
7. Participants with a history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection must have been treated and cured. For participants with HCV infection who are currently on treatment, they are eligible if they have an undetectable HCV viral load
8. Participants with metastases outside the peritoneal cavity are not eligible for enrollment
9. Participants with a prior or concurrent malignancy whose natural history or treatment does not have the potential to interfere with the safety or efficacy assessment of the investigational regimen are eligible for this trial
10. The effects of PTX on the developing human fetus are unknown. For this reason, and because Taxane agents as well as other therapeutic agents used in this trial are known to be teratogenic, women of child-bearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry and for the duration of study participation. (Refer to Pregnancy Assessment Policy MD Anderson Institutional Policy # CLN1114). This includes all female patients, between the onset of menses (as early as 8 years of age) and 55 years unless the patient presents with an applicable exclusionary factor which may be one of the following:

    1. Postmenopausal (no menses in greater than or equal to 12 consecutive months)
    2. History of hysterectomy or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy
    3. Ovarian failure (Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Estradiol in menopausal range, who have received Whole Pelvic Radiation Therapy)
    4. History of bilateral tubal ligation or another surgical sterilization procedure Approved methods of birth control are as follows: Hormonal contraception (i.e., birth control pills, injection, implant, transdermal patch, vaginal ring), Intrauterine device (IUD), Tubal Ligation or hysterectomy, Subject/Partner post vasectomy, Implantable or injectable contraceptives, and condoms plus spermicide. Not engaging in sexual activity for the total duration of the trial and the drug washout period is an acceptable practice; however periodic abstinence, the rhythm method, and the withdrawal method are not acceptable methods of birth control. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while she or her partner is participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately.

    Men treated or enrolled on this protocol must also agree to use adequate contraception prior to the study, for the duration of study participation, and 4 months after completion of paclitaxel administration.
11. Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document

14\) English and non-English-speaking participants

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Active infection such as pneumonia or wound infections that would preclude protocol therapy
2. Participants with unstable angina or New York Heart Association (NYHA) Grade II or greater congestive heart failure
3. Participants deemed unable to comply with study and/or follow-up procedures (i.e., cognitive impairment)
4. Participants with a known hypersensitivity to protocol systemic chemotherapy that was life-threatening, required hospitalization or prolongation of existing hospitalization, or resulted in persistent or significant disability or incapacity
5. Previous surgery that would preclude safe diagnostic laparoscopy with port placement
6. Participants who have not recovered from adverse events (AE) due to prior anti-cancer therapy (i.e., have residual toxicities \> Grade 1) with the exception of alopecia
7. Participants who are receiving any other investigational agents
8. Participants with metastases outside the peritoneal cavity
9. History of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to PTX or other agents used in study
10. Participants with psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements Participants who are pregnant

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Metastatic Appendiceal AdenocarcinomaIntraperitoneal Paclitaxel
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.