MK2 inhibitor combined with chemotherapy for advanced pancreatic cancer

Phase I Trial of MK2 Inhibitor in Combination With mFOLFIRINOX for Untreated Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

This study is testing if a new drug called Zunsemetinib can make chemotherapy work better for people with untreated advanced pancreatic cancer.

Quick facts

• Phase: Phase 1
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 51 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine (Academic / other)
• Drugs / interventions: zunsemetinib, chemotherapy
• Locations: 1 site (St Louis, Missouri)
• Trial ID: NCT06648434 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of MK2 inhibitor Zunsemetinib in combination with mFOLFIRINOX chemotherapy for patients with untreated metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. The study aims to determine if MK2 inhibition can enhance the effectiveness of the chemotherapy regimen. Eligible participants will have confirmed pancreatic cancer and will not have received prior systemic treatment for advanced disease. The trial will involve dose escalation and expansion phases to assess safety and efficacy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who have not received prior systemic treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with prior systemic treatment for advanced disease within the last 12 months or those with non-adenocarcinoma predominant tumors may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While the combination of MK2 inhibitors with chemotherapy is a novel approach, similar studies have shown promise in enhancing treatment efficacy for various cancers.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically or cytologically confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with no prior systemic treatment for advanced or metastatic disease. Patients with mixed cytology in their tumors such as adeno-squamous, mixed neuroendocrine-carcinoma are permitted if the portion of adenocarcinoma is predominant. Prior adjuvant/neoadjuvant therapy (including FOLFIRINOX or mFOLFIRINOX regimens) is allowed if progression occurred ≥ 12 months from the last dose of that therapy. A biopsy is not required to confirm advanced or metastatic disease.
* Dose escalation: Diagnosis of advanced inoperable or metastatic disease, where mFOLFIRINOX (or classical FOLFIRINOX) is deemed a suitable option per the treating physician.
* Dose expansion: Diagnosis of metastatic disease, where mFOLFIRINOX (or classical FOLFIRINOX) is deemed a suitable option per the treating physician.
* Measurable disease by RECIST 1.1.
* At least 18 years of age
* ECOG performance status ≤ 1.
* Adequate bone marrow and organ function as defined below:

  * Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1.5 K/cumm
  * Platelets ≥ 100 K/cumm without transfusion within 2 weeks prior to C1D1
  * Hemoglobin ≥ 9.0 g/dL without transfusion within 2 weeks prior to C1D1
  * Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x IULN
  * AST(SGOT)/ALT(SGPT) ≤ 3.0 x IULN, unless there are liver metastases in which case AST and ALT ≤ 5.0 x IULN
  * Creatinine clearance \> 50 mL/min by Cockcroft-Gault
* Baseline EKG with QTcF ≤ 460 ms.
* Women of childbearing potential and men who are heterosexually active must agree to use adequate contraception as specified in the protocol. Contraception should continue for 1 month following last dose of zunsemetinib, 6 months following last dose of irinotecan, 9 months following last dose of oxaliplatin, and/or 3 months following last dose of fluorouracil. Should a woman (or the female partner of a male participant) become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while participating in this study, she must inform her treating physician immediately.
* Ability to understand and willingness to sign an IRB approved written informed consent document (or that of legally authorized representative, if applicable).

Exclusion Criteria:

* A history of other malignancy with the exception of 1) malignancies for which all treatment was completed at least 2 years before registration and the patient has no evidence of disease; 2) or known indolent malignancies that do not require treatment and will likely not alter the course of treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer.
* History of allogeneic organ or stem cell transplant.
* Currently receiving any other investigational agents, or receipt of an investigational agent within 2 weeks or 5 half-lives of the agent, whichever is shorter.
* Receipt of strong and moderate CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 inhibitors (including grapefruit), strong and moderate CYP3A and CYP2C8 inducers (see Appendices H and I), and drugs with QT prolonging potential within 5 half-lives of cycle 1 day 1.
* Known brain metastases or CNS involvement, because brain metastases are often associated with poor functional status, shortened life expectancy and risk of toxicity.
* A history of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to zunsemetinib, or other agents used in the study.
* Clinically significant neuropathy ≥ grade 2.
* Presence of interstitial lung disease that is symptomatic or may interfere with the detection or management of suspected treatment-related pulmonary toxicity.
* Gastrointestinal conditions which could prevent absorption of zunsemetinib, in the opinion of the treating physician.
* Inability to swallow pills.
* Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, or cardiac arrhythmia .
* Pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy test within 7 days of C1D1.
* Patients with HIV are eligible unless their CD4+ T-cell counts are \< 350 cells/mcL or they have a history of AIDS-defining opportunistic infection within the 12 months prior to registration. Concurrent treatment with effective ART according to DHHS treatment guidelines is recommended.
* Major surgery within 28 days prior to C1D1. Major surgery refers to any surgical procedure that involves general or regional anesthesia, involves extensive resecting or altering of body parts, carries a higher risk of complications, or requires long recovery times. Central line placement is allowed.
* Use of any live vaccines against infectious diseases (eg, influenza, varicella) within 4 weeks (28 days) of C1D1.

Where this trial is running

St Louis, Missouri

• Washington University School of Medicine — St Louis, Missouri, United States (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Moh'd Khushman, M.D. — Washington University School of Medicine
• Study coordinator: Moh'd Khushman, M.D.

Conditions Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma; Pancreatic Cancer; Cancer of the Pancreas; Pancreatic cancer; Zunsemetinib; FOLFIRINOX