Treatment of advanced liver cancer with TQB2223 and AK105 injections

Phase Ib Clinical Study Evaluating the Efficacy and Safety of TQB2223 Injection Combined With Penpulimab Injection in the Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma

This study is testing a new combination of injections for adults with advanced liver cancer to see if it helps their immune system fight the disease better.

Quick facts

• Phase: Phase 1
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 34 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. (Industry-sponsored)
• Drugs / interventions: chemotherapy, immunotherapy
• Locations: 3 sites (Harbin, Heilongjiang and 2 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT06320080 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase Ib clinical trial evaluates the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of TQB2223, a fully human antibody that targets LAG-3, in combination with AK105 for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma. The study aims to enhance T-cell proliferation and cytokine production to improve treatment outcomes. Eligible participants include adults aged 18 to 75 with specific liver cancer staging and no prior immunotherapy for advanced HCC.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma who have not previously received immunotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with liver cancer who have received prior immunotherapy or have severe liver function impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new therapeutic option for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies targeting LAG-3 have shown promise, suggesting potential for success in this novel combination approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18 to 75 years old, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 to 1, and life expectancy ≥3 months;
* Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients confirmed by pathological histology or cytology examination or meeting the clinical diagnostic criteria for hepatocellular carcinoma according to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) or the Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines for Primary Liver Cancer (2022 edition);
* Have not received any immunotherapy for advanced HCC previously;
* Subjects with a China liver cancer staging (CNLC) of stage III \[or Barcelona clinical staging of liver cancer (BCLC) of stage C\], or CNLC-II (BCLC-B) subjects who are not suitable for local treatment (such as hepatic artery chemotherapy and embolization) and surgical treatment, or cannot benefit from local treatment and surgical treatment as determined by the investigators;
* Child Pugh liver function grading: Grade A or B (≤ 7 points)
* Subjects with advanced malignant tumors who failed standard treatment or lacked effective treatment;
* The main organs function well;
* Male or female patient had no plans to become pregnant and agree to voluntarily take effective contraceptive measures during the study to at least 6 months after the last dose of study drug.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Concurrent secondary malignancy or other malignancy with no evidence of disease within 5 years prior to the first dose;
* Within 28 days prior to the first dose, received significant surgical treatment, or with obvious traumatic injury or long-term unhealed wound or fracture;
* Patients who experienced any bleeding or bleeding events ≥ CTC AE level 3 within 4 weeks prior to the first dose; Individuals who have experienced arterial/venous thrombosis events within 6 months prior to the first dose, such as cerebrovascular accidents, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism; Low molecular weight heparin treatment is allowed, and antiplatelet drugs are prohibited throughout the entire study period;
* A history of gastrointestinal bleeding such as active gastric and duodenal ulcers, persistent positive fecal occult blood, and ulcerative colitis within 6 months prior to the first dose; Or other conditions determined by investigators that may cause gastrointestinal bleeding or perforation;
* Patients with portal hypertension and at high risk of bleeding considered by the investigators, or have been confirmed by gastroscopy to have red signs or severe esophageal and gastric varicose veins.
* Individuals with a history of psychiatric drug abuse who are unable to quit or have mental disorders;
* Individuals who have previously received or are preparing to undergo allogeneic bone marrow transplantation or solid organ transplantation within 6 months;
* History of hepatic encephalopathy;
* History of uncontrolled intercurrent illness;
* Participants who have participated in other clinical trials of anti-tumor drugs and used other investigational anti-tumor drugs within 4 weeks prior to the first dose;
* Unstable or serious concurrent medical conditions, as assessed by the Investigators, that would substantially increase the risk-benefit ratio of participating in the study.

Where this trial is running

Harbin, Heilongjiang and 2 other locations

• Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Harbin Medical University — Harbin, Heilongjiang, China (Not_yet_recruiting)
• Hubei Provincial Tumor Hospital — Wuhan, Hubei, China (Not_yet_recruiting)
• Hunan Provincial Tumor Hospital — Changsha, Hunan, China (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Shanzhi Gu, Master

Conditions Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma