Nowra

Researchers are investigating treatments for women with recurrent endometrial cancer that expresses different levels of the HER2 protein. The study has two groups based on the tumor's HER2 score: Cohort 1 includes patients with HER2 IHC 1+ or 2+ who have previously received immune checkpoint inhibitors and platinum-based chemotherapy, while Cohort 2 includes patients with HER2 IHC 3+. The purpose is to compare the effectiveness and safety of the investigational drug BNT323 (also called DB-1303) against chemotherapy in Cohort 1 and to evaluate BNT323 alone in Cohort 2. The study also looks at how the drug affects the immune system, the body's handling of the drug, quality of life, and potential side effects. Participants in Cohort 1 are randomly assigned to receive either BNT323 via intravenous infusion or a chemotherapy drug chosen by the investigator (doxorubicin, paclitaxel, or docetaxel if paclitaxel is unsuitable). Treatment continues until the cancer progresses, unacceptable side effects occur, or the participant withdraws consent. Those in Cohort 2 receive BNT323 alone until disease progression or other discontinuation criteria are met. The study includes a screening period, a treatment period expected to last about six months, followed by safety monitoring, efficacy follow-up, and long-term survival follow-up lasting up to approximately 53 months. During the study, participants undergo regular assessments including imaging scans to measure tumor response by RECIST criteria, safety monitoring for adverse effects, and evaluations of quality of life. Researchers also study the pharmacokinetics of BNT323 and the immune response. The main outcomes measured are progression-free survival in Cohort 1 and objective response rate in Cohort 2. Safety follow-up ensures ongoing monitoring after treatment to evaluate longer-term effects and participant wellbeing.

Researchers are studying the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of ponsegromab combined with standard chemotherapy compared to chemotherapy with placebo in adults who have cachexia and metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. This Phase 2b/3 study includes participants who have already completed initial chemotherapy cycles and aims to evaluate ponsegromab as a first-line treatment option for this condition. The study includes a randomized, double-blind design conducted across multiple centers and countries. Participants will receive either one of two doses of ponsegromab or a placebo, both given alongside standard chemotherapy regimens such as nab-paclitaxel plus gemcitabine or FOLFIRINOX. The study intervention is administered subcutaneously every four weeks. After Phase 2b, one ponsegromab dose will be selected for Phase 3, and participants may continue or switch doses accordingly while maintaining blinding. An optional open-label extension allows participants to receive ponsegromab for up to 12 months after the double-blind study period. During the study, participants will undergo tumor assessments every 6 to 8 weeks by independent radiologists. Researchers will measure body weight changes and anorexia symptoms over 12 weeks to assess treatment impact. The study also includes a caregiver sub-study to explore the quality of life and well-being of primary caregivers. Treatment continues until discontinuation, withdrawal, death, or study completion based on overall survival events.

Researchers are working on the ETHOS II Project to improve care for people with hepatitis C virus (HCV) in drug treatment clinics and needle and syringe programs (NSPs) across New South Wales and Australia. The project aims to create a framework for better HCV screening and treatment services in these settings nationally. It is a collaborative effort involving multiple health and research organizations, focusing on individuals with a history of injecting drug use or those receiving opioid substitution therapy. The study involves an intervention that includes on-site HCV RNA testing, liver fibrosis assessment, and helping participants connect to care to increase the use of direct-acting antiviral therapy for HCV. Participants will undergo procedures such as Hepatitis C testing, fibroscan, questionnaires, and clinical assessments during "campaign days." A sub-study will invite 550 participants to provide blood samples to evaluate new diagnostic tests for chronic HCV infection. The project also includes interviews with policy makers, clinicians, and patients to understand challenges in HCV care, and the development of an education and training program to improve workforce skills and HCV care quality. Participants will be recruited from drug treatment clinics, general practices, and NSP programs. They will complete surveys and may consent to link their data with health databases for ongoing study. The main outcome measured is the number of participants starting anti-HCV treatment each year for up to three years. Researchers will monitor participant health records and follow up through medical record reviews, ensuring thorough tracking of treatment initiation and care engagement throughout the study duration.

Researchers are evaluating treatments for people with classical Hodgkin lymphoma that has returned or not responded to previous therapy. The study aims to compare two new drugs, pembrolizumab and brentuximab vedotin, against the current standard salvage therapy consisting of gemcitabine, dexamethasone, and cisplatin. This is a Phase II randomized trial designed to see if the new drug combination provides better outcomes than the standard treatment, which is approved in Canada and helps control lymphoma growth and symptoms for some time. Participants receive either the new drug combination or the standard GDP chemotherapy as salvage therapy. Pembrolizumab is given intravenously at 200 mg over 30 minutes every 21 days, while brentuximab vedotin is given intravenously at 1.8 mg/kg over 30 minutes every 21 days. The standard group receives gemcitabine 1000 mg/m2 IV on days 1 and 8, dexamethasone 40 mg daily by mouth on days 1 to 4, and cisplatin 75 mg/m2 IV over 1 hour on day 1. After salvage therapy, all participants proceed to high-dose chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant. During the study, participants are closely monitored through clinical and radiological assessments to measure treatment response by PET scans using Deauville criteria over 52 months. Researchers also evaluate safety and quality of life using questionnaires. Blood tests and other lab measures are used to check organ function. Participants must be available for treatment, follow-up visits, and complete requested assessments. The study tracks how well the lymphoma responds to treatment and the overall health and well-being of participants over time.