Umea

Researchers are evaluating the safety, tolerability, and therapeutic effects of a combination treatment using BNT113 and pembrolizumab compared to pembrolizumab alone for patients with unresectable recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that is positive for human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16+) and expresses the PD-L1 protein with a combined positive score of 1 or higher. This Phase II/III trial includes patients whose cancer cannot be treated with local therapies and who have not received prior systemic anticancer therapy for their current disease condition. The trial consists of two parts. Part A is a non-randomized Safety Run-In Phase to confirm the safety and tolerability of BNT113 combined with pembrolizumab at the selected dose. Part B is a randomized phase that compares BNT113 plus pembrolizumab against pembrolizumab alone as first-line treatment. Patients in Part A continue their treatment without randomization. Treatments are given by intravenous injection or infusion, and patients may receive either combination therapy or monotherapy for up to 24 months. There is also an optional pre-screening phase to test tumor samples for HPV16 DNA and PD-L1 expression before entering the main trial. Participants undergo regular assessments including tumor measurements based on RECIST 1.1 criteria confirmed by independent review. Researchers monitor treatment-emergent adverse events for up to 27 months in Part A and evaluate overall survival and progression-free survival for up to 48 months in Part B. Tumor tissue samples are collected before treatment to confirm eligibility. The study involves ongoing safety monitoring and efficacy evaluations throughout the treatment and follow-up periods.

Unhealthy lifestyle habits are major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which is the leading cause of death worldwide and in Sweden. This research evaluates a digital lifestyle program developed within Swedish primary healthcare to see if it can improve important heart health outcomes and encourage healthier habits in adults aged 40 to 60. The study is a multi-center randomized trial comparing standard care alone to standard care plus the digital intervention. The main goal is to measure LDL-cholesterol levels six months after starting the study, along with other health and lifestyle factors. Participants receive standard care consisting of one structured health dialogue focused on lifestyle habits. Those in the intervention group also get access to the digital lifestyle program, which includes digital lectures, home assignments, and group meetings online. Healthcare providers can offer personalized digital support and feedback to help patients improve diet, physical activity, alcohol use, tobacco use, sleep, and stress management. The intervention is delivered entirely through digital means alongside regular primary care. During the study, participants will be monitored for changes in cholesterol levels, blood sugar, blood pressure, weight, body measurements, cardiovascular risk scores, diet, physical activity, sleep, stress, alcohol and tobacco use, and quality of life. These assessments happen six months after randomization to evaluate the effects of the intervention. The study uses these measures to understand how well the digital program supports healthier lifestyle changes and reduces cardiovascular risk.

Researchers are studying head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients with factors that increase the risk of treatment failure. The goal is to personalize treatment and improve outcomes for those receiving curative radiotherapy. This phase III trial compares the standard radiation dose to a higher dose given more frequently (hyperfractionated radiotherapy) to see if intensifying treatment benefits patients with advanced disease. The study also explores advanced imaging and genetic tests to better predict treatment response and cancer behavior. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the standard radiotherapy dose of 68.0 Gy in 34 fractions once daily or a higher hyperfractionated dose of 83.0 Gy in 68 fractions given twice daily over five days a week. Different radiation doses are targeted to the primary tumor and affected lymph nodes based on risk areas. The trial includes translational research using MRI, CT, and PET scans, as well as gene and protein analyses, to understand tumor characteristics and treatment effects. Patients with lower-risk tumors not eligible for randomization can still join the research parts that do not involve altered radiation schedules. During the study, participants will undergo regular monitoring including imaging and clinical assessments every three months for two years, then every six months up to five years to check local tumor control. Researchers will collect data from these visits along with tissue and blood samples for genetic and immune profiling. Safety, treatment adherence, and long-term outcomes will be closely followed to evaluate the impact of the different radiotherapy approaches and the predictive value of the biological tests.

Researchers are evaluating AZD0780, an oral PCSK9 inhibitor, in a phase 3, randomized, placebo-controlled study to see if it can reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE-PLUS) in adults with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) or those at high risk for a first ASCVD event. The study compares AZD0780 to a placebo and monitors participants from randomization until the primary analysis censoring date, followed by a final study closure visit. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either oral AZD0780 or an oral placebo once daily. The treatment period lasts until the primary analysis censoring date, after which a study closure visit will occur. The study is event-driven and designed to assess the time to the first major cardiovascular event during treatment. During the study, participants will be closely monitored with various assessments to evaluate cardiovascular outcomes and safety over approximately 54 months. Researchers will track the time to first event of any component of MACE-PLUS and collect data to assess the effect of AZD0780 compared to placebo. The study includes regular visits and evaluations to ensure participant safety and adherence to treatment.

Researchers are studying an intermittent dosing strategy of ibrutinib, a drug approved for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Ibrutinib is usually given daily at a continuous dose of 420 mg until the disease progresses. Due to increasing drug costs and some patients maintaining disease control even after stopping ibrutinib because of side effects, this pilot study explores whether cycling ibrutinib on and off could be effective and reduce costs and side effects. The study also looks at long-term effects on mutations related to the drug's target, Brutonb4s tyrosine kinase (BTK).

Researchers are investigating whether adding regular radiological scans during follow-up after surgery for high-risk malignant melanoma improves patient survival. This study focuses on patients who have undergone radical surgery for stage IIb-c and III cutaneous malignant melanoma. Since radiological exams can be costly, cause anxiety, and expose patients to radiation, the study aims to determine their value especially given the availability of effective medical treatments for melanoma. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups for a 3-year follow-up period. One group receives routine follow-up with regular doctor visits according to national guidelines. The other group receives the same follow-up plus whole body CT or PET scans and blood tests at baseline, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. An interim analysis will be done after 1000 patients have enrolled. Throughout the study, researchers will monitor overall survival over a 5-year period. Participants will have scheduled assessments including scans and blood tests if assigned to the imaging group. The study also tracks adherence to follow-up visits and any health changes. This approach aims to provide clear evidence on the benefit and impact of imaging during follow-up after melanoma surgery.

Researchers are conducting a phase III randomized, open-label, multicenter trial across several countries including Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Italy, Australia, and New Zealand. The study focuses on elderly patients with untreated diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), defined as patients aged 80 years or older, or those aged 75 years or older who are considered frail based on a simplified Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment. The trial aims to compare the effectiveness of two treatment regimens in this population. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either the standard R-miniCHOP treatment or an experimental R-pola-miniCHP regimen where vincristine is replaced with an immunoconjugate, polatuzumab vedotin. Both treatments involve cycles of drugs including rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and prednisone, administered over 18 weeks. The trial includes a screening period lasting up to 4 weeks, followed by the active treatment phase, and then a follow-up period lasting up to 36 months after treatment completion. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored to measure progression-free survival over 2 years as the primary outcome. The study involves regular assessments including clinical evaluations and safety monitoring. Enrollment began in the first quarter of 2020, with the last patient visit expected by the first quarter of 2027, allowing for long-term observation of treatment effects and patient outcomes.

Researchers are evaluating how well two new study drugs, CagriSema and cagrilintide, help children and adolescents with excess body weight lose weight. This trial includes participants aged 8 to less than 18 years who have overweight or obesity. The study is designed in two parts: a main study and an extension study. The main study compares CagriSema, cagrilintide, semaglutide (an already approved drug), and placebo, with treatments assigned randomly. Participants receiving semaglutide will not continue to the extension study. The total time in the main study is about 1 year and 6 months, while those in the extension study may participate for up to about 4 years and 10 months. Participants in the main study will receive one of the four treatments by subcutaneous injection. In the extension study, participants will receive either CagriSema or cagrilintide. The study drugs are monitored closely for safety, and participants may experience side effects. The study compares these new treatments to a placebo and an existing approved drug to better understand their effects on weight management in young people. During the study, researchers will measure changes in body mass index (BMI) from baseline to week 68 as the primary outcome. Participants will undergo various assessments including laboratory tests and physical evaluations. The study tracks adherence to treatment and monitors safety throughout the study period. This comprehensive approach aims to provide detailed information about the efficacy and safety of these medications for managing weight in children and adolescents.

Researchers are evaluating treatments for adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma who have previously received an anti-CD38 antibody and lenalidomide. The study compares the effectiveness of talquetamab combined with pomalidomide (Tal-P), talquetamab combined with teclistamab (Tal-Tec), and investigator's choice between two standard regimens: elotuzumab with pomalidomide and dexamethasone (EPd), or pomalidomide with bortezomib and dexamethasone (PVd). This Phase 3 trial aims to understand which combination best controls the disease progression. Participants will receive talquetamab as a subcutaneous injection, pomalidomide orally, teclistamab as a subcutaneous injection, elotuzumab intravenously, dexamethasone either orally or intravenously, and bortezomib as a subcutaneous injection. The study involves comparing these combinations with varying administration routes. The trial includes multiple treatment arms to assess different drug combinations in patients who have undergone 1 to 4 prior therapies. During the study, participants will be monitored for progression-free survival up to 3 years and 5 months. Researchers will regularly assess disease status, treatment response, and safety. Participants' performance status will be evaluated, and adherence to treatment and potential side effects will be carefully tracked. This long-term observation will help determine how well each treatment combination controls the disease over time.

Researchers are conducting a Phase 3 study to compare two front-line treatments for adults with nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that is stage IV or advanced stage IIIB/C. The study focuses on patients whose tumors have a KRAS p.G12C mutation and are negative for PD-L1 expression. The main goal is to evaluate how each treatment affects progression-free survival and overall survival over about 2.5 years. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either sotorasib combined with platinum doublet chemotherapy or pembrolizumab combined with platinum doublet chemotherapy. Sotorasib is given orally, while pembrolizumab is given intravenously. Both groups will receive the combination therapies as their initial treatment for advanced NSCLC. During the study, participants will be monitored regularly to assess treatment effects and safety. Researchers will track how long patients live without the cancer worsening and overall survival over approximately 2.5 years. The study includes evaluations to determine eligibility and ongoing assessments to monitor health and treatment response throughout the trial period.