Collegeville

Researchers are studying the effects of adding olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, after surgery and chemotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer that has been surgically removed and who have mutations in BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 genes. This phase II trial aims to see if olaparib can improve relapse-free survival compared to placebo. The study also evaluates overall survival and differences in outcomes based on mutation type and prior chemotherapy treatment. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either olaparib or a placebo orally twice daily in 28-day cycles for up to 12 cycles, unless the disease progresses or side effects occur. During the treatment, patients will have CT or MRI scans and blood samples taken regularly. After treatment, participants will be followed up at 30 days, every 4 months for the first year, then every 6 months for up to 10 years. Throughout the study, patients will undergo imaging and blood tests to monitor their health and detect any recurrence of cancer. The main outcome measured is the time from randomization to disease recurrence or death. Researchers will also track overall survival for up to 10 years. Safety will be monitored, and participants will be observed regularly after treatment to assess long-term effects and disease status.

This research aims to compare two methods of monitoring pancreatic cysts and to identify biomarkers that may help detect the risk of these cysts turning into pancreatic cancer. The study evaluates whether more frequent monitoring or less frequent monitoring leads to better patient outcomes and explores various blood and imaging biomarkers for improved risk prediction. Participants are observed through two different surveillance approaches that were previously randomized but are now closed to new enrollment. One approach involves lower intensity monitoring with MRI, CT, or endoscopic ultrasound EUS scans spaced out over years, while the other involves higher intensity monitoring with more frequent imaging based on cyst size. Throughout the study, patients may also provide blood samples and undergo biopsies, fine needle aspirations, or surgery as needed. Participants are followed up regularly for five years from registration, with imaging and blood tests at intervals depending on their assigned monitoring method. Researchers collect data on clinical features, anxiety, quality of life, financial distress, healthcare costs, and outcomes such as the development of concerning pancreatic cyst features or pancreatic cancer. The study uses these measures to assess the effectiveness of monitoring strategies and the predictive value of biomarkers.

Researchers are evaluating a master screening protocol called Lung-MAP for patients with previously treated non-small cell lung cancer. This phase IIIII trial aims to develop a genomic screening method for large cancer populations and assign participants to appropriate sub-studies based on specific cancer biomarkers. The goal is to compare new targeted therapies designed to block cancer growth or spread with standard care, including sub-studies for patients not eligible for biomarker-driven treatments. The study involves screening patient specimens to determine eligibility for various biomarker-driven or non-matched sub-studies within the Lung-MAP umbrella protocol. This is a screening study without direct interventions instead, patients are assigned to different treatment sub-studies, each operating independently. The protocol also includes an optional ancillary study evaluating attitudes about the return of somatic mutation findings suggestive of germline mutations. Participants provide tumor tissue for biomarker testing, including molecular profiling and PD-L1 analysis, and may submit fresh biopsies and blood samples for circulating tumor DNA testing. Researchers will monitor screening success rates up to three years and collect patient and physician feedback on genetic findings. Participation involves signing informed consent, providing smoking history, and possibly completing surveys. The study duration and assessments vary depending on sub-study assignment and patient progression.

This trial studies adults with advanced non-small cell lung cancer NSCLC that has spread outside the lungs and has specific mutations in the EGFR gene. Researchers are comparing two treatment approaches osimertinib alone versus osimertinib combined with bevacizumab. The study aims to evaluate how these treatments affect the time patients live without disease progression and overall survival, as well as their effects on brain metastases and treatment safety. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives osimertinib pills daily every 21 days, while the other group receives osimertinib daily plus an intravenous infusion of bevacizumab every 21 days. Treatment continues until disease progression or unacceptable side effects occur. During the study, participants undergo tests including echocardiography, MUGA scans, CT scans, and possibly MRI, along with blood and urine sample collection. After treatment ends, participants are followed every three months for up to 10 years to monitor disease status and survival. Researchers will assess progression-free survival, overall survival, response rates, time to brain progression, and side effects. The study includes long-term follow-up to understand the lasting effects of these treatments and to explore resistance mechanisms through tumor DNA analysis.

Researchers are evaluating a phase III trial comparing shorter chemotherapy-immunotherapy without anthracycline drugs to the usual chemo-immunotherapy for treating early-stage triple negative breast cancer TNBC. This study aims to see if the shorter treatment works as well as the usual anthracycline-containing treatment. The trial also assesses patient-reported outcomes like fatigue and physical function, as well as safety and survival measures. It involves participants with specific stages of TNBC and includes detailed evaluations of tumor response and immune markers. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group receives paclitaxel, carboplatin, and pembrolizumab followed by doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and pembrolizumab, then surgery, with possible pembrolizumab after surgery. The other group receives docetaxel, carboplatin, and pembrolizumab prior to surgery, with possible pembrolizumab after surgery. Blood samples may be collected throughout the trial for research purposes. During the study, participants undergo surgery after chemotherapy-immunotherapy. They are followed every six months for two years, then annually up to five years. Assessments include breast cancer event-free survival, pathological response, distant relapse-free survival, overall survival, adverse events, and patient-reported fatigue and physical function. Quality of life and other patient-reported symptoms are also evaluated. Specimens are banked for future research. The total participation may last up to five years from registration.

Researchers are evaluating how well osimertinib works in treating patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer NSCLC that has a specific EGFR exon 20 insertion mutation. This includes patients with stage IIIB-IV disease or those whose cancer has returned after improvement. The study is a phase II trial aiming to understand the tumor response and safety profile of osimertinib in this group. Researchers also want to explore molecular and genetic markers related to treatment response and resistance. Participants receive osimertinib orally once daily in 21-day cycles, continuing until the cancer worsens or side effects become unacceptable. During treatment, patients have imaging tests like echocardiography or MUGA scans, MRI or CT scans with contrast, and blood samples collected to monitor their health and disease. After stopping treatment, patients are followed for 30 days and then every three months for up to five years to assess long-term outcomes. Throughout the study, researchers measure the best tumor response, progression-free survival, overall survival, and any side effects experienced. They also analyze blood and tumor samples to study molecular markers and resistance mechanisms. The total participation can last up to five years, including treatment and follow-up periods, with regular imaging and laboratory assessments to track the disease and patient safety.