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Urothelial CarcinomaPhase 2NCT02500121

Testing the PD-1 Inhibitor Pembrolizumab as Maintenance Therapy After Initial Chemotherapy in Metastatic Bladder Cancer

A Phase 2 study testing Pembrolizumab in people with Urothelial Carcinoma and Bladder Cancer, run by Matthew Galsky at 28 sites in United States.

Completed

Finished. The study has ended and is not enrolling. Results may be posted on the official record.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

This is a multi-institutional, randomized, placebo controlled, double-blinded phase II trial of maintenance pembrolizumab versus placebo after first-line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic urothelial cancer who have achieved at least stable disease on first-line chemotherapy. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older
Conditions the study is for
Urothelial Carcinoma, Bladder Cancer
What is being tested?
Pembrolizumab
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
108 participants
Where
28 sitesUnited States
Study dates
11 Nov 2015to 1 Jan 2021
Phase
Phase 2
Are there results?
Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 years and older
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Written informed consent and HIPAA authorization for release of personal health information. NOTE: HIPAA authorization may be included in the informed consent or obtained separately.
  • Age ≥ 18 years at the time of consent.
  • ECOG Performance Status (PS) of ≤ 1 within fourteen days of registration for protocol therapy.
  • Histological or cytological evidence of urothelial cancer of the bladder, urethra, ureter, or renal pelvis. Differentiation with variant histologies (e.g., squamous cell differentiated) will be permitted provided that the predominant histology is urothelial carcinoma.
  • Metastatic and/or unresectable (cT4b) disease
  • Must have achieved an objective response (CR/PR) or stable disease (SD) after 4 to 6 cycles of standard first-line platinum-based chemotherapy for mUC (e.g., as per NCCN guidelines). Able to commence study treatment within 2 to 6 weeks of receiving last dose of first-line chemotherapy.
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  • All subjects must have adequate archival tissue available prior to registration (i.e., at least 20 unstained slides or paraffin block). If acceptable archival tissue is not available, the subject must be willing to consent to providing a core or excisional biopsy for research prior to registration for protocol therapy. If archival tissue is not available and there are no sites amenable to biopsy, enrollment must be discussed with the sponsor-investigator on a case by case basis.
  • Female subjects of childbearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy within three days prior to registration for protocol therapy
  • Sexually active, pre-menopausal women of childbearing potential must be willing to use an adequate method of contraception or be surgically sterile, or abstain from heterosexual activity for the course of the study through 120 days after the last dose of study drug. Subjects of childbearing potential are those who have not been surgically sterilized or have not been free from menses for > one year.
  • Male subjects of childbearing potential must agree to use an adequate method of contraception starting with the first dose of study drug through 120 days after the last dose of study drug.

Who cannot join

  • More than one line of prior chemotherapy for metastatic or locally advanced disease, with the following exception:
  • Prior neoadjuvant/adjuvant chemotherapy will not count as line of therapy if completed greater than 12 months prior to initiation of chemotherapy regimen for metastatic or unresectable disease.
  • Current or past participation in a study of an investigational agent or using an investigational device within four weeks of registration for protocol therapy.
  • A diagnosis of immunodeficiency or is receiving treatment with systemic steroid therapy or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within seven days prior to registration for protocol therapy.
  • Prior chemotherapy, targeted small molecule therapy, or radiation therapy within two weeks prior to registration for protocol therapy. Note: If the subjects have undergone major surgery, they must have recovered adequately from the toxicity and/or complications from the intervention prior to starting protocol therapy.
  • A known additional malignancy that is progressing or requires active treatment. Exceptions include basal cell carcinoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, or in situ cervical cancer that has undergone potentially curative therapy.
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  • A known active central nervous system (CNS) metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis. Subjects with previously treated brain metastases may participate provided they are stable (without evidence of progression by imaging for at least four weeks prior to registration for protocol therapy and any neurologic symptoms have returned to baseline), have no evidence of new or enlarging brain metastases, and are not using steroids for at least seven days prior to registration for protocol therapy.
  • Active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in past 2 years (i.e. with use of disease modifying agents, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs). Replacement therapy (eg., thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, etc.) is not considered a form of systemic treatment.
  • Has evidence of active, non-infectious pneumonitis.
  • Has a history of interstitial lung disease.
  • An active infection requiring systemic therapy.
  • A history or current evidence of any condition, therapy, or laboratory abnormality that might confound the results of the trial, interfere with the subject's participation for the full duration of the trial, or is not in the best interest of the subject to participate, in the opinion of the treating Investigator.
  • Known psychiatric or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with cooperation with the requirements of the trial.
  • Is pregnant or breastfeeding, or expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the trial, starting with the screening period through 120 days after the last dose of protocol therapy.
  • Prior therapy with an anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, anti-PD-L2, anti-CD137, or anti-Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) antibody (including ipilimumab or any other antibody or drug specifically targeting T-cell co-stimulation or checkpoint pathways). Examples include nivolumab, MPDL3280, etc.
  • A known history of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (HIV 1/2 antibodies).
  • A known active Hepatitis B (e.g., HBsAg reactive) or Hepatitis C (e.g., HCV RNA [qualitative] is detected).
  • Receipt of a live vaccine within 30 days prior to registration for protocol therapy.
  • Unresolved toxicity (i.e., > Grade 1 or above baseline) due to previously administered agents. Exception includes: subjects with ≤ Grade 2 neuropathy are eligible for the study.

Trial locations and contacts

28 sites in 1 country.

28 sites in 1 country

United States28 sites
  • University of New Mexico Cancer Center

    Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87106

  • University of Maryland

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21201

  • Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21231

  • Roswell Park Cancer Institute

    Buffalo, New York, 14263

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27514

  • Medical University of South Carolina

    Charleston, South Carolina, 29425

  • Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

    Columbus, Ohio, 43210

  • Henry Ford Health System

    Detroit, Michigan, 48202

  • City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center

    Duarte, California, 91010

  • University of Florida

    Gainesville, Florida, 32610

  • IU Health Goshen Center for Cancer Care

    Goshen, Indiana, 46526

  • The John Theuer Cancer Center at Hackensack University Medical Center

    Hackensack, New Jersey, 07601

  • Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center

    Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202

  • IU Health Central Indiana Cancer Center

    Indianapolis, Indiana, 46219

  • Community Regional Cancer Care

    Indianapolis, Indiana, 46256

  • University of Southern California

    Los Angeles, California, 90033

  • University of Minnesota

    Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455

  • Community Healthcare System

    Munster, Indiana, 46321

  • Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

    Nashville, Tennessee, 37232

  • Tisch Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai Medical Center

    New York, New York, 10029

  • Virginia Oncology Associates

    Norfolk, Virginia, 23502

  • GU Cancer Research Network, LLC

    Omaha, Nebraska, 68130

  • Fox Chase Cancer Center

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19111

  • University of Arizona at Dignity Health St. Joseph's

    Phoenix, Arizona, 85004

  • University of Rochester Medical Center

    Rochester, New York, 14642

  • Huntsman Cancer Institute University of Utah

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112

  • Washington University: Siteman Cancer Center

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110

  • Georgetown University

    Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20057

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: A Randomized, Double-blinded, Phase II Study of Maintenance Pembrolizumab Versus Placebo After First-Line Chemotherapy in Patients With Metastatic Urothelial Cancer: Hoosier Cancer Research Network GU14-182

This is a multi-institutional, randomized, placebo controlled, double-blinded phase II trial of maintenance pembrolizumab versus placebo after first-line chemotherapy in patients with metastatic urothelial cancer who have achieved at least stable disease on first-line chemotherapy.

Read the detailed description

OUTLINE: This is a multi-center trial.

Eligible subjects will be 1:1 randomized to placebo (Control Arm A) and pembrolizumab (Experimental Arm B). Stratification factors for randomization: presence of visceral metastatic disease (lung, liver, or bone or other organs vs. lymph node only) at the time of initiation of first-line chemotherapy, and response to first-line chemotherapy (CR/PR vs. SD. Subjects who progress on placebo will be assessed to determine if they are eligible to cross over to unblinded treatment with pembrolizumab.

INVESTIGATIONAL TREATMENT:

For Control Arm A, commercially available normal saline will be used as the placebo. No active placebo drug will be mixed with the normal saline.

For Experimental Arm B, pembrolizumab (or placebo), 200 mg intravenous infusion (IV) every 3 weeks for up to 12 months, or until progressive disease (PD) or unacceptable toxicity.

The following required laboratory values must be obtained within fourteen days prior to registration for protocol therapy:

Hematopoietic:

  • Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥1,500 /mcL
  • Platelets ≥100,000 / mcL
  • Hemoglobin ≥8.5 g/dL

Renal:

  • Creatinine ≤1.5x ULN OR
  • Measured or calculated creatinine clearance ≥30 mL/min for subject with creatinine levels >1.5x institutional ULN
  • GFR can also be used in place of creatinine or CrCl

Hepatic:

  • Serum total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 X ULN OR
  • Direct bilirubin ≤ ULN for subjects with total bilirubin levels > 1.5 ULN
  • AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) ≤ 2.5 X ULN OR ≤ 5 X ULN for subject with liver metastases

Coagulation:

  • International Normalized Ratio (INR) or Prothrombin Time (PT) ≤1.5 X ULN. If subject is on anticoagulant therapy, PT or PTT must be within therapeutic range of intended use of anticoagulants.
Being tested
Placebo, Pembrolizumab
Keywords
Pembrolizumab, PD-1 Inhibitor
Medical subject headings
Carcinoma, Transitional Cell, Urinary Bladder Neoplasms

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • PlaceboOther

    Normal saline

  • PembrolizumabDrug

    Pembrolizumab, 200mg IV every 3 weeks until progressive disease, unacceptable toxicity, or for up to 24 months

Study groups in NCT02500121
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Control Arm APlacebo comparatorCommercially available normal saline will be used as the placebo. No active placebo drug will be mixed with the normal saline. Treatment will continue, in the absence of prohibitive toxicities or disease progression, for up to 24 months.
Receives: Other: Placebo
Experimental Arm BExperimentalPembrolizumab, 200mg IV every 3 weeks. Treatment will continue, in the absence of prohibitive toxicities or disease progression, for up to 24 months.
Receives: Drug: Pembrolizumab

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Progression-free Survival (PFS)

    Measured at the time from randomization to death or progression, depending on which occurs first, as per immune-related RECIST (irRECIST). Progression is defined using Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors Criteria (RECIST v1.0), as a 20% increase in the sum of the longest diameter of target lesions, or a measurable increase in a non-target lesion, or the appearance of new lesions

    Measured: Calculated after a median follow-up time of 12.9 months

Secondary outcomes (5)
  1. 6-month PFS as Per irRECIST

    Probability that subjects remain alive and progression free at 6 months post randomization per irRECIST criteria. Progression is defined using Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors Criteria (RECIST v1.0), as a 20% increase in the sum of the longest diameter of target lesions, or a measurable increase in a non-target lesion, or the appearance of new lesions.

    Measured: Six months after randomization

  2. Number of Subjects With Adverse Events as a Measure of the Safety and Tolerability of Pembrolizumab

    Percentage of subjects with treatment-emergent grade 3-4 toxicities, as per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v 4.0

    Measured: Every 3 weeks beginning with C1D1 for up to 24 months

  3. Objective Response Rate (ORR) Assessment of Subjects on Maintenance Pembrolizumab vs Placebo

    The objective response rate is the percentage of all subjects with confirmed PR or CR according to RECIST, from the start of treatment until disease progression/recurrence (taking as reference for progressive disease the smallest measurements recorded since the start of treatment)

    Complete Response per RECIST 1.1 is defined as the disappearance of all target and non-target lesions and the reduction in size of any pathologic lymph nodes to <10mm in the absence of the appearance of any new lesions.

    Partial Response per RECIST 1.1 is defined by at least a 30% decrease in the sum of the diameters of target lesions when compared to baseline, no equivocal progression of non-target disease and no appearance of new lesions.

    Measured: Response assessed every 12 weeks from the date of randomization to the date of documented disease progression or date of death, whichever occurs first, assessed for up to a maximum of 104 weeks (24 months)

  4. ORR Assessment of Subjects Receiving Pembrolizumab After Progressing on Placebo

    The objective response rate is the percentage of all subjects with confirmed PR or CR according to RECIST, from the start of treatment until disease progression/recurrence (taking as reference for progressive disease the smallest measurements recorded since the start of treatment)

    Complete Response per RECIST 1.1 is defined as the disappearance of all target and non-target lesions and the reduction in size of any pathologic lymph nodes to <10mm in the absence of the appearance of any new lesions.

    Partial Response per RECIST 1.1 is defined by at least a 30% decrease in the sum of the diameters of target lesions when compared to baseline, no equivocal progression of non-target disease and no appearance of new lesions.

    Measured: Every 12 weeks from the first treatment on the crossover to the date of documented disease progression, per irRECIST 1.1, assessed for up to a maximum of 104 weeks (24 months)

  5. Median Overall Survival (OS) Time in Subjects Treated With Pembrolizumab vs Placebo

    Median time from randomization until death from any cause in subjects treated with pembrolizumab vs placebo.

    Measured: From randomization until death from any cause. Reported after a median follow-up of 12.9 months.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted16 Jul 2015 (estimated)
  2. Study start11 Nov 2015
  3. Primary completion1 Jul 2019
  4. Study completion1 Jan 2021

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Quadruple blind
Who is masked
Participant, Care provider, Investigator, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
108 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT02500121
Sponsor's protocol ID
HCRN GU14-182
Status last verified
Sep 2022
First submitted
8 Jul 2015
Last updated
30 Sep 2022
Data monitoring committee
Yes
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Galsky MD, Mortazavi A, Milowsky MI, George S, Gupta S, Fleming MT, Dang LH, Geynisman DM, Walling R, Alter RS, Kassar M, Wang J, Gupta S, Davis N, Picus J, Philips G, Quinn DI, Haines GK 3rd, Hahn NM, Zhao Q, Yu M, Pal SK. Randomized Double-Blind Phase II Study of Maintenance Pembrolizumab Versus Placebo After First-Line Chemotherapy in Patients With Metastatic Urothelial Cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2020 Jun 1;38(16):1797-1806. doi: 10.1200/JCO.19.03091. Epub 2020 Apr 9.

    PubMed 32271672

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 2 study testing Pembrolizumab in people with Urothelial Carcinoma and Bladder Cancer, run by Matthew Galsky at 28 sites in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 10 inclusion and 19 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Sep 2022. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 28 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 30 Sep 2022). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Progression-free Survival (PFS) (time frame: Calculated after a median follow-up time of 12.9 months). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT02500121, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Sep 2022.

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