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Prostate CancerPhase 2NCT03093428

Study Evaluating the Addition of Pembrolizumab to Radium-223 in mCRPC

A Phase 2 study testing Radium-223 and Pembrolizumab in people with Prostate Cancer, run by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at 2 sites in United States.

Completed

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

Official record
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Trial summary

This research study is studying the safety and tolerability of an investigational combination of drugs, radium-223 plus pembrolizumab as a possible treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer. The interventions involved in this study are: Radium-223 Pembrolizumab Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 years and older, men only
Conditions the study is for
Prostate Cancer
What is being tested?
Radium-223 and Pembrolizumab
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
45 participants
Where
2 sitesUnited States
Study dates
9 Jun 2017to 28 Feb 2025
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
  • Men only
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate
  • Castration-resistant prostate cancer requires the following 3 criteria:
  • Progression after surgical castration or on GnRH agonist or antagonist
  • A castrate level of testosterone (<50ng/dL)
  • Prostate cancer progression documented by PSA rise or bone progression according to PCWG2
  • There is no limit to number of prior therapies
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  • Metastatic disease by bone scan
  • Age ≥18 years
  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1
  • Be willing to undergo a core or excisional biopsy of a bone metastasis prior to study drug initiation for tumor tissue. Newly-obtained is defined as a specimen obtained up to 12 weeks (84 days) prior to initiation of treatment on Day 1. Bone biopsy can have been done prior to screening; archival specimens of bone metastasis are permitted if done for other purpose and available.
  • --If biopsy is non-diagnostic, patient must undergo repeat biopsy as proof of tumor tissue by pathology review. Proof of tumor specimen is required for eligibility.
  • Be willing to undergo a second core or excisional biopsy of a bone metastasis on therapy (approximately after 8 weeks of study therapy or after 2 doses of radium-223 if delays have occurred).
  • Demonstrate adequate organ function as defined below, all screening labs for eligibility should be performed within 30 days prior to treatment initiation.
  • Hematological
  • Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1,500 /mcL
  • Platelets ≥ 100,000 / mcL
  • Hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dL or ≥ 5.6 mmol/L; transfusions permitted
  • Renal
  • --Serum creatinine OR Measured or calculated creatinine clearance (GFR can also be used in place of creatinine or CrCl) ≤ 1.5 X institutional upper limit of normal (ULN) OR
  • ≥30 mL/min for subject with creatinine levels > 1.5 X institutional ULN
  • Hepatic
  • Serum total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 X institutional ULN OR Direct bilirubin ≤ institutional ULN for subjects with total bilirubin levels > 1.5 institutional ULN
  • AST (SGOT) and ALT (SGPT) ≤ 2.5 X institutional ULN
  • Albumin > 2.5 mg/dL
  • Coagulation
  • --International Normalized Ratio (INR) or Prothrombin Time (PT) ≤1.5 X institutional ULN unless subject is receiving anticoagulant therapy as long as PT or PTT is within therapeutic range of intended use of anticoagulants
  • Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) ≤1.5 X institutional ULN unless subject is receiving anticoagulant therapy as long as PT or PTT is within therapeutic range of intended use of anticoagulants
  • Creatinine clearance should be calculated per institutional standard.
  • The effects of radium-223 and pembrolizumab on the developing human fetus are unknown. For this reason, men must agree to use adequate contraception. Specifically, they must agree to use a condom (even men with vasectomies) and another effective method of birth control if he is having sex with a woman of childbearing potential or agree to use a condom if he is having sex with a woman who is pregnant while on study drug and for 120 days (4 months) following the last dose of study drug. They must also agree not to donate sperm during the study and for 4 months after receiving the last dose of study drug.
  • Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.

Who cannot join

  • Pathology consistent with majority of specimen having small cell carcinoma of the prostate (prostate cancer with other neuroendocrine features is acceptable).
  • Prior treatment with radium-223
  • Prior treatment with a PD-1, PD-L1, or PD-L2 blocking therapy
  • Evidence of nodal disease greater than or equal to 15 mm in short axis as these findings are concerning for metastases that would not be targeted with radium-223 alone (Arm B). However, lymph nodes with short axis measurements between 1.5-3cm that have not enlarged more than 5mm (to account for reader variability) over the last 6 months and which are not inducing symptoms, causing obstruction, or in the opinion of the investigator pose a risk of impending obstruction of any structures, will be allowed.
  • Pulmonary nodules >10 mm
  • --Pulmonary nodules >10mm that have been stable for >6 months and are not clearly metastatic disease per the treating investigator are permitted
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  • Soft tissue components of bone metastases ≥ 1.0 cm in longest axis
  • --Soft tissue components of bone metastases < 1.0 cm that have been stable for >6 months (must not have enlarged > 5mm) are permitted
  • Soft tissue lesions ≥ 1.0 cm in longest axis
  • --Soft tissue lesions < 1.0 cm that have been stable for > 6 months (must not have enlarged > 5mm) are permitted.
  • If present, primary disease in the prostate must be stable for > 6 months (defined as no growth > 5mm)
  • Evidence of local recurrence in the prostate bed
  • Evidence of liver metastases or visceral disease
  • Has a diagnosis of immunodeficiency
  • Receiving systemic steroid therapy or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to the first dose of trial treatment. Patients who have received acute, low-dose, systemic immunosuppressant medications (e.g., limited low-dose dexamethasone for nausea, multiple doses for contrast allergy) may be enrolled in the study and would not require a 7 day washout.
  • Has a known history of active TB (Bacillus Tuberculosis)
  • Has had a prior anti-cancer monoclonal antibody (mAb) within 4 weeks prior to study Day 1 or who has not recovered (i.e., ≤ Grade 1 or at baseline) from adverse events due to agents administered more than 4 weeks earlier.
  • Has had prior systemic therapy (exception: GnRH agonist or antagonist) or radiation therapy for prostate cancer within 2 weeks prior to study Day 1. There must be at least a 2 week washout period from last dose of any prior systemic or radiation therapy for prostate cancer prior to Day 1 of study treatment (including nonsteroidal antiandrogens). Screening may commence during this washout window.
  • Any patient who has not recovered (i.e., ≤ Grade 1 or at baseline) from adverse events due to a previously administered systemic agent or radiation therapy.
  • Exceptions: Subjects with ≤ Grade 2 neuropathy, hot flashes, or hypertension may qualify for the study if all other eligibility criteria met.
  • Other toxicity or complications that are deemed by the treating investigator as not clinically significant (e.g., urinary incontinence from past prostatectomy)
  • Diethylstilbestrol, estrogens, saw palmetto, or other preparations that are known to have possible endocrine effects on prostate cancer that have been started within the past 8 weeks, as they may affect PSA levels or response. These are allowed if the patient has been on a stable dose for at least 8 weeks prior to C1D1.
  • Receiving other investigational agents
  • History of allergic reactions to compounds with similar biologic or chemical composition to pembrolizumab or Radium-223
  • Has a known additional malignancy that is progressing or requires active treatment. Exceptions include basal cell carcinoma of the skin or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin that has is planned for curative therapy.
  • Has 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 the first dose of trial treatment 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 7 days prior to trial treatment. This exception does not include carcinomatous meningitis, which is excluded regardless of clinical stability.
  • Has active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in the 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 and is allowed.
  • Has known history of, or any evidence of active, non-infectious pneumonitis. A history of radiation pneumonitis which is asymptomatic with no signs of active process is allowed.
  • Has 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.
  • Has known psychiatric or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with cooperation with the requirements of the trial.
  • Has a known history of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (HIV 1/2 antibodies). HIV-positive participants on combination antiretroviral therapy are ineligible because of the potential for pharmacokinetic interactions with pembrolizumab. In addition, these participants are at increased risk of lethal infections when treated with marrow-suppressive therapy. Appropriate studies will be undertaken in participants receiving combination antiretroviral therapy when indicated.
  • Has known active Hepatitis B (e.g., HBsAg reactive) or Hepatitis C (e.g., HCV RNA is detected).
  • Has received a live vaccine within 30 days of planned start of study therapy.
  • Note: Seasonal influenza vaccines for injection are generally inactivated flu vaccines and are allowed; however intranasal influenza vaccines (e.g., Flu-Mist®) are live attenuated vaccines, and are not allowed.
  • Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, severe or unstable angina, myocardial infarction, symptomatic congestive heart failure (defined as New York Heart Association Grade II or greater), arterial or venous thromboembolic events (e.g., pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular accident including transient ischemic attacks) or clinically significant ventricular arrhythmias within 6 months prior to randomization; or significant vascular disease (e.g., aortic aneurysm, aortic dissection), symptomatic peripheral vascular disease
  • Evidence of QTc prolongation as defined as QTcF > 470 ms
  • Inability to comply with study and/or follow-up procedures

Trial locations and contacts

2 sites in 1 country.

United States2 sites

  • Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115

  • Dana Farber Cancer Institute

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02115

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: A Randomized, Phase II Study Evaluating the Addition of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) to Radium-223 in Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer (mCRPC)

This research study is studying the safety and tolerability of an investigational combination of drugs, radium-223 plus pembrolizumab as a possible treatment for castration-resistant prostate cancer.

The interventions involved in this study are:

  • Radium-223
  • Pembrolizumab
Read the detailed description

This research study is a Phase II clinical trial. Phase II clinical trials test the safety and effectiveness of an investigational intervention to learn whether the intervention works in treating a specific disease. "Investigational" means that the intervention is being studied.

The FDA (the U.S. Food and Drug Administration) has approved radium-223 by itself as a treatment option for the participant's disease.

The FDA has not approved pembrolizumab for the participant's specific disease, but it has been approved for other uses, such as a type of skin cancer called melanoma.

In this research study, the investigators are evaluating the immune response, safety and tolerability of the combination of pembrolizumab (a type of immunotherapy drug) plus radium-223. Pembrolizumab works to block the PD-1 pathway, which plays an important role in lessening the activity of one's immune system to fight cancer. Pembrolizumab is therefore referred to as a PD-1 inhibitor, and acts by stimulating the patient's T cells, which are important immune cells, to attack tumors and treat cancer. Radium-223 targets cancer that exists in the bone directly. Radium-223 binds to minerals in the bone to deliver radiation directly to the cancer that has spread to the bones while limiting damage to the surrounding body tissues. Part of this study is to look at whether the investigators may more effectively control the participant's prostate cancer by combining these drugs. Radium-223 may kill cancer cells and release proteins specific to the tumor. The participant's immune system can then use those proteins to teach the T cells what the cancer looks like, and identify it for attack. Pembrolizumab can increase the number and activity of these immune cells, building a T cell "army" specialized to recognize and attack the cancer. The way these two drugs work on the cancer and the immune system may result in better control of the tumor than just radium-223 alone but needs to be investigated.

Conditions
Prostate Cancer
Being tested
Radium-223, Pembrolizumab
Keywords
Prostate Cancer
Medical subject headings
Prostatic Neoplasms

What participants receive

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

  • Radium-223Drug

    Also called Xofigo

    Radium-223 is a calcium mimetic that hones in on bone metastases. It binds to new bone stroma and emits alpha particles, which induce double-stranded DNA breaks that result in tumor cell death.

  • PembrolizumabDrug

    Also called Keytruda

    Pembrolizumab is a PD-1 inhibitor. Pembrolizumab binds to human PD-1 and blocks the interaction between PD1 and its ligands.

Study groups in NCT03093428
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Pembrolizumab Plus Radium-223Experimental* Radium-223 will be administered intravenously every 4 weeks at a pre-determined dose * Pembrolizumab will be administered intravenously every 3 weeks at a pre-determined dose Radium-223 will be halted after 3 doses. Once radiographic progressive disease occurs, the last 3 doses of radium will be given.
Receives: Drug: Radium-223; Drug: Pembrolizumab
Radium-223Experimental- Radium-223 will be administered intravenously every 4 weeks at a pre-determined dose
Receives: Drug: Radium-223

What is being measured

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

  1. Number of Participants With Increased Immune Cell Infiltration Across Arms

    Differences in immune infiltrating cells (CD8+ T-cells and CD4+ T-cells) in bone biopsy specimens were compared from baseline to 8 weeks on study therapy between the treatment arms.

    Measured: 2 months

Secondary outcomes (3)

  1. Number of Participants With Grade 3 or Higher Treatment Related Adverse Events

    Adverse events were assessed using NCI CTCAE (version 4.0). Treatment related adverse events were those that were deemed as "Definitely", "Probably" and "Possibly" related to the study treatment.

    Measured: Toxicity was assessed every cycle and up to 22.4 months.

  2. Median Progression-Free Survival

    Progression-free survival (PFS) is defined as the time from the first dose of study drug to the earlier of the first documentation of definitive disease progression by RECIST v 1.1 for soft tissue disease and PCWG2 guidelines for bone disease or death due to any cause, or censored at last imaging date.

    Per RECIST, progression is defined 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.

    For the bone per PCWG2 criteria, appearance of at least 2 new lesions within 12 weeks and confirmed by a second scan >=6 weeks.

    Median PFS is estimated using Kaplan-Meier method.

    Measured: Imaging was performed every 12 weeks and up to 25 months.

  3. Median Overall Survival

    Overall Survival (OS) is defined as the time from randomization (or registration) to death due to any cause, or censored at date last known alive. Median OS is estimated using Kaplan-Meier method.

    Measured: Participants were followed up for ~36 months.

Timeline

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

  1. First posted28 Mar 2017
  2. Study start9 Jun 2017
  3. Primary completion9 Apr 2020
  4. Study completion28 Feb 2025

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
None (open label)
Enrolment
45 participants (actual)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT03093428
Sponsor's protocol ID
16-498
Status last verified
Mar 2025
First submitted
15 Mar 2017
Last updated
28 Mar 2025
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 2 study testing Radium-223 and Pembrolizumab in people with Prostate Cancer, run by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at 2 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 30 inclusion and 37 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 28 Mar 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 2 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. 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 20 Jul 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?

Number of Participants With Increased Immune Cell Infiltration Across Arms (time frame: 2 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 NCT03093428.

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 28 Mar 2025.

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