Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Chronic Myeloid LeukemiaPhase 3ASC4STARTNCT05456191
A Study to Investigate Tolerability and Efficacy of Asciminib (Oral) Versus Nilotinib (Oral) in Adult Participants (≥18 Years of Age) With Newly Diagnosed Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in Chronic Phase (Ph+ CML-CP)
A Phase 3 study testing Asciminib and Nilotinib in people with Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, run by Novartis Pharmaceuticals at 119 sites in 24 countries.
Trial summary
The primary purpose of this study was to assess the tolerability of oral asciminib (80 mg QD) in comparison with that of the second generation (2G) Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) nilotinib (300 mg BID), in adult patients with newly diagnosed Positive Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in Chronic Phase (Ph+ CML-CP). Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 100 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
- What is being tested?
- Asciminib and Nilotinib
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 568 participants
- Where
- 119 sitesin 24 countries
- Study dates
- 21 Nov 2022to 7 Jul 2031
- Phase
- Phase 3
- 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 to 100 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Signed informed consent must be obtained prior to participation in the study.
- Male or female patients ≥ 18 years of age.
- Patients with CML-CP within 3 months of diagnosis.
- Diagnosis of CML-CP (European Leukemia Network [ELN] 2020 criteria) with cytogenetic confirmation of the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome. A cryptic Ph chromosome should be confirmed by metaphase Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) • Documented chronic phase CML will meet all the below criteria (Baccarani et al 2013): ~ < 15% blasts in peripheral blood and bone marrow,
- ~ < 30% blasts plus promyelocytes in peripheral blood and bone marrow,
- ~< 20% basophils in the peripheral blood,
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- Platelet (PLT) count ≥ 100 x 109/L (≥ 100,000/mm3),
- No evidence of extramedullary leukemic involvement, with the exception of hepatosplenomegaly.
- Evidence of typical BCR::ABL1 transcript [e14a2 and/or e13a2] which is amenable to standardized RQ-PCR quantification by the central laboratory assessment. However, if a local qualitative assay, validated according to local regulation, from an accredited local laboratory has confirmed evidence of typical BCR::ABL1 transcript [e14a2 and/or e13a2], these results can be used for eligibility if the central Real Time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (RQ-PCR) results arrived are not available at the time of randomization.
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1.
- Adequate end organ function as defined by:
- Total bilirubin (TBL) < 3 x Upper Limit of Normal (ULN); patients with Gilbert's syndrome may only be included if TBL ≤ 3.0 x ULN or direct bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x ULN,
- Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) ≥ 30 milliliters per minute (mL/min) as calculated using Cockcroft-Gault formula, Serum lipase ≤ 1.5 x ULN. For serum lipase > ULN - ≤ 1.5 x ULN, value must be considered not clinically significant and not associated with risk factors for acute pancreatitis.
- Patients must have the following laboratory values within normal limits or corrected to within normal limits with supplements prior to randomization:
- Potassium (potassium increase of up to 6.0 mmol/L is acceptable if associated with CrCl* ≥ 90 mL/min)**,
- Total calcium (corrected for serum albumin); (calcium increase of up to 12.5 mg/dl or 3.1 mmol/L is acceptable if associated with CrCl* ≥ 90 mL/min),
- Magnesium (magnesium increase of up to 3.0 mg/dL or 1.23 mmol/L if associated with CrCl* ≥ 90 mL/min),
- For patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (CrCl* ≥ 30 mL/min and <90 mL/min) - potassium, total calcium (corrected for serum albumin) and magnesium should be within normal limits or corrected to within normal limits with supplements prior to randomization.
- CrCl as calculated using Cockcroft-Gault formula.
- pseudohyperkaliemia in case of thrombocytosis is not an exclusion criterion.
- Inclusion Criteria for optional Treatment Free Remission (TFR) Phase:
- Willingness and ability to comply with scheduled visits, treatment plans, laboratory tests and other study procedures
- A minimum of 3 years (156 weeks) of treatment on study, up-to maximum of 5 years (260 weeks) of treatment.
- Sustained MR4.5 (BCR:ABL1 ≤0.0032% IS) for at least 1 year (≥52 weeks) immediately prior to entry into the TFR Phase, defined as 5 consecutive (every 12 weeks) central laboratory RQ-PCR assessments at MR4.5 or below for the course of at least a year. Entry into TFR Phase should be at an unscheduled visit or next scheduled visit no later than 12 Weeks from the last RQ-PCR assessment date at MR4.5 or lower.
- Separate signed informed consent must be obtained prior to participation in the TFR Phase.
Who cannot join
- Previous treatment of CML with any other anticancer agents including chemotherapy and/or biologic agents or prior stem cell transplant, with the exception of hydroxyurea and/or anagrelide.
- Known cytopathologically confirmed central nervous system (CNS) infiltration (in absence of suspicion of CNS involvement, lumbar puncture not required).
- Impaired cardiac function or cardiac repolarization abnormality including but not limited to any one of the following:
- History of myocardial infarction (MI), angina pectoris, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) within 6 months prior to starting study treatment.
- Clinically significant cardiac arrhythmias (e.g., ventricular tachycardia), complete left bundle branch block, high-grade atrioventricular (AV) block (e.g., bifascicular block, Mobitz type II and third degree AV block).
- QT interval corrected by Fridericia's formula (QTcF) ≥ 450 ms on the average of three serial baseline ECG (using the QTcF formula). If QTcF ≥ 450 ms and electrolytes are not within normal ranges, electrolytes should be corrected and then the patient re-screened for QTcF.
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- Long QT syndrome, family history of idiopathic sudden death or congenital long QT syndrome, or any of the following:
- Risk factors for Torsades de Pointes (TdP) including uncorrected hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia, history of cardiac failure, or history of clinically significant/symptomatic bradycardia.
- Concomitant medication(s) with a "Known risk of Torsades de Pointes" per crediblemeds.org that cannot be discontinued or replaced 7 days prior to starting study treatment by safe alternative medication.
- Inability to determine the QTcF interval.
- Severe and/or uncontrolled concurrent medical disease that in the opinion of the Investigator could cause unacceptable safety risks or compromise compliance with the protocol (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes, active or uncontrolled infection; uncontrolled arterial or pulmonary hypertension, uncontrolled clinically significant hyperlipidemia).
- History of significant congenital or acquired bleeding disorder unrelated to cancer.
- Major surgery within 4 weeks prior to study entry or patients who have not recovered from prior surgery.
- History of other active malignancy within 3 years prior to study entry with the exception of previous or concomitant basal cell skin cancer and previous carcinoma in situ treated curatively.
- History of acute pancreatitis within 1 year prior to randomization or medical history of chronic pancreatitis.
- History of chronic liver disease leading to severe hepatic impairment, or ongoing acute liver disease.
- Known history of chronic Hepatitis B (HBV), or chronic Hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Testing for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag) and Hepatitis B core antibody (HBc Ab/anti HBc) will be performed at screening. If anti-HBc is positive, HBV-DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) evaluation will be carried out at screening. A patient having positive HBV-DNA will not be enrolled in the study. Also, a patient with positive HBsAg will not be enrolled in the study. HCV Ab testing will also be performed at screening. For details on the criteria see Appendix 10.4
- History of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) unless well-controlled on a stable dose of anti-retroviral therapy at the time of screening.
- Impairment of gastrointestinal (GI) function or GI disease that may significantly alter the absorption of study treatment (e.g., ulcerative disease, uncontrolled nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome, small bowel resection, or gastric bypass surgery).
- Participation in a prior investigational study within 30 days prior to randomization or within 5 half-lives of the investigational product, whichever is longer.
- Pregnant or nursing (lactating) women
- Women of child-bearing potential, defined as all women physiologically capable of becoming pregnant, unless they are using highly effective methods of contraception while taking study treatment and for a period of time after stopping study medication. For asciminib, this period of time is 3 days after last dose; if local regulations or locally approved prescribing information differ from the protocol required duration of contraception, the longer duration must be followed and the same requirements will be described in the Informed Consent Form (ICF). Participants taking nilotinib should be willing to follow contraception requirements in the locally-applicable prescribing information for nilotinib.
- Highly effective contraception methods include:
- Total abstinence (when this is in line with the preferred and usual lifestyle of the participant. Periodic abstinence (e.g., calendar, ovulation, symptothermal, post-ovulation methods) and withdrawal are not acceptable methods of contraception.
- Female sterilization (have had surgical bilateral oophorectomy with or without hysterectomy) or total hysterectomy or bilateral salpingectomy, at least six weeks before taking study treatment. In case of oophorectomy alone, only when the reproductive status of the woman has been confirmed by follow up hormone level assessment.
- Bilateral tubal occlusion, Bilateral tubal ligation (at least six weeks before taking study treatment).
- Male partner's sterilization (at least 6 months prior to screening). For female participants on the study, the vasectomized male partner should be the sole partner for that participant
- Use of combined, estrogen and progesterone hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation: oral, intravaginal or transdermal. Progesterone only hormonal contraception associated with inhibition of ovulation: oral, injected or implanted, or placement of an intrauterine device (IUD) or intrauterine system (IUS).
- In case of use of oral contraception women should have been stable on the same pill for a minimum of 3 months before taking study treatment.
- Women are considered post-menopausal if they have had 12 months of natural (spontaneous) amenorrhea with an appropriate clinical profile (e.g., age appropriate history of vasomotor symptoms). Women are considered not of child bearing potential if they are post-menopausal or have had surgical bilateral oophorectomy (with or without hysterectomy), total hysterectomy or bilateral salpingectomy at least six weeks prior to enrollment on the study. In the case of oophorectomy alone, only when the reproductive status of the woman has been confirmed by follow up hormone level assessment is she considered to be not of child bearing potential.
- Sexually active males taking study treatment do not require contraception. - Known hypersensitivity to the study treatment. Note: The Investigator has the discretion to include/exclude a patient in the study, who will be found to have symptoms representative of coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) or tested positive for COVID-19 during the screening phase. Such patients should be managed as per the country specific guidelines related to COVID-19. For patients who test positive for COVID-19, re-testing is recommended before initiating study treatment.
- Exclusion Criteria for optional Treatment Free Remission (TFR) Phase:
- Participants in the TRI Phase cannot re-enter the TFR Phase for second attempt TFR.
- In case of a pregnancy or nursing (lactating) during the TFR Phase, the female participant must be discontinued from the study upon loss of MMR (>0.1% BCR::ABL1 IS at a single assessment) and cannot enter the TRI Phase.
- Relevant exclusion criteria for treatment phase apply including but not limited to:
- Impaired cardiac function or cardiac repolarization abnormality.
- Severe and/or uncontrolled concurrent medical disease that in the opinion of the Investigator could cause unacceptable safety risks or compromise compliance with the protocol.
- Impairment of gastrointestinal (GI) function or GI disease that may significantly alter the absorption of study treatment (e.g., ulcerative disease, uncontrolled nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome, small bowel resection, or gastric bypass surgery).
Trial locations and contacts
119 sites in 24 countries.
119 sites in 24 countries
Germany31 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Aachen, 52074
Novartis Investigative Site
Augsburg, 86179
Novartis Investigative Site
Bad Saarow, 15526
Novartis Investigative Site
Bayreuth, 95445
Novartis Investigative Site
Berlin, 13353
Novartis Investigative Site
Bonn, 53105
Novartis Investigative Site
Bremen, 28205
Novartis Investigative Site
Chemnitz, 09113
Novartis Investigative Site
Dresden, Saxony, 01307
Novartis Investigative Site
Erlangen, 91054
Novartis Investigative Site
Essen, 45147
Novartis Investigative Site
Frankfurt am Main, Hesse, 60590
Novartis Investigative Site
Freiburg im Breisgau, Baden-Wurttemberg, 79106
Novartis Investigative Site
Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, 06120
Novartis Investigative Site
Hamburg, 20246
Novartis Investigative Site
Hanover, 30161
Novartis Investigative Site
Heidelberg, 69120
Novartis Investigative Site
Jena, Thuringia, 07740
Novartis Investigative Site
Leipzig, Saxony, 04103
Novartis Investigative Site
Lübeck, 23538
Novartis Investigative Site
Magdeburg, 39104
Novartis Investigative Site
Mannheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, 68305
Novartis Investigative Site
Marburg, Hesse, 35043
Novartis Investigative Site
München, 80377
Novartis Investigative Site
Munich, Bavaria, 81241
Novartis Investigative Site
Paderborn, North Rhine-Westphalia, 33098
Novartis Investigative Site
Regensburg, 93049
Novartis Investigative Site
Tübingen, 72076
Novartis Investigative Site
Ulm, 89081
Novartis Investigative Site
Velbert, North Rhine-Westphalia, 42551
Novartis Investigative Site
Würzburg, Bavaria, 97080
France13 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Bordeaux, 33076
Novartis Investigative Site
Caen, 14033
Novartis Investigative Site
Clermont-Ferrand, 63003
Novartis Investigative Site
Lille, 59037
Novartis Investigative Site
Lyon, 69373
Novartis Investigative Site
Marseille, 13273
Novartis Investigative Site
Nantes, 44093
Novartis Investigative Site
Nice, 06202
Novartis Investigative Site
Paris, 75475
Novartis Investigative Site
Poitiers, 86021
Novartis Investigative Site
Strasbourg, 67000
Novartis Investigative Site
Toulouse, 31059
Novartis Investigative Site
Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, 54511
United States9 sites
Messino Cancer Centers
Asheville, North Carolina, 28806
Texas Oncology P A
Bedford, Texas, 76022
Texas Oncology PA Bedford
Bedford, Texas, 76022
Oncology Hematology Care Inc
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45242
Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers
Denver, Colorado, 80218
Williamette Cancer Center
Eugene, Oregon, 97401
Virginia Oncology Associates
Norfolk, Virginia, 23502
Illinois Cancer Care
Peoria, Illinois, 61615
Regions Hospital
Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55101
Romania8 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Bucharest, 021494
Novartis Investigative Site
Bucharest, 022328
Novartis Investigative Site
Bucharest, 030 171
Novartis Investigative Site
Cluj-Napoca, Cluj, 400015
Novartis Investigative Site
Craiova, Dolj, 200136
Novartis Investigative Site
Sibiu, 550245
Novartis Investigative Site
Târgu Mureş, Mureș County, 540136
Novartis Investigative Site
Timișoara, 300079
Argentina5 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Buenos Aires, C1039AAC
Novartis Investigative Site
Buenos Aires, C1114AAN
Novartis Investigative Site
Buenos Aires, C1425AUM
Novartis Investigative Site
CABA, Buenos Aires, C1221ADH
Novartis Investigative Site
CABA, C1181ACH
Bulgaria5 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Pleven, 5800
Novartis Investigative Site
Plovdiv, 4002
Novartis Investigative Site
Sofia, 1431
Novartis Investigative Site
Sofia, 1797
Novartis Investigative Site
Varna, 9010
Greece5 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Athens, 106 76
Novartis Investigative Site
Athens, 115 27
Novartis Investigative Site
Ioannina, 455 00
Novartis Investigative Site
Pátrai, 265 04
Novartis Investigative Site
Thessaloniki, 570 10
India5 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Ahmedabad, Gujarat, 380009
Novartis Investigative Site
Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600036
Novartis Investigative Site
New Delhi, National Capital Territory of Delhi, 110029
Novartis Investigative Site
Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, 249203
Novartis Investigative Site
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, 221010
Italy5 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Meldola, FC, 47014
Novartis Investigative Site
Milan, MI, 20162
Novartis Investigative Site
Pisa, PI, 56126
Novartis Investigative Site
Roma, RM, 00144
Novartis Investigative Site
Torino, TO, 10126
United Kingdom5 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Glasgow, G12 0YN
Novartis Investigative Site
Gloucester, GL1 3NN
Novartis Investigative Site
London, SE5 9RS
Novartis Investigative Site
London, W12 0HS
Novartis Investigative Site
Newport, NP20 2UB
Czechia4 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Brno, 625 00
Novartis Investigative Site
Plzen Bory, 301 00
Novartis Investigative Site
Prague, 100 34
Novartis Investigative Site
Prague, 128 00
Malaysia4 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Alor Star, Kedah, 05460
Novartis Investigative Site
Kuala Lumpur, 59100
Novartis Investigative Site
Kuching, Sarawak, 93586
Novartis Investigative Site
Petaling Jaya, Selangor, 46150
Hungary3 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Budapest, 1083
Novartis Investigative Site
Budapest, 1097
Novartis Investigative Site
Eger, 3300
Singapore3 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Singapore, 119074
Novartis Investigative Site
Singapore, 169608
Novartis Investigative Site
Singapore, 308433
Turkey (Türkiye)3 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Ankara, Sihhiye-Altindag, 06230
Novartis Investigative Site
Istanbul, Fatih, 34098
Novartis Investigative Site
Izmir, 35100
Canada2 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
London, Ontario, N6A 5W9
Novartis Investigative Site
Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9
South Korea2 sites
Novartis Investigative Site
Bundang Gu, Gyeonggi-do, 13620
Novartis Investigative Site
Uijeongbu-si, Gyeonggi-do, 11759
Netherlands1 site
Novartis Investigative Site
Dordrecht, South Holland, 3318 AT
About this study
Official title: A Phase IIIb, Multi-center, Open-label, Randomized Study of Tolerability and Efficacy of Oral Asciminib Versus Nilotinib in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in Chronic Phase.
The primary purpose of this study was to assess the tolerability of oral asciminib (80 mg QD) in comparison with that of the second generation (2G) Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) nilotinib (300 mg BID), in adult patients with newly diagnosed Positive Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in Chronic Phase (Ph+ CML-CP).
Read the detailed description
The study is designed to compare the tolerability of asciminib with nilotinib for the treatment of newly diagnosed, previously untreated patients with Ph+ CML-CP and has 3 phases: Treatment Phase, Optional Treatment-Free Remission (TFR) Phase, and Treatment Re-initiation (TRI) Phase.
Participants were randomized in the study in a 1:1 ratio to asciminib or nilotinib. No crossover of study treatment across arms were allowed.
Randomization was stratified based on European Treatment Outcome Study (EUTOS) long-term survival (ELTS) score (low versus intermediate versus high) to help achieve a balance between the treatment arms.
An interim analysis was planned in the protocol when 46 discontinuations due to AE occurred. The purpose of the interim analysis was to allow an early assessment of the tolerability of asciminib and the goal was to continue to primary analysis regardless of the outcome of the interim analysis. Therefore, following the interim analysis, the primary analysis was performed when approximately 65 discontinuations of either study treatment due to Adverse Event (AE) occurred.
Eligible participants on both arms may choose to participate in an optional 2-year Treatment Free Remission (TFR) Phase. Participants with loss of Major Molecular Response (MMR) during TFR Phase will enter the Treatment Re-initiation (TRI) Phase. Additionally, treatment re-initiation in the TRI Phase may be based on investigator or participant decision.
- Being tested
- Asciminib, Nilotinib
- Keywords
- Asciminib, ABL001, Abelson proto-oncogene, ABL, newly diagnosed Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, CML, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia, Chronic Granulocytic Leukemia, CGL, cancer of the white blood cells, clonal bone marrow stem cell disorder proliferation of mature granulocytes, Chronic Myeloproliferative Disorders, Philadelphia chromosome, Nilotinib, Leukemia, Phase 3, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor, TKI, Treatment Free Remission
- Medical subject headings
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive, Myeloproliferative Disorders, Philadelphia Chromosome, Leukemia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
AsciminibDrug
Also called ABL001
Asciminib 80 mg QD administered under fasting conditions.
NilotinibDrug
Nilotinib 300 mg twice a day (BID) was administered under fasting conditions.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Asciminib | Experimental | Participants received asciminib 80 mg once a day (QD). Receives: Drug: Asciminib |
| Nilotinib | Active comparator | Participants will receive nilotinib 300 mg BID Receives: Drug: Nilotinib |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Time to Discontinuation of Study Treatment Due to Adverse Event (TTDAE) (From Interim Analysis)
TTDAE is defined as the interval from the date of first study treatment administration to the date of discontinuation of study treatment due to an adverse event (AE). The comparison between the asciminib and nilotinib treatment arms is performed using a cause-specific hazard model, in which discontinuations due to AE are considered the event of interest and discontinuations for reasons other than AE are treated as competing risks. The number of participants who discontinued study treatment due to AE within the specified timeframe is presented in the results table. The formal comparison between treatment arms is performed using a cause-specific hazard model, and the corresponding hazard ratio, confidence interval, and p-value are provided in the Statistical Analysis section. The TTDAE endpoint is event-driven by counting how many participants have experienced treatment discontinuations due to AE.
Measured: From date of first dose to date of treatment discontinuation due to AE, assessed after 50 events had occurred, about 2 years since first patient first visit (FPFV).
Time to Discontinuation of Study Treatment Due to Adverse Event (TTDAE) (From Primary Analysis)
TTDAE is defined as the interval from the date of first study treatment administration to the date of discontinuation of study treatment due to an adverse event (AE). The comparison between the asciminib and nilotinib treatment arms is performed using a cause-specific hazard model, in which discontinuations due to AE are considered the event of interest and discontinuations for reasons other than AE are treated as competing risks. The number of participants who discontinued study treatment due to AE within the specified timeframe is presented in the results table. The formal comparison between treatment arms is performed using a cause-specific hazard model, and the corresponding hazard ratio, confidence interval, and p-value are provided in the Statistical Analysis section. The TTDAE endpoint is event-driven by counting how many participants have experienced treatment discontinuations due to AE.
Measured: From date of first dose to date of treatment discontinuation due to AE, assessed after 67 events had occurred, about 2.5 years since first patient first visit (FPFV),
Secondary outcomes (23)
Percentage of Participants With Major Molecular Response (MMR) at Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
MMR will be assessed using fusion gene of the BCR and ABL genes (BCR-ABL) transcript levels measured by realtime quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
The percentage of participants with MMR at each time point will be assessed.
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With Major Molecular Response (MMR) by Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
MMR will be assessed using BCR-ABL transcript levels measured by realtime quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
The percentage of participants who meet the criteria for having achieved the endpoint (MMR) at or before the specified visit will be calculated.
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With MR4.0 at Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
MR4.0 will be assessed using BCR-ABL transcript levels measured by realtime quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
The percentage of participants with MR4.0 at each time point will be assessed.
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With MR4.0 by Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
MR4.0 will be assessed using BCR-ABL transcript levels measured by realtime quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
The percentage of participants who meet the criteria for having achieved the endpoint (MR4.0) at or before the specified visit will be calculated
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With MR4.5 at Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
MR4.5 will be assessed using BCR-ABL transcript levels measured by realtime quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
The percentage of participants with MR4.5 at each time point will be assessed.
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With MR4.5 by Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
MR4.5 will be assessed using BCR-ABL transcript levels measured by realtime quantitative polymerase chain reaction.
The percentage of participants who meet the criteria for having achieved the endpoint (MR4.5) at or before the specified visit will be calculated
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With Complete Hematological Response (CHR) at Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
Hematologic response will be assessed by complete blood count and physical examination at each visit.
The percentage of participants with CHR at each time point will be assessed.
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With Complete Hematological Response (CHR) by Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
Hematologic response will be assessed by complete blood count and physical examination at each visit.
The percentage of participants who meet the criteria for having achieved the endpoint (CHR) at or before the specified visit will be calculated
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With BCR::ABL1 Ratio ≤1% at Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
The percentage of participants who meet the criteria for having achieved BCR::ABL1 ratio ≤1% at the specified visit will be calculated
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With BCR::ABL1 Ratio ≤1% by Scheduled Data Collection Timepoints
The percentage of participants who meet the criteria for having achieved BCR::ABL1 ratio ≤1% at or before the specified visit will be calculated
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Duration of MMR
Duration of MMR is defined as the time between the date of the first documented achievement MMR and the earliest date of loss of MMR, treatment failure, progression to AP/BC, or CML-related death.
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Duration of MR4.0
Duration of MR4.0 is defined as the time between the date of the first documented achievement MR4 and the earliest date of loss of MR4, treatment failure, progression to AP/BC, or CML-related death
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Duration of MR4.5
Duration of MR4.5 is defined as the time between the date of the first documented achievement MR4.5 and the earliest date of loss of MR4.5, treatment failure, progression to AP/BC, or CML-related death.
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Time to First MMR
Time to first MMR is defined as the time from the date of randomization to the date of the first documented occurrence of MMR.
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Time to First MR4.0
Time to first MR4.0 is defined as the time from the date of randomization to the date of the first documented occurrence of MR4.
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Time to First MR4.5
Time to first MR4.5 is defined as the time from the date of randomization to the date of the first documented occurrence of MR4.5.
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Time to Treatment Failure (TTF).
TTF is defined as the time from date of randomization to the first/earliest documented date of any of the following events:
- Treatment failure per European leukemia network (ELN) criteria,
- Confirmed loss of MMR (in 2 consecutive tests) at any time while on study treatment,
- Discontinuation from study treatment due to any reason
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Event Free Survival (EFS)
EFS is defined as the time from the date of the first dose of study treatment to the earliest occurrence of treatment failure, confirmed lost of MMR, discontinuation due to AE, progression to AP/BC, and death from any cause.
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Progression Free Survival (PFS).
PFS is defined as the time from the date of randomization to the earliest occurrence of progression to AP/BC or death from any cause.
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Overall Survival (OS).
OS is defined as the time from the date of randomization to the date of death from any cause.
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Time to Treatment Discontinuation (TTD) Due to Selected Reasons
TTD is the time from the date of first dose of study treatment to the date of discontinuation of study treatment due to lack of efficacy, treatment failure, disease progression, suboptimal response or death
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Change From Baseline in Overall Scores and Individual Scales of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer - Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30)
Change from baseline in Overall Scores and individual domains of the EORTC QLQ-C30. The EORTC QLQ-C30 contains 30 items and is composed of both multi-item scales and single-item measures based on the participant's experience over the past week. These include five functional scales (physical, role, emotional, cognitive and social functioning), three symptom scales (fatigue, nausea/vomiting, and pain), six single items (dyspnea, insomnia, appetite loss, constipation, diarrhea and financial impact) and a global health status/QoL scale.
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Change From Baseline in Overall Scores and Individual Scales of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer CML Module (EORTC QLQ-CML24)
Change from baseline in Overall Scores and individual domains of the EORTC QLQ-CML24. The EORTC QLQ-CML24 assesses specific concepts relevant to the experience of patients with CML. The QLQ-CML24 has 24 items which assess symptom burden, impact on daily life and on worry/mood, body image problems, and satisfaction with care and with social life based on the participant's experience over the past week.
Measured: approximately 7.5 years
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted13 Jul 2022
- Study start21 Nov 2022
- Primary completion15 May 2025
- Study completion7 Jul 2031 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Other trials for Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Chronic Myeloid LeukemiaStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Novartis PharmaceuticalsThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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 3
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 568 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals
- Sponsor type
- Industry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Study director, Novartis Pharmaceuticals
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05456191
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CABL001J12302
- Other IDs
- 2024-510947-71-00
- Acronym
- ASC4START
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 11 Jul 2022
- Last updated
- 26 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- Yes
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Novartis is committed to sharing with qualified external researchers, access to patient-level data and supporting clinical documents from eligible studies. These requests are reviewed and approved by an independent review panel on the basis of scientific merit. All data provided is anonymized to respect the privacy of patients who have participated in the trial in line with applicable laws and regulations. This trial data availability is according to the criteria and process described on www.clinicalstudydatarequest.com
- Expanded access
- Available
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 26 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Phase IIIb, Multi-center, Open-label, Randomized Study of Tolerability and Efficacy of Oral Asciminib Versus Nilotinib in Patients With Newly Diagnosed Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in Chronic Phase.
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05456191
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- ASC4START / CABL001J12302
- Keywords
- Asciminib, ABL001, Abelson proto-oncogene, ABL, newly diagnosed Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia, CML, Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Chronic Myelocytic Leukemia
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 568 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- Novartis PharmaceuticalsIndustry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Study start
- 21 Nov 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 May 2025 (actual)
- Study completion
- 7 Jul 2031 (estimated)
- First posted
- 13 Jul 2022 (actual)
- Results
- Posted 27 May 2026
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The primary purpose of this study was to assess the tolerability of oral asciminib (80 mg QD) in comparison with that of the second generation (2G) Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) nilotinib (300 mg BID), in adult patients with newly diagnosed Positive Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia in Chronic Phase (Ph+ CML-CP).
Detailed description
The study is designed to compare the tolerability of asciminib with nilotinib for the treatment of newly diagnosed, previously untreated patients with Ph+ CML-CP and has 3 phases: Treatment Phase, Optional Treatment-Free Remission (TFR) Phase, and Treatment Re-initiation (TRI) Phase.
Participants were randomized in the study in a 1:1 ratio to asciminib or nilotinib. No crossover of study treatment across arms were allowed.
Randomization was stratified based on European Treatment Outcome Study (EUTOS) long-term survival (ELTS) score (low versus intermediate versus high) to help achieve a balance between the treatment arms.
An interim analysis was planned in the protocol when 46 discontinuations due to AE occurred. The purpose of the interim analysis was to allow an early assessment of the tolerability of asciminib and the goal was to continue to primary analysis regardless of the outcome of the interim analysis. Therefore, following the interim analysis, the primary analysis was performed when approximately 65 discontinuations of either study treatment due to Adverse Event (AE) occurred.
Eligible participants on both arms may choose to participate in an optional 2-year Treatment Free Remission (TFR) Phase. Participants with loss of Major Molecular Response (MMR) during TFR Phase will enter the Treatment Re-initiation (TRI) Phase. Additionally, treatment re-initiation in the TRI Phase may be based on investigator or participant decision.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Asciminib | Experimental | Drug: AsciminibParticipants received asciminib 80 mg once a day (QD). |
| Nilotinib | Active comparator | Drug: NilotinibParticipants will receive nilotinib 300 mg BID |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 100 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (25 listed)
- Signed informed consent must be obtained prior to participation in the study.
- Male or female patients ≥ 18 years of age.
- Patients with CML-CP within 3 months of diagnosis.
- Diagnosis of CML-CP (European Leukemia Network [ELN] 2020 criteria) with cytogenetic confirmation of the Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome. A cryptic Ph chromosome should be confirmed by metaphase Fluorescence in situ Hybridization (FISH) • Documented chronic phase CML will meet all the below criteria (Baccarani et al 2013): ~ < 15% blasts in peripheral blood and bone marrow,
- ~ < 30% blasts plus promyelocytes in peripheral blood and bone marrow,
Key exclusion criteria (38 listed)
- Previous treatment of CML with any other anticancer agents including chemotherapy and/or biologic agents or prior stem cell transplant, with the exception of hydroxyurea and/or anagrelide.
- Known cytopathologically confirmed central nervous system (CNS) infiltration (in absence of suspicion of CNS involvement, lumbar puncture not required).
- Impaired cardiac function or cardiac repolarization abnormality including but not limited to any one of the following:
- Severe and/or uncontrolled concurrent medical disease that in the opinion of the Investigator could cause unacceptable safety risks or compromise compliance with the protocol (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes, active or uncontrolled infection; uncontrolled arterial or pulmonary hypertension, uncontrolled clinically significant hyperlipidemia).
- History of significant congenital or acquired bleeding disorder unrelated to cancer.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| AsciminibAlso: ABL001Asciminib 80 mg QD administered under fasting conditions. | Drug | Asciminib |
| NilotinibNilotinib 300 mg twice a day (BID) was administered under fasting conditions. | Drug | Nilotinib |
Primary outcome
Time to Discontinuation of Study Treatment Due to Adverse Event (TTDAE) (From Interim Analysis)
Time frame: From date of first dose to date of treatment discontinuation due to AE, assessed after 50 events had occurred, about 2 years since first patient first visit (FPFV).
TTDAE is defined as the interval from the date of first study treatment administration to the date of discontinuation of study treatment due to an adverse event (AE). The comparison between the asciminib and nilotinib treatment arms is performed using a cause-specific hazard model, in which discontinuations due to AE are considered the event of interest and discontinuations for reasons other than AE are treated as competing risks. The number of participants who discontinued study treatment due to AE within the specified timeframe is presented in the results table. The formal comparison between treatment arms is performed using a cause-specific hazard model, and the corresponding hazard ratio, confidence interval, and p-value are provided in the Statistical Analysis section. The TTDAE endpoint is event-driven by counting how many participants have experienced treatment discontinuations due to AE.
Time to Discontinuation of Study Treatment Due to Adverse Event (TTDAE) (From Primary Analysis)
Time frame: From date of first dose to date of treatment discontinuation due to AE, assessed after 67 events had occurred, about 2.5 years since first patient first visit (FPFV),
TTDAE is defined as the interval from the date of first study treatment administration to the date of discontinuation of study treatment due to an adverse event (AE). The comparison between the asciminib and nilotinib treatment arms is performed using a cause-specific hazard model, in which discontinuations due to AE are considered the event of interest and discontinuations for reasons other than AE are treated as competing risks. The number of participants who discontinued study treatment due to AE within the specified timeframe is presented in the results table. The formal comparison between treatment arms is performed using a cause-specific hazard model, and the corresponding hazard ratio, confidence interval, and p-value are provided in the Statistical Analysis section. The TTDAE endpoint is event-driven by counting how many participants have experienced treatment discontinuations due to AE.
23 secondary outcomes
Percentage of Participants With Major Molecular Response (MMR) at Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With Major Molecular Response (MMR) by Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With MR4.0 at Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With MR4.0 by Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With MR4.5 at Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With MR4.5 by Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With Complete Hematological Response (CHR) at Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With Complete Hematological Response (CHR) by Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With BCR::ABL1 Ratio ≤1% at Scheduled Data Collection Time Points
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Percentage of Participants With BCR::ABL1 Ratio ≤1% by Scheduled Data Collection Timepoints
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Duration of MMR
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Duration of MR4.0
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Duration of MR4.5
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Time to First MMR
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Time to First MR4.0
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Time to First MR4.5
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Time to Treatment Failure (TTF).
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Event Free Survival (EFS)
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Progression Free Survival (PFS).
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Overall Survival (OS).
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Time to Treatment Discontinuation (TTD) Due to Selected Reasons
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Change From Baseline in Overall Scores and Individual Scales of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer - Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC QLQ-C30)
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Change From Baseline in Overall Scores and Individual Scales of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer CML Module (EORTC QLQ-CML24)
Time frame: approximately 7.5 years
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 26 Aug 2026.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Novartis is committed to sharing with qualified external researchers, access to patient-level data and supporting clinical documents from eligible studies. These requests are reviewed and approved by an independent review panel on the basis of scientific merit. All data provided is anonymized to respect the privacy of patients who have participated in the trial in line with applicable laws and regulations. This trial data availability is according to the criteria and process described on www.clinicalstudydatarequest.com
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Novartis Pharmaceuticals study director
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
119 sites in 24 countries: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 3 study testing Asciminib and Nilotinib in people with Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, run by Novartis Pharmaceuticals at 119 sites in 24 countries.
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 25 inclusion and 38 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 119 sites in Germany, France, United States, Romania, Argentina and 19 more countries. 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 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.
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 27 May 2026). 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?
Time to Discontinuation of Study Treatment Due to Adverse Event (TTDAE) (From Interim Analysis) (time frame: From date of first dose to date of treatment discontinuation due to AE, assessed after 50 events had occurred, about 2 years since first patient first visit (FPFV).). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 26 Aug 2026.