Ongoing Clinical Trials for Metastatic Chondrosarcoma
There are currently 2 clinical trials investigating new treatments for metastatic chondrosarcoma, a rare cancer that begins in cartilage cells and spreads to other parts of the body. These studies are testing medications that may help control cancer growth and improve outcomes for patients who have already received previous treatments. The trials are taking place in Italy and France.
Clinical trial locations
- France
- Italy
Study on Trabectedin for Adults and Young Adults with Advanced Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma
This trial is investigating trabectedin, a medication given through an intravenous infusion, for the treatment of a specific type called mesenchymal chondrosarcoma. This rare cancer can occur in both bones and soft tissues and is characterized by the presence of a genetic marker known as HEY1-NCOA2.
Main inclusion criteria: Patients must be at least 16 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of mesenchymal chondrosarcoma that has the HEY1-NCOA2 genetic fusion. The cancer must be locally advanced (meaning surgery is not possible or was declined) or metastatic (has spread to other parts of the body). Participants must have measurable disease and evidence that their cancer has progressed within the past 6 months. They must have received at least one previous chemotherapy treatment containing anthracyclines, but no more than three prior treatment lines. Heart function must be at least 50% as measured by an echocardiogram, and patients must have adequate bone marrow and organ function.
Main exclusion criteria: Patients younger than 16 years old cannot participate. Those who have not been treated with anthracycline-based chemotherapy or who do not have the HEY1-NCOA2 genetic marker are excluded. Patients must have progressive disease according to specific medical criteria to be eligible.
Study focus: The main goal is to understand how effective trabectedin is in reducing tumor size in patients who have already undergone chemotherapy. Researchers will monitor how well tumors respond to the treatment and track overall survival and progression-free survival. The study will also examine the safety of trabectedin and explore the genetic and molecular characteristics of tumors that respond well versus those that do not. This includes testing blood samples using a technique called liquid biopsy to detect the HEY1-NCOA2 fusion and predict treatment response.
Investigational drug: Trabectedin (also known as Ecteinascidin 743) works by binding to DNA and disrupting the cell cycle, leading to the death of cancer cells. It is administered as an intravenous infusion and is being studied specifically for patients with advanced mesenchymal chondrosarcoma who have already received anthracycline-based chemotherapy.
Study on the Effectiveness and Safety of Regorafenib for Patients with Metastatic Bone Sarcomas
This trial is examining regorafenib, an oral medication, for patients with various types of metastatic bone sarcomas, including chondrosarcoma. The study aims to evaluate how well regorafenib works in controlling cancer and to assess its safety profile.
Main inclusion criteria: Patients must be at least 10 years old with a body surface area of at least 1.30 square meters. They must have a confirmed diagnosis of a bone sarcoma with measurable disease and evidence of progression. The cancer must not be curable by surgery or radiation. Participants must have received no more than three previous chemotherapy treatments. They must have normal bone marrow, kidney, and liver function, a life expectancy of more than 3 months, and adequate performance status based on age-appropriate scales. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test, and both male and female patients must agree to use effective birth control during the study and for 3 months afterward.
Main exclusion criteria: Patients with cancers other than bone sarcoma cannot participate. Those outside the specified age range or who are unable to follow study procedures are excluded. Patients with other serious health conditions that might interfere with the study, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those currently participating in another clinical trial are not eligible. Recent treatments or medications that might affect the study results also disqualify potential participants.
Study focus: The primary goal is to determine the non-progression rate at specific time points, such as 8 weeks for certain types of sarcomas. Throughout the study, patients will undergo regular monitoring including laboratory tests and imaging studies to assess how their cancer responds to treatment. The trial will evaluate tumor size changes using standardized criteria and will track progression-free survival and overall survival as secondary outcomes.
Investigational drug: Regorafenib is given as oral tablets and works by inhibiting multiple protein kinases, which are involved in tumor growth and the formation of blood vessels that supply tumors. As a multikinase inhibitor, it aims to stop or slow down the growth of cancer cells in the bones.
Summary
Currently, there are two active clinical trials for patients with metastatic chondrosarcoma, with one trial in Italy and one in France. The Italian study focuses specifically on mesenchymal chondrosarcoma with a particular genetic marker, testing trabectedin in patients who have previously received anthracycline chemotherapy. The French study has a broader scope, examining regorafenib for various types of metastatic bone sarcomas, including chondrosarcoma, and is open to a wider age range starting from 10 years old.
Both trials are designed for patients whose cancer has progressed despite previous treatment, offering potential new options when standard therapies have been exhausted. The studies reflect the ongoing research efforts to find more effective treatments for these rare and challenging cancers. Patients interested in participating should discuss eligibility criteria with their healthcare team, as each trial has specific requirements regarding previous treatments, genetic markers, and overall health status.
