Ongoing Clinical Trials for Metastatic Neoplasm
There are currently 4 ongoing clinical trials exploring new treatments for metastatic neoplasm, also known as metastatic cancer. These trials are being conducted across several European countries including France, Germany, and Spain. The studies focus on various treatment approaches, including combinations of radiotherapy with bone-strengthening medications, targeted therapies for specific genetic mutations, and immune checkpoint inhibitors that help the body’s immune system fight cancer.
Clinical trial locations
- France
- Germany
- Spain
Study on Adding Zoledronic Acid or Denosumab to Radiotherapy for Adults with Inoperable Vertebral Bone Metastases
This trial is investigating whether adding bone-strengthening medications to precise radiation therapy can improve outcomes for people with cancer that has spread to the spine. The study focuses specifically on vertebral metastases that cannot be treated with surgery.
Who can participate: To join this study, you must be at least 18 years old with cancer that has spread to your thoracic or lumbar spine and cannot be surgically removed. Your doctor must expect you to live longer than one year, and you should be able to perform most daily activities with minimal assistance. Women who can become pregnant must use effective birth control during the study. You’ll need to understand the study details and provide written consent, and you must have access to social health benefits.
Who cannot participate: You cannot join if you are under 18, if your bone cancer in the spine can be treated with surgery, if you don’t need stereotactic radiotherapy, or if you belong to a vulnerable population such as those unable to give consent.
What the trial involves: The study tests two different medications alongside stereotactic radiotherapy. Zoledronic Acid is given as an infusion directly into your bloodstream through a vein, while Denosumab is administered as an injection under the skin. Both medications work to strengthen bones and prevent complications. The trial aims to evaluate pain control, spine stability, and prevention of bone-related problems over a 12-month period. You’ll have regular check-ups including MRI scans to monitor your progress.
Medications being tested: Zoledronic Acid belongs to a class of drugs called bisphosphonates that help protect bone density by preventing bone breakdown. Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody that works by blocking a protein essential for bone-weakening cells, thereby reducing bone loss and strengthening the skeleton.
Study on Treating Advanced Cancers with BRAF Mutations Using Sorafenib and Trametinib for Patients with Impaired Kinase Activity
This study examines a combination treatment approach for advanced cancers that have specific genetic changes called BRAF mutations. These mutations affect how cancer cells grow and spread, and the trial is testing whether combining two medications might help control the disease.
Who can participate: You must be at least 18 years old with cancer that has spread to other parts of your body and continues to grow despite standard treatments. Your cancer must have a BRAF mutation that affects kinase activity and is sensitive to sorafenib, as confirmed by laboratory tests. You need at least one measurable area of cancer visible on imaging tests like CT or MRI. Your liver and kidneys must be functioning adequately based on specific blood test results. You must be able to swallow and keep down oral medication without significant digestive problems, and you need to understand the trial and agree to participate in writing.
Who cannot participate: You cannot join if you don’t have advanced cancer with BRAF mutations, if you’re outside the specified age range, if you’re considered part of a vulnerable population, or if you cannot tolerate the combination of trametinib and sorafenib.
What the trial involves: The study uses two oral medications taken as tablets. Trametinib works by blocking a protein called MEK that helps cancer cells grow and spread. Sorafenib targets multiple proteins that promote cancer growth. The trial will find the best dose of these medications when used together. You’ll have regular check-ups and imaging tests to monitor how your cancer responds and to watch for any side effects. The study continues until researchers determine the most effective and safe dose for future studies.
Medications being tested: Trametinib is a MEK inhibitor that slows cancer progression by blocking proteins involved in cell growth. Sorafenib is a multikinase inhibitor that works against several proteins cancer cells use to grow and multiply, helping to control tumor development.
Study of TAK-280, Tocilizumab, and Siltuximab for Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Cancer
This trial is testing a new experimental treatment called TAK-280 for people with cancer that cannot be surgically removed or has spread to other parts of the body. The study aims to determine how safe the treatment is and find the right dose for future research.
Who can participate: You must be at least 18 years old or meet your local legal age of adulthood. Your cancer must be unresectable (cannot be removed by surgery), locally advanced (spread to nearby areas), or metastatic (spread to other parts of the body). You need to have a performance status of 1 or less on the ECOG scale, meaning you can perform most daily activities. Your disease must be measurable according to specific guidelines, except for certain prostate cancer cases with bone spread. Areas previously treated with radiation should not be used for measurement unless treated at least 6 months ago or showing clear disease progression.
Who cannot participate: You cannot join if you’re outside the specified age range, not part of the specific group required for the study, or considered part of a vulnerable population needing special protection or care.
What the trial involves: TAK-280 is given through an intravenous infusion directly into your bloodstream. The trial also involves other medications like Tocilizumab and Siltuximab, which are also given through infusion. Some participants may receive a placebo. You’ll visit the study site regularly for treatment and check-ups over several months. The research team will monitor your health closely and track any side effects. Long-term follow-up continues for up to approximately 37 months to monitor overall survival and how well the treatment controls the disease.
Medication being tested: TAK-280 is an investigational anti-cancer agent in early clinical testing. It works by interfering with specific pathways that cancer cells use to grow and multiply, though researchers are still learning exactly how it functions at the molecular level.
Study on the Effectiveness of Tislelizumab and Spartalizumab in Patients with Advanced or Metastatic Cancer with High PD1 Biomarker Levels
This trial investigates two medications that help your immune system fight cancer by targeting a specific protein called PD1. The study focuses on patients whose tumors express high levels of this protein, which can influence how cancer cells grow and respond to treatment.
Who can participate: You must be at least 18 years old on the day you sign the consent form. Your tumor sample must show confirmed high or low PD1 expression based on genetic testing. Your doctor must judge that you have a life expectancy of more than 3 months. Your cancer must be measurable using imaging tests, and you must show evidence of disease progression or recurrence after previous treatment. You need an ECOG performance status of 0 to 2, meaning the disease doesn’t severely limit your daily activities. Your organs must function adequately as confirmed by tests within 28 days before starting treatment. You may have received up to 3 previous lines of chemotherapy. Any side effects from previous treatments must be mild at the time of joining, except for hair loss.
Who cannot participate: Interestingly, this trial specifically excludes patients with metastatic disease where the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, focusing instead on other types of advanced cancer.
What the trial involves: You’ll receive either tislelizumab or spartalizumab through an intravenous infusion. Both are immune checkpoint inhibitors that help your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. They work by blocking the PD1 protein, which normally prevents the immune system from attacking cancer cells. The study monitors how your tumors respond over time—whether they shrink, remain stable, or grow—and tracks any side effects. Researchers will assess the overall response rate, how long responses last, time to response, and overall survival. Regular follow-up visits include physical examinations, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.
Medications being tested: Both Tislelizumab and Spartalizumab are immune checkpoint inhibitors. They help the immune system fight cancer by blocking the PD1 protein, allowing immune cells to better recognize and destroy cancer cells. These medications represent a type of treatment called immunotherapy, which harnesses your body’s natural defenses against cancer.
Summary
The four ongoing trials for metastatic neoplasm represent diverse treatment approaches across Europe. Two trials are being conducted in France, with one also extending to Spain, while Germany and Spain each host one additional unique study. The trials explore three main treatment strategies: combining bone-strengthening agents with radiotherapy for spinal metastases, targeting specific genetic mutations with combination therapies, testing new experimental anti-cancer agents, and harnessing the immune system to fight cancer through checkpoint inhibitors.
Notable patterns emerge from these studies. Multiple trials focus on advanced or metastatic disease, reflecting the significant medical need for better treatment options when cancer has spread. Several studies specifically require genetic or biomarker testing to identify suitable participants, highlighting the growing importance of personalized medicine in cancer treatment. The trials range from early-phase safety studies establishing appropriate doses to later-phase studies evaluating treatment effectiveness.
Geographic distribution shows concentration in Western Europe, with France and Spain hosting multiple trials. This may reflect the research infrastructure and regulatory environment in these countries. The diversity of medications being tested—from bone-protective agents and targeted therapies to immunotherapies—demonstrates the multi-faceted approach researchers are taking to address metastatic cancer from different angles.
