Ongoing Clinical Trials for Small Cell Carcinoma
Currently, there is 1 ongoing clinical trial investigating new treatment approaches for small cell carcinoma that begins outside the lungs. This trial is testing a combination of immunotherapy and chemotherapy drugs to help patients with extensive stage disease. The trial is being conducted in Italy and is open to adults who meet specific health and disease criteria.
Clinical trial locations
Study on Durvalumab with Carboplatin or Cisplatin and Etoposide for First-Line Treatment in Patients with Extensive Stage Extrapulmonary Small Cell Carcinoma
This clinical trial is investigating a treatment approach for extensive stage extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma, which is a type of cancer that starts outside the lungs and spreads quickly. The study combines immunotherapy with chemotherapy to see how effective this combination is at preventing the cancer from getting worse.
Main inclusion criteria:
- Participants must be at least 18 years old
- Must have a confirmed diagnosis of extensive stage extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma
- Must have not received previous chemotherapy treatment for advanced disease
- Must have proper organ and bone marrow function, with specific blood test requirements including hemoglobin of at least 9.0 g/dL, absolute neutrophil count of at least 1.0 x 109/L, and platelet count of at least 75 x 109/L
- Kidney function must be adequate, with creatinine clearance greater than 40 mL/min
- Must have at least one measurable tumor that can be tracked using CT or MRI scans
- Must weigh more than 30 kg
- Must have a performance status of 0 or 1 on the ECOG scale, which measures ability to carry out daily activities
- Must have a life expectancy of at least 12 weeks
- Must have tumor tissue available from a previous biopsy
Main exclusion criteria:
- Patients with other types of cancer not related to this study
- Those who have received certain previous cancer treatments that could interfere with the study
- Patients with serious health conditions that make participation unsafe
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- Patients unable to follow study procedures or attend required visits
- Those with allergies to the study medications or their ingredients
- Patients currently participating in another clinical trial
Focus and goal:
The trial aims to evaluate how well a combination of medications works in preventing the cancer from progressing over a 12-month period. The study focuses on progression-free survival, which measures the time during which the disease does not worsen. Treatment is given in cycles through infusion directly into the bloodstream, with regular monitoring including physical exams, blood tests, and imaging studies. The study will last for a maximum of 24 months, during which participants will be closely observed to assess both the treatment’s effectiveness and any side effects that may occur.
Investigational drugs:
The trial uses a combination of four medications:
- Durvalumab – an immunotherapy drug that helps the immune system fight cancer by blocking a protein called PD-L1, which allows the body to better recognize and attack cancer cells
- Carboplatin or Cisplatin – chemotherapy drugs that damage the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing, ultimately leading to their death. The choice between these two depends on individual patient factors
- Etoposide – a chemotherapy drug that interferes with DNA replication in cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and helping to reduce tumor size and slow disease progression
Summary
Currently, only one clinical trial is actively recruiting patients with extensive stage extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma. This trial is being conducted in Italy and represents an important opportunity for patients with this aggressive form of cancer. The study combines immunotherapy with traditional chemotherapy, reflecting modern approaches to cancer treatment that aim to harness the body’s immune system alongside cancer-killing drugs. Patients interested in participating should discuss eligibility criteria with their healthcare team, particularly regarding organ function, previous treatments, and overall health status. The trial requires a significant commitment, with treatment lasting up to 24 months and regular monitoring throughout.