Study of dornase alfa and cisplatin treatment for patients with refractory germ cell cancer

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What is this study about?

This study focuses on treating germ cell cancer, a type of cancer that begins in the cells that produce eggs or sperm. The research examines a combination of two medications: dornase alfa, an enzyme that breaks down certain types of DNA, and cisplatin, a commonly used chemotherapy drug. This treatment approach is being studied in patients whose cancer has returned or has not responded to previous treatments.

The study aims to determine if this combination of medications can help prevent the cancer from growing or spreading in patients who have already undergone at least two previous rounds of chemotherapy. The treatment will be given through intravenous administration and will continue for up to 24 months, depending on how well patients respond to the therapy.

During the study, patients will receive regular doses of both medications. Cisplatin will be given at doses up to 100 milligrams per square meter of body surface area, while dornase alfa will be administered at doses up to 125 micrograms per kilogram of body weight. The effectiveness of this treatment will be evaluated primarily by measuring how long patients remain without their disease getting worse.

1 Initial treatment cycle

Your treatment will involve two medications: cisplatin given through an infusion into a vein, and dornase alfa (Pulmozyme) administered directly into your bloodstream

Before starting treatment, your doctor will check your blood counts, liver function, and kidney function to ensure it’s safe to proceed

You must wait at least 4 weeks after any previous treatments (chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery) before starting this treatment

2 Regular monitoring

Your doctor will regularly check your blood markers, including substances called alfa-fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin

Regular scans will be performed to measure how your tumors are responding to treatment

Your doctor will monitor you for any side effects and adjust treatment if needed

3 Follow-up period

After completing treatment, you will need to continue using effective birth control methods for 6 months

Your doctor will continue monitoring your health and disease status for the duration of the study

The total study period is expected to last until May 2027

4 Safety monitoring

Throughout the study, your doctor will track any side effects you experience

Regular blood tests will continue to monitor your blood counts, liver function, and kidney function

You should report any new symptoms or health concerns to your doctor immediately

Who Can Join the Study?

  • Must be a male aged 18 or older
  • Must have signed written informed consent
  • Must have confirmed germ cell cancer that has returned after at least 2 previous treatments
  • Must have adequate blood cell counts:
    – White blood cells above 1500/mm3
    – Platelets above 100,000/mm3
    – Hemoglobin above 9g/dl
  • Must have proper liver function as shown by blood tests
  • Must have proper kidney function with creatinine clearance above 50 ml/min
  • Must wait at least 4 weeks after last chemotherapy or radiation therapy
  • Must wait at least 4 weeks after any major surgery
  • Must have recovered from previous treatments with minimal side effects
  • Must be able to perform daily activities with minimal or no assistance (ECOG status 0-1)
  • Must have measurable disease according to RECIST 1.1 criteria (a standard way to measure tumors)
  • Must have either:
    – Rising tumor markers in blood tests
    – Cancer confirmed by tissue sample that cannot be removed by surgery
  • Must use effective contraception (condom) during the study and for 6 months after
  • Must be able to follow study requirements and attend follow-up visits
  • Female partners of childbearing age must also use effective contraception

Who Cannot Join the Study?

  • Male patients younger than 18 years old cannot participate
  • Female patients cannot participate in this trial
  • Patients who have not been previously diagnosed with germ cell cancer
  • Patients who have not received prior treatment for their cancer
  • Patients who have not experienced a relapse (return) of their cancer after previous treatment
  • Patients who currently participate in other clinical trials
  • Patients who are unable to understand and sign the informed consent form
  • Patients with serious heart, liver, or kidney problems that could interfere with the study treatment
  • Patients with active infections that require treatment
  • Patients who are allergic to cisplatin (chemotherapy medication) or dornase alfa (study medication)
  • Patients with other types of cancer besides germ cell tumors
  • Patients who are unable to follow the study schedule and requirements

Where you can join this trial?

Verified and Recommended Sites

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Verified Sites

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Other Sites

Site Name City Country Status
Narodny Onkologicky Ustav Bratislava Slovakia

Want to learn more about this study or check if you can participate? Contact us.

Trial status

Country Status Recruitment Start
Slovakia Slovakia
Not yet recruiting
01.05.2025

Trial locations

Investigated drugs:

Dornase alfa is a medication that helps break down DNA released from damaged cells. In cancer treatment, it may help make cancer cells more sensitive to other treatments. It is commonly used in cystic fibrosis patients to help thin mucus, but in this trial, it is being studied for its potential role in treating germ cell tumors.

Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapy medication that works by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, preventing them from dividing and growing. It is particularly effective in treating various types of cancers, including germ cell tumors. It has been a standard treatment for testicular cancer and other germ cell tumors for many years.

Germ Cell Cancer – A type of cancer that begins in the cells that produce eggs or sperm, typically developing in the testicles or ovaries. These cancers can occur in both children and adults, though they are most common in young adults. The disease can develop as seminomas or non-seminomas, with different growth patterns and characteristics. Germ cell cancers can grow and spread to other parts of the body through the blood or lymph system. These tumors often develop rather quickly and can affect multiple organs if not addressed.

Trial ID:
2023-510135-10-00
Protocol code:
GCTSK-007
Trial Phase:
Therapeutic exploratory (Phase II)

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