Clinical trial locations
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.
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.