Ongoing Clinical Trials for Metastatic Synovial Sarcoma
There are currently 2 ongoing clinical trials investigating treatments for metastatic synovial sarcoma. These studies are exploring different therapeutic approaches, including chemotherapy combinations and maintenance treatments using investigational drugs. Both trials are being conducted in Germany and are evaluating new treatment options for patients whose cancer has spread or has not responded to standard treatments.
Clinical trial locations
- Germany
Study of Trabectedin alone versus Trabectedin with tTF-NGR combination therapy in adults with metastatic or refractory soft tissue sarcoma who failed first-line treatment
This clinical trial is testing whether adding an experimental drug called tTF-NGR to standard chemotherapy with trabectedin can help control cancer better than trabectedin alone. The study focuses on patients with soft tissue sarcoma that has either spread to other parts of the body or has not responded to previous treatments.
Main inclusion criteria: Patients must be between 18 and 75 years old with confirmed high-grade soft tissue sarcoma, including synovial sarcoma. They must have already received or been unable to take anthracycline medications. The cancer must have at least one measurable tumor, and laboratory testing must show that the tumor is positive for a protein marker called CD13. Patients need to have a life expectancy of at least 3 months and be able to carry out daily activities. Women who can become pregnant must use effective birth control during the study and for 3 months afterward, while men must use birth control for 5 months after treatment ends.
Main exclusion criteria: The study cannot include patients younger than 18 or older than 75, those without confirmed soft tissue sarcoma, or those who have never received anthracycline therapy. Patients who test negative for the CD13 marker, are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or have already been treated with trabectedin are not eligible. Those with severe heart, liver, or kidney problems, active uncontrolled infections, or other active cancers requiring treatment also cannot participate.
Focus and goal: The main goal is to determine if adding tTF-NGR to trabectedin helps keep the cancer under control for a longer time. The experimental drug tTF-NGR is designed to help trap the chemotherapy medication inside the tumor, potentially making the treatment more effective. Both medications are given through intravenous infusion directly into the bloodstream, and treatment can continue for up to 360 days. Throughout the study, patients undergo regular medical examinations and imaging tests to monitor how the cancer responds.
Investigational drugs: Trabectedin is a chemotherapy medication that works by interfering with cancer cell growth and division. It is used when other treatments, particularly anthracyclines, have not worked effectively. tTF-NGR is an experimental protein therapy that targets blood vessels in tumors and is intended to help concentrate the chemotherapy medication where it is needed most, inside the tumor tissue.
Study on Pasireotide for Patients with Synovial Sarcoma and Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor
This clinical trial is studying whether a medication called pasireotide can help patients with synovial sarcoma or desmoplastic small round cell tumor live longer without their disease getting worse. The study focuses on using pasireotide as a maintenance treatment after patients have already received standard cancer treatments.
Main inclusion criteria: Patients must have a confirmed diagnosis of either synovial sarcoma or desmoplastic small round cell tumor and be between 13 and 50 years old, weighing at least 30 kg (about 66 pounds). They must have completed at least 2 cycles of chemotherapy within the last 8 weeks and show stable disease or improvement after finishing standard treatment. Laboratory tests must show good bone marrow, kidney, and liver function. The tumors must have high levels of specific markers called SSTR2/3/5, which are checked through RNA sequencing. Patients must be able to perform daily activities well, and those who can have children must agree to use two forms of birth control during the study and for 3 months after the last treatment.
Main exclusion criteria: Patients whose tumors do not express the SSTR2/3/5 proteins cannot participate. Those who fall outside the specified age range or do not meet the study’s clinical trial group criteria are also excluded.
Focus and goal: The trial aims to evaluate whether pasireotide can prolong the time patients live without their disease progressing. Pasireotide works by binding to somatostatin receptors on tumor cells, which helps block the release of growth factors that promote tumor growth. The medication is given as a monthly deep intramuscular injection. Patients are monitored regularly with imaging tests to check for disease progression. The study will measure progression-free survival from the start of treatment until disease progression or death, whichever occurs first. The trial is expected to continue until October 2028.
Investigational drug: Pasireotide is a somatostatin analog, meaning it mimics the action of the natural hormone somatostatin. It is administered as a monthly injection into the muscle and is being tested specifically in patients whose tumors express the SSTR2, SSTR3, and SSTR5 receptors. The goal is to use it as a maintenance treatment to help keep the disease stable after initial chemotherapy.
Summary
Both ongoing clinical trials for metastatic synovial sarcoma are being conducted in Germany, indicating a concentration of research activity in this region. The trials represent two different therapeutic approaches: one focuses on combining chemotherapy medications to improve treatment effectiveness, while the other explores maintenance therapy using a targeted drug that works through specific receptors on tumor cells.
The first trial investigates trabectedin, either alone or combined with the experimental drug tTF-NGR, targeting patients who have already failed first-line treatments. This study requires that tumors be positive for the CD13 marker. The second trial examines pasireotide as a maintenance treatment for patients who have achieved stable disease or improvement after standard chemotherapy, requiring tumors to express SSTR2/3/5 markers. Both studies emphasize the importance of specific tumor characteristics in determining patient eligibility.
These trials offer opportunities for patients with metastatic synovial sarcoma who have limited treatment options, particularly those whose disease has not responded to or has progressed after standard therapies. The focus on biomarkers and targeted approaches reflects the evolving understanding of how to personalize treatment for this rare and challenging cancer.
