#1 Clinical Trials Search in Europe

Azenosertib

Azenosertib, also known as ZN-c3, is an innovative drug currently being studied in clinical trials for various types of cancer. This article explores the ongoing research into Azenosertib’s potential as a treatment for uterine serous carcinoma, triple-negative breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and other solid tumors. We’ll look at how it works, its combination with other drugs, and what these trials mean for cancer patients.

Table of Contents

What is Azenosertib?

Azenosertib, also known as ZN-c3 or KP-2638, is a new type of cancer drug called a WEE1 inhibitor[1]. It belongs to a class of medications known as kinase inhibitors[4]. Azenosertib is currently being studied in clinical trials to treat various types of cancer. It’s important to note that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved Azenosertib for general use, which means it’s still considered an experimental treatment[1].

How Does Azenosertib Work?

Azenosertib works by inhibiting (blocking) a protein called WEE1. This protein plays a crucial role in regulating cell division. By inhibiting WEE1, Azenosertib can make cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy drugs, potentially leading to the death of these harmful cells[4]. This mechanism of action is particularly interesting to researchers because it could potentially enhance the effectiveness of other cancer treatments.

Cancers Treated with Azenosertib

Azenosertib is being studied for use in several types of cancer, including:

  • Triple-negative breast cancer: This is a type of breast cancer that doesn’t respond to hormonal therapy or medicines that target HER2 protein[1].
  • Uterine serous carcinoma: A rare and aggressive type of uterine cancer[2].
  • Pancreatic cancer: Specifically, locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma[3].
  • Gastric (stomach) and gastroesophageal junction cancer: Particularly those that are HER2-positive and have cyclin E amplification[4].

Clinical Trials and Research

Several clinical trials are currently underway to study Azenosertib:

  • A trial called ZAP-IT is studying Azenosertib in combination with carboplatin and pembrolizumab for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer[1].
  • Another study is looking at how Azenosertib affects tumor cells in persistent or recurrent uterine serous carcinoma[2].
  • A trial is testing Azenosertib along with other targeted therapies in patients with pancreatic cancer[3].
  • Researchers are also studying the combination of Azenosertib with trastuzumab deruxtecan in treating HER2-positive gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer and other HER2-positive solid tumors[4].

Administration and Dosage

Azenosertib is typically given as an oral medication (taken by mouth) in the form of tablets. The dosage and schedule can vary depending on the specific clinical trial and the type of cancer being treated. In some studies, it’s given once daily for several days in a row, followed by a break, in cycles that repeat every 21 days[1][2]. However, the exact dosing schedule may be adjusted based on how well a patient tolerates the medication and how their cancer responds to treatment.

Potential Side Effects

As Azenosertib is still in clinical trials, the full range of potential side effects is not yet known. Researchers are closely monitoring patients for any adverse reactions. Common side effects of cancer treatments can include fatigue, nausea, and changes in blood cell counts. Patients in clinical trials are regularly monitored through blood tests, scans, and other assessments to check for any concerning side effects[1][2].

Future Prospects

The development of Azenosertib represents an exciting new approach in cancer treatment. By targeting the WEE1 protein, it may offer a new way to combat cancer cells, especially when combined with other treatments. However, it’s important to remember that as an experimental drug, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety. The ongoing clinical trials will provide crucial information about how well Azenosertib works for different types of cancer and what role it might play in future cancer treatments[1][2][3][4].

Aspect Details
Drug Name Azenosertib (ZN-c3)
Drug Class Wee1 inhibitor
Administration Oral tablets
Cancer Types Studied Uterine Serous Carcinoma, Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, HER2-positive solid tumors
Combination Therapies Carboplatin, Pembrolizumab, Trastuzumab Deruxtecan
Trial Phases Phase I/II
Primary Outcomes Safety, tolerability, maximum tolerated dose, pharmacodynamic effects
Secondary Outcomes Objective response rate, progression-free survival, duration of response

FAQ

  • What is Azenosertib? Azenosertib, also known as ZN-c3, is a type of drug called a Wee1 inhibitor. It works by blocking a protein called Wee1, which can make cancer cells more vulnerable to chemotherapy and potentially lead to their death.
  • What types of cancer is Azenosertib being tested for? Azenosertib is currently being tested in clinical trials for several types of cancer, including uterine serous carcinoma, triple-negative breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and other solid tumors that express certain proteins or genetic markers.
  • How is Azenosertib given to patients? In the clinical trials, Azenosertib is typically given orally (by mouth) as tablets. The dosing schedule varies depending on the specific trial, but it's often given daily for several days in each treatment cycle.
  • Are there any side effects of Azenosertib? As with all medications, Azenosertib may cause side effects. The clinical trials are designed to assess the safety and tolerability of the drug. Patients in the trials are closely monitored for any adverse events or toxicities.
  • Can Azenosertib be used with other cancer treatments? Yes, several of the clinical trials are studying Azenosertib in combination with other cancer treatments. For example, it's being tested with carboplatin and pembrolizumab for triple-negative breast cancer, and with trastuzumab deruxtecan for certain solid tumors.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Azenosertib

  • Study on the Effects of ZN-c3 for Patients with High-Grade Serous Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, or Primary Peritoneal Cancer

    Recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium France Italy Poland Spain

  • Study of LB-100 and Azenosertib for Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

    Not yet recruiting

    1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    The Netherlands

  • Study of Azenosertib and Niraparib for Patients with Platinum-Resistant Ovarian Cancer

    Not recruiting

    1 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France

  • Study of Azenosertib (ZN-c3) for Women with Recurrent or Persistent Uterine Serous Carcinoma

    Not recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France Italy Spain

  • Study of ZN-c3, Encorafenib, and Cetuximab for Adults with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer

    Not recruiting

    1 1 1 1
    Investigated drugs:
    Germany Hungary Italy Poland Spain

Glossary

  • Wee1 inhibitor: A type of drug that blocks the action of the Wee1 protein, which is involved in cell division. By inhibiting Wee1, these drugs can make cancer cells more vulnerable to other treatments.
  • Uterine Serous Carcinoma: A rare and aggressive type of cancer that starts in the lining of the uterus (endometrium).
  • Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC): A type of breast cancer that tests negative for estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors, and excess HER2 protein. It's often more aggressive than other types of breast cancer.
  • Metastatic: Cancer that has spread from where it first started to another part of the body.
  • Pharmacodynamic: The study of how a drug affects the body, including its mechanism of action and the relationship between drug concentration and effect.
  • Biomarker: A measurable indicator of a biological condition or state, often used to predict or monitor disease progression or treatment response.
  • RECIST: Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, a set of rules used to measure how well a cancer patient responds to treatment.
  • Dose-Limiting Toxicity (DLT): Side effects of a drug that are severe enough to prevent an increase in dosage or require a decrease in dosage.
  • Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD): The highest dose of a drug that does not cause unacceptable side effects.
  • HER2: Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2, a protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells. Some cancers have higher levels of HER2 than others.

References

  1. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06351332
  2. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06369155
  3. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04005690
  4. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06364410