In short
Cetrelimab is an investigational immunotherapy drug being studied in clinical trials for the treatment of various types of cancer. As a PD-1 inhibitor, it works by helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. This article summarizes key information about ongoing clinical trials evaluating cetrelimab alone and in combination with other therapies for conditions like prostate cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, and more.
At a glance
- Drug Name
- Cetrelimab (JNJ-63723283)
- Drug Class
- PD-1 inhibitor immunotherapy
- Administration
- Intravenous infusion
- Cancer Types Studied
- Prostate cancer, bladder cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, hepatitis B-related liver cancer, advanced solid tumors
- Combination Therapies
- Erdafitinib, apalutamide, niraparib, amivantamab, JNJ-87704916 (oncolytic virus), chemotherapy, radiation therapy
- Key Outcomes Measured
- Safety, tolerability, objective response rate, progression-free survival, overall survival, biomarkers
- Trial Phases
- Phase 1, Phase 1b, Phase 2
- Notable Features
- Being studied in various combinations and treatment settings, including neoadjuvant therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer
What is Cetrelimab?
Cetrelimab, also known by its research code JNJ-63723283, is an investigational drug being developed for cancer treatment. It belongs to a class of medications called immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are a type of immunotherapy. Immunotherapy is a treatment approach that helps your body's own immune system fight cancer more effectively.
How Does Cetrelimab Work?
Cetrelimab works by targeting a protein called PD-1 (programmed cell death receptor-1) that is found on immune cells. PD-1 normally acts as a "brake" on the immune system to prevent it from attacking healthy cells. However, some cancer cells can use this brake to hide from the immune system. Cetrelimab blocks PD-1, releasing this brake and allowing the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
What Conditions Does Cetrelimab Treat?
Cetrelimab is being studied for the treatment of various types of cancer, including:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): A type of lung cancer that is the most common form of the disease
- Advanced solid tumors: Various types of cancers that form solid masses
- Urothelial carcinoma: A type of bladder cancer
- Prostate cancer: Specifically, metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), an advanced form of prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and no longer responds to hormone therapy
Current Clinical Trials
Cetrelimab is currently being studied in several clinical trials to evaluate its safety and effectiveness. These trials are investigating cetrelimab both as a standalone treatment and in combination with other drugs. Some notable studies include:
- A study in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection to understand how the drug behaves in the body
- A trial combining cetrelimab with another drug called amivantamab for non-small cell lung cancer
- A study using cetrelimab in combination with a new cancer-fighting virus for advanced solid tumors
- An investigation of cetrelimab with other drugs for bladder cancer
- Several trials exploring cetrelimab's potential in treating prostate cancer,
Combination Therapies with Cetrelimab
Researchers are exploring how cetrelimab works when combined with other cancer treatments. Some promising combinations include:
- Cetrelimab + Amivantamab: This combination is being studied for non-small cell lung cancer. Amivantamab is another type of targeted therapy that works differently from cetrelimab.
- Cetrelimab + JNJ-87704916: This combination pairs cetrelimab with an experimental cancer-fighting virus that is injected directly into tumors.
- Cetrelimab + Erdafitinib: This combination is being tested in patients with bladder cancer that has specific genetic changes.
- Cetrelimab + Apalutamide: This combination is being studied for prostate cancer. Apalutamide is a hormone therapy that works by blocking the effects of male hormones on prostate cancer cells.
- Cetrelimab + Niraparib: This combination is also being explored for prostate cancer. Niraparib is a type of drug called a PARP inhibitor, which works by preventing cancer cells from repairing their damaged DNA.
Potential Side Effects
As with all medications, cetrelimab can cause side effects. Since it's still in clinical trials, researchers are carefully monitoring patients for any adverse reactions. Some potential side effects may include:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Skin rash
- Immune-related side effects (due to the immune system becoming overactive)
It's important to note that not everyone experiences these side effects, and some people may experience different ones. The clinical trials are designed to better understand the safety profile of cetrelimab,.
How is Cetrelimab Administered?
Cetrelimab is typically given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, which means it's delivered directly into your bloodstream through a vein. The dosage and frequency can vary depending on the specific clinical trial and the condition being treated. Some common dosing schedules being studied include:
- 480 mg every 4 weeks
- 240 mg every 2 weeks
The exact dosing schedule would be determined by your healthcare team if you were to receive this treatment as part of a clinical trial.