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Ucp4

This article discusses a clinical trial investigating the use of UCPVax, a CD4 Th1-inducer cancer vaccine derived from telomerase, in combination with atezolizumab and bevacizumab for patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). The study aims to assess the efficacy and safety of this combination therapy compared to standard treatment, focusing on objective response rates, overall survival, and quality of life improvements.

Table of Contents

What is UCP4?

UCP4 is an experimental cancer vaccine being studied for the treatment of advanced liver cancer. It is also known by the name UCPVax[1]. UCP4 is a type of immunotherapy, which means it works by helping the body’s own immune system fight cancer cells.

How does UCP4 work?

UCP4 is designed to stimulate a specific type of immune cell called CD4 T helper 1 (Th1) cells[1]. These cells play an important role in the immune response against cancer. The vaccine is made from a part of an enzyme called telomerase, which is often overactive in cancer cells. By targeting telomerase, UCP4 aims to help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

What conditions does UCP4 treat?

UCP4 is currently being studied for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is the most common type of primary liver cancer[1]. Specifically, it is being tested in patients with:

  • Locally advanced HCC (cancer that has spread within the liver but not to other parts of the body)
  • Metastatic HCC (cancer that has spread to other parts of the body)
  • Unresectable HCC (cancer that cannot be removed by surgery)

Current research on UCP4

UCP4 is currently being studied in a phase II clinical trial[1]. This trial is testing UCP4 in combination with two other drugs:

  • Atezolizumab: An immunotherapy drug that helps the immune system attack cancer cells
  • Bevacizumab: A drug that helps prevent the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors

The main goal of this study is to see if adding UCP4 to atezolizumab and bevacizumab can improve the response rate in patients with unresectable liver cancer[1].

Potential benefits of UCP4

Researchers are hoping that UCP4, when combined with other treatments, may offer several potential benefits for patients with advanced liver cancer:

  • Improved tumor response rates[1]
  • Longer survival times[1]
  • Delayed disease progression[1]
  • Better quality of life[1]

However, it’s important to note that these potential benefits are still being studied and are not yet proven.

Who may be eligible for UCP4 treatment?

The current clinical trial for UCP4 has specific criteria for who can participate. Some key factors include[1]:

  • Patients must have confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma that is locally advanced, metastatic, or unresectable
  • Patients should not have received previous systemic anti-cancer treatment
  • Patients must be at least 18 years old
  • Patients must have good overall health status and liver function

There are also several factors that may exclude patients from participating, such as certain medical conditions or previous treatments[1].

Safety and side effects

As UCP4 is still in the research phase, its full safety profile is not yet known. The current clinical trial is evaluating the safety of UCP4 when used in combination with atezolizumab and bevacizumab[1]. Patients in the trial will be closely monitored for any side effects or adverse reactions.

It’s important to remember that UCP4 is an experimental treatment and is not yet approved for general use. Patients interested in this treatment should discuss it with their healthcare provider and consider participating in clinical trials if eligible.

Aspect Details
Study Type Phase II randomized clinical trial
Condition Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer)
Intervention UCPVax + Atezolizumab + Bevacizumab vs. Atezolizumab + Bevacizumab
Primary Outcome Objective response rate at 6 months
Key Secondary Outcomes Overall survival, progression-free survival, quality of life
Eligibility Adults with confirmed unresectable HCC, no prior systemic treatment
Treatment Duration Up to 12 months for UCPVax
Biomarker Analysis TERT promoter mutations, telomerase expression, PD-L1 expression

FAQ

  • What is the main purpose of this clinical trial? The main purpose of this clinical trial is to assess the effectiveness of combining UCPVax with atezolizumab and bevacizumab in treating patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). The study will evaluate the objective response rate at 6 months as its primary goal.
  • Who is eligible to participate in this trial? Eligible participants are adults (18 years or older) with histologically confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma that is locally advanced, metastatic, or unresectable. They should not have received previous systemic anti-cancer treatment and must have measurable disease according to specific criteria. Other requirements include good performance status and liver function.
  • What treatments will be given in this trial? The trial has two arms: the experimental arm will receive UCPVax in combination with atezolizumab and bevacizumab, while the control arm will receive only atezolizumab and bevacizumab. UCPVax is administered as a subcutaneous injection, while atezolizumab and bevacizumab are given intravenously.
  • How long will the treatment last? The trial consists of two parts: an induction phase and a maintenance phase. The exact duration of treatment may vary, but the maximum treatment period with UCPVax is mentioned to be 12 months. Patients will be monitored for side effects and treatment response throughout the study.
  • What are the main outcomes being measured in this trial? The primary outcome is the objective response rate at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include overall survival, progression-free survival, disease control rate, health-related quality of life, and treatment-related side effects. The study will also analyze various biomarkers and immune responses to better understand how the treatment works.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Ucp4

  • Testing UCPVax vaccine with or without pembrolizumab and temozolomide in patients with unmethylated MGMT glioblastoma after initial treatment

    Not yet recruiting

    2 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    France

Glossary

  • Hepatocellular carcinoma: A type of liver cancer that starts in the main cell type of the liver, called hepatocytes. It's often associated with long-term liver diseases and cirrhosis.
  • Unresectable: Refers to a tumor that cannot be completely removed through surgery, often due to its size, location, or spread to other parts of the body.
  • UCPVax: A cancer vaccine derived from telomerase, designed to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells. It's being tested in this trial in combination with other treatments.
  • Atezolizumab: An immunotherapy drug that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells by blocking a protein called PD-L1.
  • Bevacizumab: A targeted therapy drug that works by blocking the growth of new blood vessels that feed tumors, potentially slowing or stopping cancer growth.
  • Objective response rate (ORR): The proportion of patients whose cancer shrinks (partial response) or disappears completely (complete response) after treatment.
  • Progression-free survival (PFS): The length of time during and after treatment that a patient lives without the cancer getting worse.
  • Overall survival (OS): The length of time from the start of treatment that patients are still alive.
  • RECIST criteria: Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, a standard way to measure how well a cancer patient responds to treatment based on changes in tumor size.
  • Biomarker: A measurable substance in the body that can indicate the presence of disease, infection, or environmental exposure. In cancer, biomarkers can help predict treatment response.

References

  1. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-ucpvax-atezolizumab-and-bevacizumab-for-patients-with-unresectable-liver-cancer/