CompletedPhase 2

Refametinib in Combination With Sorafenib in RAS Mutant Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)

United States, Austria, Belgium14 participantsStarted 2013-09-27

Plain-language summary

This is a study to investigate the potential clinical benefit of refametinib when given in combination with sorafenib as first line treatment in patients with unresectable or metastatic HCC carrying a RAS mutation. The study will be conducted in 2 stages. Approximately 95 patients (15 at Stage 1/ 80 at Stage 2) will be accrued to this study to receive treatment. Stage 2 of the trial will only be conducted if at least 5 out of 15 patients at Stage 1 show at least partial response according to an objective criteria to evaluate tumor size based on contrast enhancement \[modified response evaluation criteria in solid tumors (mRECIST)\] assessed by external independent radiologists. Refametenib is an oral (i.e. taken by mouth) protein kinase inhibitor. A kinase inhibitor targets certain key proteins that are essential for the survival of the cancer cell. By specifically targeting these proteins, refametinib in combination with sorafenib may stop cancer growth. The growth of the tumor may be decreased by preventing these specific proteins from functioning. The primary endpoint (the most meaningful result to be tracked) of this study is based on the rate of response, i.e. the disease getting smaller. The aim is to show that the therapy with refametinib in combination with sorafenib improves the response rate in this patient population compared to historical results observed with the sorafenib only.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: Eligibility criteria for RAS mutation testing * Unresectable or metastatic HCC, confirmed either by histology or clinically according to the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) criteria for cirrhotic patients. For non-cirrhotic patients, histological confirmation is mandatory. * Male or female ≥18 years of age. * Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance state 0 or 1. * Life expectancy of at least 12 weeks. * No prior use of targeted agents, experimental therapy or systemic anti-cancer treatment. * No previous treatment with sorafenib or refametinib. Criteria for study treatment eligibility * Patient must harbor GTPase Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) or Neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) mutation based on Beads, emulsions, amplification, and magnetic technology, sensitive mutation detection (BEAMing) plasma test. * Patients must have at least one uni-dimensional measurable lesion by Computed tomography (CT) or Magnetic resonance (MR) according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 and Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) which is either naïve (not previously treated by local therapy such as surgery, radiation therapy, hepatic arterial therapy, chemoembolization, radiofrequency ablation, percutaneous ethanol injection or cryoablation) or previously treated and has progressed until baseline (both measureable lesion and/or progressed lesion h…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Objective tumor response according to Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) assessed by central radiological review

Timeframe: Approximately 36 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01915602

SponsorBayer

Sponsor typeINDUSTRY

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2015-07-29

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