Phase 2 trial launched for triple drug combination in pancreatic cancer

Researchers from the University of Glasgow and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde have embarked on a significant mid-stage clinical trial aimed at improving first-line treatment for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. This initiative, known as the phase 2 PRIMUS-006 study, is part of the broader Precision-Panc Platform. The study focuses on evaluating a novel drug combination involving Eli Lilly and Genentech's Gemzar (gemcitabine), Merck & Co's Keytruda (pembrolizumab), and Immodulon Therapeutics' investigational drug IMM-101.

Pancreatic cancer, the tenth most common cancer in the UK, sees more than 10,000 new cases annually. Unfortunately, this type of cancer is often diagnosed at a late stage and shows poor responsiveness to existing treatments, making it one of the most fatal forms of cancer. The PRIMUS-006 study, coordinated by the Glasgow Oncology Clinical Trials Unit, seeks to address these challenges by testing this new combination therapy in up to 50 patients with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). These patients, who may be ineligible for current combination chemotherapy, will be sourced from up to 20 hospital sites across the UK.

The chemotherapy agent Gemzar is already a first-line treatment for several cancers, including those affecting the bladder, breast, pancreas, ovaries, and non-small-cell lung cancer. Meanwhile, Merck's Keytruda is a T-cell checkpoint inhibitor used in cancer immunotherapy for various cancers such as melanoma, lung cancer, and cervical cancer. Immodulon's IMM-101, an investigational drug containing heat-killed, whole-cell Mycobacterium obuense, is currently being evaluated for its immunomodulatory effects in chemotherapy.

Professor David Chang, the chief investigator of the study and a professor of surgical oncology at the Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, University of Glasgow, and Glasgow Royal Infirmary, highlighted the significance of the PRIMUS-006 study. He emphasized that this research marks an important milestone in the ongoing quest to develop new treatment options aimed at improving overall outcomes for patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

Recent developments have shown promise for Merck's Keytruda, which received approval from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its use in combination with carboplatin and paclitaxel, followed by its use as a standalone treatment for adults with primary, advanced, or recurrent endometrial carcinoma. In addition to the PRIMUS-006 study, Keytruda is currently being studied in over 1,600 clinical trials. Among these is the phase 2b KEYNOTE-942 study, which evaluates Keytruda in combination with Merck and Moderna’s investigational skin cancer vaccine, mRNA-4157.

This collaborative effort between the University of Glasgow and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde represents a crucial step forward in pancreatic cancer research. By exploring the potential benefits of this new drug combination, the PRIMUS-006 study aims to offer hope and improved treatment outcomes for patients battling one of the most challenging and deadly forms of cancer.