About this trial
This study is looking at how well two treatments work together for people with Merkel cell carcinoma. One treatment is an immunotherapy drug called pembrolizumab, which helps the immune system fight cancer. The other is a radioactive drug called lutetium Lu 177 dotatate, known as Lutathera®, which can kill cancer cells. This combination is being tested because it is not yet approved for treating Merkel cell cancer, and the goal is to see if it can help improve patients' outcomes.
This is a Phase 2 study, which means it is looking at how well the treatments work and how safe they are. The trial is regulated by the FDA and aims to include around 18 participants.
Who can join
Adults aged 18 and older can join this study. Both men and women are welcome. Participants should have Merkel cell cancer that has not responded to previous treatments. They need to have certain health conditions met, including good organ function. The trial team will confirm who is eligible to participate.
Condition
Merkel Cell Carcinoma
Age group
Adult, Older adult
The study team makes the final call on eligibility.
What happens in the study
Everyone in the study will receive both pembrolizumab and lutetium Lu 177 dotatate. Pembrolizumab will be given every 6 weeks for up to 2 years. Lutetium Lu 177 dotatate will be given once every 2 months for a total of 4 doses. This means all participants will get the same treatment.
Where
This trial is running at 3 locations in the United States. All of them are currently recruiting.
University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Iowa City, Iowa
University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center
Madison, Wisconsin
Weill Cornell Medicine/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
New York, New York