Clinical Trials In Genitourinary Cancers: Investigating New Treatments For Kidney Bladder And Prostate Cancers
Clinical trials are the main way that doctors are able to find better treatment for diseases like cancer. There are always many active clinical trials underway that are exploring possible new cancer treatments and ways to prevent or reduce side effects. In this podcast series, members of the Cancer.Net Editorial Board share their expert opinions about ongoing clinical trials that are studying genitourinary cancers.
In this podcast, Sumanta Pal, MD, leads a discussion with Neeraj Agarwal, MD Petros Grivas, MD, PhD and Tian Zhang, MD, about 3 clinical trials that will be presented at the 2020 Genitourinary Cancers Symposium, which will take place February 13 to 15 in San Francisco, California.
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The VISION phase III clinical trial is testing whether a new radiation particle treatment called 177Lutetium-PSMA-617 could help people with metastatic prostate cancer live longer.
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The INTACT phase III clinical trial is studying whether adding immunotherapy to bladder-preservation methods can help people with localized muscle-invasive bladder cancer live longer.
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The PROSPER phase III clinical trial aims to answer the question of whether adding immunotherapy before or after surgery for kidney cancer can slow down or prevent the disease from coming back or spreading to other parts of the body.
Cancer.Net Podcasts are edited for content and length.
White Button Mushroom Extract In Treating Patients With Recurrent Prostate Cancer After Local Therapy
| The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details. |
| Recruitment Status : Active, not recruitingFirst Posted : October 24, 2008Last Update Posted : February 17, 2021 |
- Study Details
RATIONALE: White button mushroom extract may stop or delay the development of recurrent prostate cancer.
PURPOSE: This phase I trial is studying the side effects and best dose of white button mushroom extract in treating patients with recurrent prostate cancer after local therapy.
| Phase | ||
|---|---|---|
| Prostate Cancer | Drug: white button mushroom extractOther: flow cytometryOther: immunologic techniqueOther: laboratory biomarker analysisOther: gas chromatography-mass spectrometryOther: pharmacological study | Phase 1 |
OBJECTIVES:
Primary
- To assess the feasibility and toxicity of prolonged white button mushroom extract therapy at six different dose levels in patients with biochemically recurrent prostate cancer after local therapy.
Secondary
- To analyze the effect of this regimen on a variety of biomarkers including testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, estrogens, aromatase, parameters of immune function, and circulating tumor cells.
- To assess the effect of this regimen on PSA kinetics as a measure of disease activity in these patients.
OUTLINE: This is a dose-escalation study.
Mouse Study Suggests Mushrooms May Suppress Androgen Receptor Activity
The chemicals present in white button mushrooms may slow the progression of prostate cancer, according to a mouse study presented virtually at ENDO 2021, the Endocrine Societys annual meeting.
Androgens, a type of male sex hormone, promote the growth of prostate cancer cells by binding to and activating the androgen receptor, a protein that is expressed in prostate cells, said lead researcher Xiaoqiang Wang, M.D., Ph.D., M.B. , of the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, a comprehensive cancer center in Duarte, Calif. White button mushrooms appear to suppress the activity of the androgen receptor.
City of Hopes Shiuan Chen, Ph.D., the principal investigator of this project, previously conducted a phase one clinical trial of white button mushroom powder in patients with recurrent prostate cancer, which indicated that the mushrooms reduced levels of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, with minimal side effects. Heightened blood levels of PSA in men may indicate the existence of prostate tumors.
The new study aimed to understand the mechanism behind this finding. The researchers studied the mushroom extracts effect on prostate cancer cells that were sensitive to androgen. They also studied the extracts effect on mice implanted with human prostate tumors, which creates an animal model whose results would be more reliable as the research is translated to human clinical trials.
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Available Now For Apple And Android
Stay up to date on Mary Crowley active Phase I and II clinical trials for cancer patients. Our free Cancer Clinical Trials App features a flexible and extensive search that makes it easy for patients and healthcare professionals to find, navigate and share in-depth clinical trial information.
- Search our real-time database for trials by disease type or molecular profile
- Browse information on each trials objective, eligibility criteria, stage and more
- Contact a member of our research staff by phone or email
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A New Clinical Trial Offered At The University Of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center And 10 Other Sites Throughout The Country Is Testing Whether Targeting Treatments To A Genetic Anomaly
The phase 2 trial will look at patients with castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer, which means the cancer has spread and has stopped responding to hormone-based treatments. The target being evaluated is a genomic rearrangement that causes two genes called TMPRSS2 and ERG to fuse together. This gene fusion, believed to be the triggering event of prostate cancer, was initially discovered in 2005 by U-M researchers.
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Joining Forces With The Us Oncology Research Network
Cancer Care Centers of Brevard is proud to be a member of the US Oncology Network, a global leader in cutting-edge cancer research. As a part of the network, our facilities have access to state-of-the-art clinical trials for prostate cancer and other types of cancer.
Our highly trained research team has helped many patients on the Space Coast of Florida with participation in cancer research trials and will continue to advance prostate cancer treatment for future patients.
What Does It Mean For Prostate Cancer To Be Castration Resistant
Treatments for prostate cancer typically include either drugs to suppress testosterone production from the testes or surgical removal of the testes. Testosterone is a male hormone that controls the normal growth of the prostate and growth of prostate cancer. This treatment typically works at first, but over time the cancer cells become resistant to the therapy and the cancer returns.
Read Also: Chemotherapy For Prostate Cancer Stage 4
Study Of Pembrolizumab Plus Olaparib Versus Abiraterone Acetate Or Enzalutamide In Metastatic Castration
Merck is conducting this clinical trial to find out if the combination of two investigational medications, pembrolizumab and olaparib, is safe and works to slow down or stop the growth of metastatic Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer compared to the standard of care. Pembrolizumab is a type of immunotherapy, which may help the bodys immune system attack cancer cells. Olaparib is a targeted therapy called a PARP inhibitor that may help limit a cancer cells ability to repair itself and leads to the death of cancer cells. To be eligible for this trial, patients with mCRPC must have failed to respond to either abiraterone acetate or enzalutamide and to chemotherapy. Additional eligibility criteria will apply. Click here to learn more about this trial on the sponsors website.
To learn more about this study and to find out if you may be eligible, please visit:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03834519
What Do Scientists Know About This Gene Fusion
In 2005, researchers led by Arul Chinnaiyan found that a prostate-specific gene called TMPRSS2 fuses with a cancer-causing gene called ERG. They showed that this gene fusion, which occurs in about half of all prostate cancers, acts as an “on switch” to trigger prostate cancer. Researchers believe that targeting treatments the gene fusion is the key to better treatments and better outcomes. Laboratory research has also shown that the gene fusion is fueled by the hormone androgen. Because abiraterone targets androgen, researchers suspect that the drug may have more impact in patients with the gene fusion.
Recommended Reading: What’s The Survival Rate For Prostate Cancer
Study Of Pembrolizumab Plus Enzalutamide Versus Placebo Plus Enzalutamide In Participants With Metastatic Castration
Merck is conducting this clinical trial to find out if the investigational medication pembrolizumab in combination with enzalutamide is safe and works to slow down or stop the growth of metastatic Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer compared to enzalutamide alone. Pembrolizumab is a type of immunotherapy, which may help the bodys immune system attack cancer cells. To be eligible for this trial, patients with mCRPC must not have received chemotherapy for mCRPC and have either not received treatment with abiraterone acetate or have received treatment with abiraterone acetate but did not respond or are no longer responding to it. Additional eligibility criteria will apply. Click here to learn more about this trial on the sponsors website.
To learn more about this study and to find out if you may be eligible, please visit:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03834493
What Phase Is This Study And What Does That Mean
This is a phase 2 trial. Clinical studies are divided into phases 0-4. Phase 2 studies gather preliminary data on whether the drug works in a specific cancer and look at safety and side effects. Who qualifies for this study? Men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, that is, prostate cancer that is progressing on hormone therapy , may be eligible for this study. To participate, you must not have started therapy with abiraterone and you must agree to undergo a biopsy of at least one metastatic site. You may not be receiving any other investigational drugs and must complete any chemotherapy or radiation therapy at least three weeks prior to starting the study.
There are additional eligibility requirements. To learn more, call the U-M Cancer AnswerLine at .
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Should I Participate In A Clinical Trial For Prostate Cancer
Clinical trials arent an option for all prostate cancer patients. Only certain patients will qualify. If you do qualify, a member of the research team will talk to you and your family about it.
Its never required that you participate in a clinical trial.
Some of the things that are considered before suggesting a clinical trial for a patient include:
- Stage of cancer
- Past history of cancer treatments
- Current health status
- Other medical health problems
- Age
If you choose to look into participating in a prostate cancer clinical trial, the research team will talk you through what to expect and some pros and cons.
Here are some questions you might ask the research team at CCCB:
- What are the potential side effects of the treatment in the trial? How are those side effects usually managed?
- Is there any possibility that I will receive a placebo?
- What other treatment options do I have and how do they compare to the clinical trial?
- Will I receive treatment here at this office?
- Who should I contact for additional questions about the trial?
You can also take a few moments to read through our FAQ page on clinical trials in general and browse the available trials at our facilities.
Study Of Pembrolizumab Combination Therapies In Metastatic Castration
Merck is conducting this clinical trial to find out if the investigational medication pembrolizumab in combination with abiraterone and prednisone is safe and works to slow down or stop the growth of metastatic Castrate Resistant Prostate Cancer . Pembrolizumab is a type of immunotherapy, which may help the bodys immune system attack cancer cells. This trial is currently enrolling patients with mCRPC who have not received chemotherapy for mCRPC and have either not had prior second generation hormonal manipulation for mCRPC, or have previously been treated with enzalutamide for mCRPC and failed treatment or has become intolerant of the drug. Additional eligibility criteria will apply. Click here to learn more about this trial on the sponsors website.
To learn more about this study and to find out if you may be eligible, please visit:
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02861573
Recommended Reading: Life Expectancy Prostate Cancer Gleason 8
City Of Hope Opens Phase Ii Clinical Trial To Test If Intake Of Mushroom
City of Hope is recruiting patients for a phase II clinical trial to investigate whether pills containing white button mushroom extract could regulate the immune system, affecting prostate-specific antigen levels to either remain stable or decline.
Heightened levels of PSA in men may indicate the existence of prostate tumors.
Shiuan Chen, the Lester M. and Irene C. Finkelstein Chair in Biology, has been investigating the potential beneficial effects of white button mushroom at City of Hope for about 20 years. His translational preclinical and clinical research has found that this bioactive food available in most supermarkets might prevent or slow the spread of prostate and breast cancers.
The common fungus appears to block the activity of dihydrotestosterone, a strong form of the male hormone.
White button mushroom, like green tea, turmeric, soybean, rosemary and tomato, has been considered asuperfood with positive effects on human health, Chen, co-investigator of the clinical trial, said in a statement. What were trying to do is scientifically prove whether the hype is true. If white button mushroom can slow the progression of prostate cancer, we want to know what the active agent is and what biological mechanisms are at work.
A Phase Ii Study Of Androgen Deprivation Therapy With Or Without Palbociclib In Rb
| The safety and scientific validity of this study is the responsibility of the study sponsor and investigators. Listing a study does not mean it has been evaluated by the U.S. Federal Government. Read our disclaimer for details. |
| First Posted : February 11, 2014Results First Posted : January 28, 2019Last Update Posted : September 16, 2020 |
- Study Details
This study will look at the effect of adding the drug Palbociclib to CAD therapy in patients with RB positive hormone sensitive prostate cancer.
The investigators hypothesize that the addition of Palbociclib to initial ADT in patients with newly metastatic RB-positive prostate cancer may significantly increase the efficacy of ADT.
| Drug: IbranceDrug: BicalutamideDrug: ZoladexDrug: Lupron Depot | Phase 2 |
| Study Type : | |
| Treatment | |
| Official Title: | A Randomized Phase II Study of Androgen Deprivation Therapy With or Without Palbociclib in RB-Positive Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer |
| Study Start Date : |
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City Of Hope Phase 2 Clinical Trial Investigates If White Button Mushroom Supplement Suppressed Prostate Cancer
A world-renowned U.S. cancer research center and National Cancer Institute comprehensive cancer center based in the Los Angeles area has launched a Phase 2 clinical trial to investigate whether white button mushroom extract can regulate the immune system and thus affect prostate-specific antigen levels to either remain stable or decline. Of course, heightened levels of PSA in men may indicate the existence of prostate tumors. Now City of Hope, known around the world as an independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases, is recruiting patients for this Phase 2 study in partnership with the National Cancer Institute , part of the National Institutes of Health .
Impressive Results Thus Far
Just in March, City of Hope issued a press release announcing that white button mushrooms could alleviate prostate cancer. At the ENDO 2021the Endocrine Societys Annual meetingXiaoqiang Wang, MD, PhD, MB with the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope shared, Androgens, a type of male sex hormone, promote the growth of prostate cancer cells by binding to and activating the androgen receptor, a protein that is ex…
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City Of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
Steve Rosen, M.D., FACP, Director
Duarte, California
Founded in 1913, City of Hope began focusing on cancer research and treatment in the late 1940s. Receiving its NCI designation in 1981 and its designation as a comprehensive cancer center in 1998, City of Hope is today a biomedical research, treatment, and education center.
The Centers more than 200 physicians and scientists are dedicated to developing innovative, disease-fighting strategies in the battle against cancer. In this multidisciplinary, interactive environment, basic, clinical, translational, and prevention and control scientists work closely together. Their work is a continuum, starting with research on the biomedical mechanisms of cancer genesis and progression, moving on to the development of new therapies, testing those treatments in clinical trials, and, finally, delivering the best in patient care and providing support and education to patients, their families, and the public. That work contributes to further understanding of cancer risk assessment and prevention. Examples of the basic research findings developed at City of Hope are recombinant DNA technology and monoclonal antibodies and these discoveries were then applied to therapy.
* This profile was provided by the City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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Mushroom Tablets Might Slow Prostate Cancer
Scientists are investigating if City of Hope’s natural supplement derived from white button mushroom could lower prostate-specific antigen levels, an indicator of prostate cancer. City of Hope is a well-known, independent research and treatment center for cancer, diabetes and other life-threatening diseases. It is recruiting patients for a Phase 2 clinical trial to investigate whether pills containing white button mushroom extract could regulate the immune system, affecting prostate-specific antigen levels to either remain stable or decline. In men, heightened levels of PSA may indicate the existence of prostate tumors.
Researchers have been investigating the potential beneficial effects of white button mushroom at City of Hope for many years. Translational preclinical and clinical research has found that this “bioactive food” available in most supermarkets might prevent or slow the spread of prostate and breast cancers. The common fungus appears to block the activity of dihydrotestosterone , a strong form of the male hormone.
Photo source: City of Hope
Publication date: Fri 30 Apr 2021