ALX148 + Chemotherapy + Immunotherapy for Ovarian Cancer

This trial tests a new drug combination for ovarian cancer that has returned and resists common platinum-based treatments. It combines chemotherapy and immunotherapy with ALX148 (Evorpacept), which may enhance the immune system's ability to target cancer cells. Individuals with recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer who have tried several treatments without success might be suitable candidates. Participation can help researchers determine if this new combination effectively shrinks tumors or slows their growth. As a Phase 2 trial, the research focuses on evaluating the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group of participants.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, it mentions that prior systemic anti-cancer therapy should not have been taken within 4 weeks before starting the trial, and certain immunosuppressive therapies are not allowed. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.

A previous study found that using ALX148 with other treatments led to some serious side effects. Two patients died from rare immune system reactions linked to the trial drugs. However, other studies have shown that ALX148 can be safe with careful monitoring.

Doxorubicin, a common cancer treatment, is usually well-tolerated but can cause side effects like heart problems and low blood cell counts.

Pembrolizumab is also part of this trial. This immunotherapy drug treats various cancers and is generally considered safe, though some people might feel tired or have skin reactions.

Researchers are excited about the combination of ALX148 with pembrolizumab and doxorubicin for ovarian cancer because it offers a novel approach to treatment. Unlike standard therapies, which often rely on surgery, chemotherapy, or single-agent immunotherapy, this regimen combines a new agent, ALX148, with existing drugs for a potentially more powerful effect. ALX148 works by blocking the CD47 protein, often referred to as a "don't eat me" signal that cancer cells use to evade the immune system. By combining this with pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, and doxorubicin, a chemotherapy agent, the treatment aims to enhance the immune system's ability to target and destroy cancer cells more effectively. This multi-faceted approach could lead to better outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer.

In this trial, participants will receive a combination of ALX148, doxorubicin, and pembrolizumab, which research suggests might be effective against ovarian cancer. ALX148 aids the immune system by blocking a protein called CD47, which cancer cells use to evade detection. This combination could enhance the immune system's ability to locate and attack cancer cells. Specifically, studies have shown that a special form of doxorubicin, called pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, helped 26% of ovarian cancer patients who did not respond to other treatments. Adding pembrolizumab, a drug that boosts the immune system, might increase the treatment's effectiveness. Overall, this combination aims to improve outcomes for patients with ovarian cancer that has not responded to standard treatments.¹⁴⁵⁶⁷