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Naltrexone and Propranolol Combined With Immunotherapy

Primary Purpose

Advanced Melanoma

Status
Not yet recruiting
Phase
Phase 1
Locations
United States
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Propranolol
Naltrexone
Sponsored by
Ryan Stephenson
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Advanced Melanoma focused on measuring Melanoma, Metastatic melanoma, Skin cancer, Immune checkpoint inhibitors, Propranolol, Naltrexone, Beta-adrenergic blocker, Opioid receptor antagonist, Tumor microenvironment, NK cells, T-cells, Combination therapy, Immunotherapy, Ipilimumab, Nivolumab

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - undefined (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria: Age of 18 years or older and able to understand and sign the informed consent form. Histologically confirmed diagnosis of unresectable stage III or stage IV melanoma. Candidate for standard of care therapy with ipilimumab 3 mg/kg + nivolumab 1 mg/kg. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-1. Treatment-naïve or has received any number of prior lines of therapy. Prior targeted therapy is allowed, but small molecule inhibitors must be discontinued within two weeks before starting the study. Life expectancy of at least 6 months. Presence of at least one accessible site of disease to provide an on-study biopsy for tumor tissue. The biopsy may be waived after discussion with the Principal Investigator (PI) if it is deemed unfeasible. The site may be a target lesion as long as it will not be rendered unmeasurable by the biopsy procedure. Willingness to undergo tumor biopsy (if archival tumor is not available) prior to initiation of therapy and while on the study. Willingness to provide an archival specimen block, if available, for research purposes. Normal organ function, defined as: Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >1500/mcL Platelets >100,000/mcL Hemoglobin (Hb) >9 g/dL Albumin >2.5 mg/dL Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) <2.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) Serum total bilirubin <1.5 times ULN or direct bilirubin < ULN for subjects with total bilirubin levels >1.5 times ULN. Female participants of childbearing potential should have a negative serum pregnancy test within 72 hours prior to receiving the first dose of study medication. Female participants of childbearing potential should be willing to use a highly effective form of contraception (hormonal or intrauterine device) along with a condom in their male partner, or be surgically sterile, or abstain from heterosexual activity for a period of at least six months after the last dose of study medication. Male participants should agree to use an adequate method of contraception starting with the first dose of study therapy through at least six months after the last dose of study drug. Participants must have at least one measurable lesion at baseline by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 criteria. Tumor sites situated in a previously irradiated area or in an area subjected to other loco-regional therapy are not considered measurable unless there has been demonstrated progression in the lesion. Prior focal radiotherapy is allowed. Exclusion Criteria: Presence of untreated brain metastases, unless discussed with the Principal Investigator (PI) and meet specific criteria for inclusion (treatment-naïve patients with brain metastases <10 mm, asymptomatic, without significant edema, hemorrhage, shift, or requirement for steroids or anti-seizure medications, and not in eloquent areas). These patients may potentially forego initial local treatment of the brain metastases and have them reassessed after consultation with the Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology teams. Use of corticosteroids to control immune-related adverse events at enrollment. Participants who previously required corticosteroids for symptom control must be off steroids for at least two weeks. Low-dose steroid use (=10 mg of prednisone or equivalent) as corticosteroid replacement therapy for primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency is allowed. Failure to recover (i.e., Grade 1 or at baseline) from adverse events due to prior treatment. History of grade 3-4 neurologic or cardiac toxicity or life-threatening liver toxicity poorly responsive to steroids with prior anti-PD-1 therapy. Presence of leptomeningeal disease. Active autoimmune disease unrelated to the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors that has required systemic treatment in the past year (e.g., use of disease-modifying agents, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive drugs). Replacement therapy (e.g., thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency) is not considered a form of systemic treatment. Contraindications to the use of propranolol, including: Cardiogenic shock. Sinus bradycardia greater than first-degree block. Severe bronchial asthma. Known hypersensitivity to propranolol. Requirement for current use of an alternative beta-blocker. Uncontrolled diabetes. Uncontrolled depression. Unstable angina or myocardial infarction within 3 months of Day 1 Cycle 1. For enrollment into Cohort 2-4 ONLY: Contraindications to the use of naltrexone, including: Participants currently receiving opioid analgesics or anticipated to require opioid analgesics in the near future. Participants currently dependent on opioids, including those currently maintained on opiate agonists (e.g., methadone) or partial agonists (e.g., buprenorphine). Participants in acute opioid withdrawal. Individuals with a history of sensitivity to naltrexone. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. If a woman becomes pregnant or suspects she is pregnant while participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately. Breastfeeding must be discontinued if the mother is enrolled in this trial due to the potential risk for adverse events in nursing infants. Receipt of any other investigational agents or participation in a study of an investigational agent or use of an investigational device within four weeks of the first dose of treatment. Concurrent condition (including medical illness, active infection requiring treatment with intravenous antibiotics, or presence of laboratory abnormalities) or history of a prior condition that places the patient at unacceptable risk if treated with the study drug or confounds the ability to interpret data from the study. Concurrent, active malignancies in addition to those being studied, except for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. Active (non-infectious) pneumonitis. Hepatitis B (HBV) or Hepatitis C (HCV) acute or chronic infection. Receipt of a live vaccine

Sites / Locations

  • Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm 2

Arm 3

Arm 4

Arm Type

Experimental

Experimental

Experimental

Experimental

Arm Label

Cohort 1 - Propranolol

Cohort 2 - Propranolol + Naltrexone 4.5 mg

Cohort 3 - Propranolol + Naltrexone 9 mg

Cohort 4 - Propranolol + Naltrexone 25 mg

Arm Description

Patients will receive intravenous ipilimumab 3 mg/kg + nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 21 days for up to 4 cycles followed by intravenous nivolumab monotherapy 480 mg every 28 days. Propranolol will be administered as 30 mg orally twice a day, continuously.

Patients will receive intravenous ipilimumab 3 mg/kg + nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 21 days for up to 4 cycles followed by intravenous nivolumab monotherapy 480 mg every 28 days. Propranolol will be administered as 30 mg orally twice a day, continuously. Naltrexone will be administered as 4.5 mg orally once a day, continuously.

Patients will receive intravenous ipilimumab 3 mg/kg + nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 21 days for up to 4 cycles followed by intravenous nivolumab monotherapy 480 mg every 28 days. Propranolol will be administered as 30 mg orally twice a day, continuously. Naltrexone will be administered as 9 mg orally once a day, continuously.

Patients will receive intravenous ipilimumab 3 mg/kg + nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 21 days for up to 4 cycles followed by intravenous nivolumab monotherapy 480 mg every 28 days. Propranolol will be administered as 30 mg orally twice a day, continuously. Naltrexone will be administered as 25 mg orally once a day, continuously.

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Safety as assessed by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0
Dose-limiting toxicity of naltrexone in combination with propranolol and ipilimumab plus nivolumab
Recommended phase 2 dose of naltrexone in combination with propranolol and ipilimumab plus nivolumab

Secondary Outcome Measures

Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1
Progression-Free Survival (PFS)
Overall Survival (OS)

Full Information

First Posted
July 18, 2023
Last Updated
August 28, 2023
Sponsor
Ryan Stephenson
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT05968690
Brief Title
Naltrexone and Propranolol Combined With Immunotherapy
Official Title
A Phase I Study to Evaluate the Safety of Naltrexone and Propranolol in Combination With Standard of Care Ipilimumab and Nivolumab in Patients With Advanced Melanoma
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
August 2023
Overall Recruitment Status
Not yet recruiting
Study Start Date
September 30, 2023 (Anticipated)
Primary Completion Date
September 30, 2025 (Anticipated)
Study Completion Date
September 30, 2025 (Anticipated)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Sponsor-Investigator
Name of the Sponsor
Ryan Stephenson

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
Yes
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
No
Product Manufactured in and Exported from the U.S.
No
Data Monitoring Committee
Yes

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
Various forms of stress can promote cancer development and growth and negatively impact the immune system's response to tumors. Beta-adrenergic and opioid receptors co-exist in many cells including immune cells and are integral components of the body's response to stress. Pre-clinical studies have demonstrated that dual blockade of these receptors can decrease tumor growth and modulate the anti-tumor immune response. This clinical trial investigates the safety and potential therapeutic benefits of combining a beta-adrenergic blocker (propranolol) and an opioid receptor antagonist (naltrexone) with immune checkpoint inhibitors in patients with advanced melanoma.
Detailed Description
This is an open-label, single institution, phase I clinical trial to investigate the safety, tolerability, and preliminary efficacy of dose-escalated naltrexone (NTX) in combination with propranolol (PRO), ipilimumab (IPI), and nivolumab (NIVO) in patients with advanced melanoma.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Advanced Melanoma
Keywords
Melanoma, Metastatic melanoma, Skin cancer, Immune checkpoint inhibitors, Propranolol, Naltrexone, Beta-adrenergic blocker, Opioid receptor antagonist, Tumor microenvironment, NK cells, T-cells, Combination therapy, Immunotherapy, Ipilimumab, Nivolumab

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Treatment
Study Phase
Phase 1
Interventional Study Model
Sequential Assignment
Model Description
This is an open-label, single institution, phase I study with a 3+3 design of dose escalated naltrexone in combination with propranolol 30 mg bid and ipilimumab 3 mg/kg plus nivolumab 1 mg/kg q3wk for up to 4 doses followed by NIVO monotherapy q4wk in participants with advanced melanoma.
Masking
None (Open Label)
Allocation
Non-Randomized
Enrollment
12 (Anticipated)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
Cohort 1 - Propranolol
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Patients will receive intravenous ipilimumab 3 mg/kg + nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 21 days for up to 4 cycles followed by intravenous nivolumab monotherapy 480 mg every 28 days. Propranolol will be administered as 30 mg orally twice a day, continuously.
Arm Title
Cohort 2 - Propranolol + Naltrexone 4.5 mg
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Patients will receive intravenous ipilimumab 3 mg/kg + nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 21 days for up to 4 cycles followed by intravenous nivolumab monotherapy 480 mg every 28 days. Propranolol will be administered as 30 mg orally twice a day, continuously. Naltrexone will be administered as 4.5 mg orally once a day, continuously.
Arm Title
Cohort 3 - Propranolol + Naltrexone 9 mg
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Patients will receive intravenous ipilimumab 3 mg/kg + nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 21 days for up to 4 cycles followed by intravenous nivolumab monotherapy 480 mg every 28 days. Propranolol will be administered as 30 mg orally twice a day, continuously. Naltrexone will be administered as 9 mg orally once a day, continuously.
Arm Title
Cohort 4 - Propranolol + Naltrexone 25 mg
Arm Type
Experimental
Arm Description
Patients will receive intravenous ipilimumab 3 mg/kg + nivolumab 1 mg/kg every 21 days for up to 4 cycles followed by intravenous nivolumab monotherapy 480 mg every 28 days. Propranolol will be administered as 30 mg orally twice a day, continuously. Naltrexone will be administered as 25 mg orally once a day, continuously.
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Propranolol
Intervention Description
Propranolol will be administered to patients in all cohorts.
Intervention Type
Drug
Intervention Name(s)
Naltrexone
Intervention Description
Naltrexone will be administered to patients in cohorts 2, 3, and 4.
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Safety as assessed by Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0
Time Frame
initial 28 days of treatment and then for up to 2 years
Title
Dose-limiting toxicity of naltrexone in combination with propranolol and ipilimumab plus nivolumab
Time Frame
initial 28 days of treatment
Title
Recommended phase 2 dose of naltrexone in combination with propranolol and ipilimumab plus nivolumab
Time Frame
up to 2 years from start of treatment
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1
Time Frame
up to 2 years from start of treatment
Title
Progression-Free Survival (PFS)
Time Frame
up to 2 years from start of treatment
Title
Overall Survival (OS)
Time Frame
up to 2 years from start of treatment
Other Pre-specified Outcome Measures:
Title
Exploratory objectives are to assess the impact of propranolol + naltrexone on the anti-tumor immune response through correlative biomarker studies performed on tumor and blood.
Time Frame
up to 2 years from start of treatment

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Age of 18 years or older and able to understand and sign the informed consent form. Histologically confirmed diagnosis of unresectable stage III or stage IV melanoma. Candidate for standard of care therapy with ipilimumab 3 mg/kg + nivolumab 1 mg/kg. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-1. Treatment-naïve or has received any number of prior lines of therapy. Prior targeted therapy is allowed, but small molecule inhibitors must be discontinued within two weeks before starting the study. Life expectancy of at least 6 months. Presence of at least one accessible site of disease to provide an on-study biopsy for tumor tissue. The biopsy may be waived after discussion with the Principal Investigator (PI) if it is deemed unfeasible. The site may be a target lesion as long as it will not be rendered unmeasurable by the biopsy procedure. Willingness to undergo tumor biopsy (if archival tumor is not available) prior to initiation of therapy and while on the study. Willingness to provide an archival specimen block, if available, for research purposes. Normal organ function, defined as: Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >1500/mcL Platelets >100,000/mcL Hemoglobin (Hb) >9 g/dL Albumin >2.5 mg/dL Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) <2.5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) Serum total bilirubin <1.5 times ULN or direct bilirubin < ULN for subjects with total bilirubin levels >1.5 times ULN. Female participants of childbearing potential should have a negative serum pregnancy test within 72 hours prior to receiving the first dose of study medication. Female participants of childbearing potential should be willing to use a highly effective form of contraception (hormonal or intrauterine device) along with a condom in their male partner, or be surgically sterile, or abstain from heterosexual activity for a period of at least six months after the last dose of study medication. Male participants should agree to use an adequate method of contraception starting with the first dose of study therapy through at least six months after the last dose of study drug. Participants must have at least one measurable lesion at baseline by computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1 criteria. Tumor sites situated in a previously irradiated area or in an area subjected to other loco-regional therapy are not considered measurable unless there has been demonstrated progression in the lesion. Prior focal radiotherapy is allowed. Exclusion Criteria: Presence of untreated brain metastases, unless discussed with the Principal Investigator (PI) and meet specific criteria for inclusion (treatment-naïve patients with brain metastases <10 mm, asymptomatic, without significant edema, hemorrhage, shift, or requirement for steroids or anti-seizure medications, and not in eloquent areas). These patients may potentially forego initial local treatment of the brain metastases and have them reassessed after consultation with the Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology teams. Use of corticosteroids to control immune-related adverse events at enrollment. Participants who previously required corticosteroids for symptom control must be off steroids for at least two weeks. Low-dose steroid use (=10 mg of prednisone or equivalent) as corticosteroid replacement therapy for primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency is allowed. Failure to recover (i.e., Grade 1 or at baseline) from adverse events due to prior treatment. History of grade 3-4 neurologic or cardiac toxicity or life-threatening liver toxicity poorly responsive to steroids with prior anti-PD-1 therapy. Presence of leptomeningeal disease. Active autoimmune disease unrelated to the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors that has required systemic treatment in the past year (e.g., use of disease-modifying agents, corticosteroids, or immunosuppressive drugs). Replacement therapy (e.g., thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency) is not considered a form of systemic treatment. Contraindications to the use of propranolol, including: Cardiogenic shock. Sinus bradycardia greater than first-degree block. Severe bronchial asthma. Known hypersensitivity to propranolol. Requirement for current use of an alternative beta-blocker. Uncontrolled diabetes. Uncontrolled depression. Unstable angina or myocardial infarction within 3 months of Day 1 Cycle 1. For enrollment into Cohort 2-4 ONLY: Contraindications to the use of naltrexone, including: Participants currently receiving opioid analgesics or anticipated to require opioid analgesics in the near future. Participants currently dependent on opioids, including those currently maintained on opiate agonists (e.g., methadone) or partial agonists (e.g., buprenorphine). Participants in acute opioid withdrawal. Individuals with a history of sensitivity to naltrexone. Pregnancy or breastfeeding. If a woman becomes pregnant or suspects she is pregnant while participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately. Breastfeeding must be discontinued if the mother is enrolled in this trial due to the potential risk for adverse events in nursing infants. Receipt of any other investigational agents or participation in a study of an investigational agent or use of an investigational device within four weeks of the first dose of treatment. Concurrent condition (including medical illness, active infection requiring treatment with intravenous antibiotics, or presence of laboratory abnormalities) or history of a prior condition that places the patient at unacceptable risk if treated with the study drug or confounds the ability to interpret data from the study. Concurrent, active malignancies in addition to those being studied, except for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma. Active (non-infectious) pneumonitis. Hepatitis B (HBV) or Hepatitis C (HCV) acute or chronic infection. Receipt of a live vaccine
Central Contact Person:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name or Official Title & Degree
Sarah Weiss, MD
Phone
732-235-2465
Email
saweiss@cinj.rutgers.edu
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Sarah Weiss, MD
Organizational Affiliation
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
Official's Role
Principal Investigator
Facility Information:
Facility Name
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey
City
New Brunswick
State/Province
New Jersey
ZIP/Postal Code
08903
Country
United States
Facility Contact:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Sarah Weiss, MD
Phone
732-235-2465
Email
saweiss@cinj.rutgers.edu

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Plan to Share IPD
No

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Naltrexone and Propranolol Combined With Immunotherapy

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