Stage IV Colorectal Cancer AJCC v8

This phase I trial tests the safety, side effects, and best dose of abemaciclib in combination with 5-fluorouracil and how well it works in treating patients with colorectal cancer that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic) and that has not responded to treatment (refractory). Abemaciclib, a type of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, blocks certain proteins, which may help keep tumor cells from growing. 5-fluorouracil, a type of antimetabolite, stops cells from making deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and may kill tumor cells. Giving abemaciclib in combination with 5-fluorouracil may be safe, tolerable, and/or effective in treating patients with metastatic and refractory colorectal cancer.

This phase IIb trial tests the effect of HRX215 in treating patients with colorectal cancer that has spread from where it first started to the liver (liver metastasis) after undergoing a portal vein embolization (PVE). Currently, surgery to remove the tumor (hepatectomy) remains the only potential treatment for cure. However, less than 30% of patients are considered resectable (can be removed by surgery) at the time of diagnosis. The risk of liver failure and other complications rise with larger areas liver that is removed during surgery. Therefore, the potential for surgery is determined by the amount of liver that will remain after resection. PVE is a standard strategy to increase the potential for resection. A PVE is a procedure that blocks the portal vein (a blood vessel that carries blood to the liver) to prevent flow of blood to the tumor. HRX215 targets and binds to MKK4, a protein found on liver cells plays a part in cellular growth and prevents liver repair and regrowth of cells and tissue. Blocking the activity of MKK4 may help prevent liver failure, protect liver cells and improve liver mass. Giving HRX215 after a PVE may help improve the rate of liver regrowth and increase the likelihood of hepatectomy in patients with colorectal liver metastasis.

This clinical trial compares patient (proband)-mediated communication to provider-mediated communication for improving genetic testing in first-degree relatives of patients with newly diagnosed colorectal cancer. It is estimated that 30% of cases of colorectal cancer have a genetic basis and about 15% of these patients have a disease-causing (pathogenic) inherited (germline) variant in a cancer susceptibility gene. Most individuals carrying a pathogenic germline variant are unaware of their cancer risk and may not meet guidelines for genetic testing. Identifying pathogenic germline variants or hereditary cancer syndromes in cancer patients has important implications for their at-risk relatives who may not know that they are at high risk for cancer. The burden of communicating this risk to first-degree relatives often falls on the patients, who may lack sufficient knowledge to correctly share and explain their genetic test results. Receiving provider-mediated communication of genetic testing results may be more effective at communicating genetic risk to first-degree relatives than the usual practice of proband-mediated communication.

This phase III trial compares the addition of total ablative therapy to the usual systemic therapy versus the usual systemic therapy alone in treating patients with advanced colorectal cancer that has spread to up to 4 body sites (limited metastatic). The usual approach for patients who are not participating in a study is treatment with intravenous (through a vein) and/or oral medications (systemic therapy) to help stop the cancer sites from getting larger and the spread of the cancer to additional body sites. The ablative local therapy will consist of any combination of very focused, intensive radiotherapy called stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR), surgical resection, or microwave ablation, which is a procedure where a needle is temporarily inserted in the tumor and heat is used to destroy the cancer cells. The addition of ablative local therapy to the usual approach of systemic therapy could be more effective than usual chemotherapy alone by increasing the life of patients with limited metastatic colorectal cancer.

This phase II trial compares the impact of subcutaneous (SC) nivolumab given in an in-home setting to an in-clinic setting on cancer care and quality of life. Currently, most drug-related cancer care is conducted in clinic type centers or hospitals which may isolate patients from family, friends and familiar surroundings for many hours per day. This separation adds to the physical, emotional, social, and financial burden for patients and their families. Traveling to and from medical facilities costs time, money, and effort and can be a disadvantage to patients living in rural areas, those with low incomes or poor access to transport. Studies have shown that cancer patients often feel more comfortable and secure being cared for in their own home environments. SC nivolumab in-home treatment may be safe, tolerable and/or effective when compared to in-clinic treatment and may reduce the burden of cancer and improve the quality of life in cancer patients.

This phase I trial tests the safety, side effects, and best dose of ZEN003694 in combination with the usual treatment with capecitabine in treating patients with cancer that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic) or cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable) and that it has progressed on previous standard treatment. ZEN003694 is an inhibitor of a family of proteins called the bromodomain and extra-terminal (BET). It may prevent the growth of tumor cells that over produce BET protein. Capecitabine is in a class of medications called antimetabolites. It is taken up by cancer cells and breaks down into fluorouracil, a substance that kills cancer cells. Giving ZEN003694 in combination with capecitabine may be safe in treating patients with metastatic or unresectable solid tumors.

This phase I trial tests the safety, best dose, and effectiveness of ZEN003694 in combination with cetuximab and encorafenib in treating patients with colorectal cancer that has not responded to previous treatment (refractory), that has come back after a period of improvement (relapsed), and that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic). ZEN003694 is a protein inhibitor that binds to BET proteins. When ZEN003694 binds to BET proteins, it disrupts gene expression. Preventing the expression of certain growth-promoting genes may inhibit proliferation of tumor cells that over-express BET proteins. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, may help the body's immune system attack the tumor, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Encorafenib is an enzyme inhibitor. It inhibits pathways that are responsible for controlling cell proliferation and survival, which may lead to a decrease in tumor cell proliferation. Both cetuximab and encorafenib have been approved to treat cancer. Adding ZEN003694 to cetuximab and encorafenib may be more effective at treating patients with refractory metastatic colorectal cancer than giving the usual treatment (cetuximab and encorafenib) alone.

This phase I/Ib trial tests the effect of leronlimab in combination with hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) floxuridine (FUDR)and standard of care (SOC) systemic therapy in treating patients with colorectal cancer that has spread from where it first started to the liver (metastatic). Leronlimab is a monoclonal antibody that may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. A monoclonal antibody is a type of protein that can bind to certain targets, such as CCR5 which is expressed on T cells (a type of immune cell), which may cause the body to make an immune response (antigens) and may also improve the effectiveness of treatment. HAI delivers chemotherapy, such as floxuridine, directly to the liver. Catheters are put into an artery in the groin that leads directly to the liver and drugs are given through the catheters. Floxuridine is in a class of medications called antimetabolites. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of tumor cells in your body. HAI can deliver floxuridine at up to 300 times the concentrations that can be given through the vein. Systemic therapy is treatment using substances that travel through the bloodstream, reaching and affecting cells all over the body. Giving leronlimab in combination with HAI floxuridine and SOC systemic therapy may be safe, tolerable, and/or safe in treating colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases.

This phase III trial compares hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) (pump chemotherapy) in addition to standard of care chemotherapy versus standard of care chemotherapy alone in treating patients with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver (liver metastases) and cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable). HAI uses a catheter to carry a tumor-killing chemotherapy drug called floxuridine directly into the liver. HAI is already approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in metastatic colorectal cancer to the liver, but it is only available at a small number of hospitals, and most of the time it is not used until standard chemotherapy stops working. Standard chemotherapy drugs work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Adding HAI to standard chemotherapy may be effective in shrinking or stabilizing unresectable colorectal liver metastases.

This phase II trial studies how well low dose, reduced frequency nivolumab works in treating patients with cancer that cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable) or that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic). Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as nivolumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Nivolumab is a type of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). ICIs have revolutionized the treatment of numerous cancers with remarkable improvement in participant outcomes. However, accessibility of ICIs is extremely poor on a global scale, mainly due to high costs. Previous research has suggested that these drugs can be given at lower doses and reduced frequency than their approved dosing regimens, with similar results. Giving nivolumab at a lower dose and less often may help reduce the cost of therapy, improve immunotherapy accessibility, and therefore improve survival outcomes globally.

This phase I trial studies the side effects and best dose of CA-4948 when given together with fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) plus bevacizumab in treating patients with colorectal cancer that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic). CA-4948 may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. The chemotherapy drugs used in FOLFOX, fluorouracil and oxaliplatin, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Leucovorin is used with fluorouracil to treat colorectal cancer. Bevacizumab is in a class of medications called anti-angiogenic agents. It works by stopping the formation of blood vessels that bring oxygen and nutrients to the tumor. This may slow the growth and spread of the tumor. Giving CA-4948 with FOLFOX plus bevacizumab may be safe, tolerable and/or effective in treating patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.

This phase I/II trial studies the side effects and best dose of pidnarulex when given together with cemiplimab and to see how well it works in treating patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer (CRC) that does not respond to treatment (refractory). Pidnarulex may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as cemiplimab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Giving pidnarulex with cemiplimab may be safe, tolerable and/or effective in treating patients with refractory MSS CRC.

This phase I trial studies the safety, side effects, and best dose of ADG126, in combination with ivonescimab alone, in combination with ivonescimab, leucovorin, and fluorouracil, or in combination with ivonescimab and leucovorin, fluorouracil, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI regimen) in treating patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced) or has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic). Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as ivonescimab and ADG126, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Ivonescimab may also stop or slow the cancer by blocking the growth of new blood vessels necessary for tumor growth. Leucovorin calcium is a type of drug called a folic acid analog, which means it is similar to the vitamin folic acid. It is used in combination with certain chemotherapy drugs to enhance their ability to kill tumor cells or to lessen their harmful side effects. Fluorouracil is a type of chemotherapy called an antimetabolite, which is a drug that mimics a natural chemical and prevents its use in cells. It interferes with the production of a key component of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which prevents the DNA from copying itself. This causes tumor cells and other rapidly dividing cells to die. Fluorouracil also gets incorporated into ribonucleic acid (RNA) and DNA, disrupting critical cell functions. Irinotecan is in a class of antineoplastic medications called topoisomerase I inhibitors. It blocks a certain enzyme needed for cell division and DNA repair and may kill cancer cells. Giving ADG126 with ivonescimab, with or without leucovorin and fluorouracil or FOLFIRI regimen, may be safe in treating patients with MSS advanced/metastatic colorectal cancer.

This phase I trial studies the side effects of pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) in treating patients with ovarian, uterine, appendiceal, stomach (gastric), or colorectal cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneal carcinomatosis). Chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin, doxorubicin, oxaliplatin, leucovorin, fluorouracil, mitomycin, and irinotecan, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. PIPAC is a minimally invasive procedure that involves the administration of intraperitoneal chemotherapy. The study device consists of a nebulizer (a device that turns liquids into a fine mist), which is connected to a high-pressure injector, and inserted into the abdomen (part of the body that contains the digestive organs) during a laparoscopic procedure (a surgery using small incisions to introduce air and to insert a camera and other instruments in the abdominal cavity for diagnosis and/or to perform routine surgical procedures). Pressurization of the liquid chemotherapy through the study device results in aerosolization (a fine mist or spray) of the chemotherapy intra-abdominally (into the abdomen). Giving chemotherapy through PIPAC may reduce the amount of chemotherapy needed to achieve acceptable drug concentration, and therefore potentially reduces side effects and toxicities.

The UNCOVER study is a longitudinal observational cohort focused on patients at high risk for cancer cachexia. At Kaiser Permanente Northern California, up to 800 individuals with advanced or unresectable non-small cell lung cancer, pancreatic adenocarcinoma, or colorectal cancer will be enrolled, as these malignancies carry a substantial risk of cancer cachexia, which is characterized by progressive loss of weight, muscle, and adipose tissue, accompanied by functional decline and reduced quality of life. Data collected includes demographic, physiologic, and clinical data, including tumor characteristics and biomarkers of inflammation, hormonal and metabolic status, body composition, physical function, and patient reported outcomes. Investigators will identify patient phenotypes (i.e., subgroups) that may reflect distinct biological or clinical pathways underlying cancer cachexia. By characterizing heterogeneity in cancer cachexia, this study aims to inform the development of improved diagnostic criteria and more targeted therapeutic strategies, ultimately enhancing clinical trial design and supportive care for patients with advanced colorectal, lung, or pancreatic cancer.

This phase II trial studies how well radiation therapy works for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer that are spreading to other places in the body (metastatic). Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. This trial is being done to determine if giving radiation therapy to patients who are being treated with immunotherapy and whose cancers are progressing (getting worse) can slow or stop the growth of their cancers. It may also help researchers determine if giving radiation therapy to one tumor can stimulate the immune system to attack other tumors in the body that are not targeted by the radiation therapy.

This clinical trial compares minimal residual disease (MRD) testing with the Haystack blood test (assay) to the Signatera® assay for the early detection of the cancer returning (cancer recurrence) in patients with stage II-IV colorectal cancer (CRC) that can be removed by surgery (resectable). MRD testing looks for evidence of remaining tumor following treatment that is only apparent using highly sensitive techniques. There are few effective tools available outside of imaging to identify CRC patients with MRD who may be at the highest risk for cancer recurrence after surgery. Early detection of CRC recurrence after surgery is important, as it may increase the chance of curative (ability to cure) outcomes for patients with cancer recurrence. Currently, the Signatera assay is used to monitor whether CRC recurs after surgery, however it is not a very sensitive test. Early work with the Haystack assay suggests it may be more sensitive than the Signatera assay, which may be more effective for the early detection of cancer recurrence in patients with resectable stage II-IV CRC.

This phase I/II trial studies the side effects and best dose of temozolomide and M1774 and how well they works in treating patients with cancer that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic) and may have spread to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced). Temozolomide is in a class of medications called alkylating agents. It works by damaging the cell's deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and may kill tumor cells and slow down or stop tumor growth. M1774 may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Adding M1774 to temozolomide may shrink or stabilize cancer for longer than temozolomide alone.

This trial evaluates the treatment response of colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver (liver metastases) using intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion weighted imaging (IVIM DWI). IVIM DWI is new kind of imaging scan that may help measure changes in disease before and after chemotherapy in patients with colorectal liver metastases.

This phase II trial studies the effect of avapritinib in treating malignant solid tumors that have a genetic change (mutation) in CKIT or PDGFRA and have spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes (locally advanced) or other places in the body (metastatic). Avapritinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Avapritinib may help to control the growth of malignant solid tumors.

This study will investigate the tumor-associated vasculature of patients with solid tumors. The investigators will use a technology known as intravital microscopy (IVM) in order to visualize in real-time the vessels associated with solid tumors. The IVM observations may determine if an individual patient's tumor vessels would be amenable to receiving systemic therapy, based on the functionality of the vessels.

This phase I trial investigates the side effects and best dose of talazoparib when given together with trifluridine/tipiracil for the treatment of patients with colorectal or gastroesophageal cancer that has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes (locally advanced) or other places in the body (metastatic). Drugs used in the chemotherapy, such as trifluridine/tipiracil, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Talazoparib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Giving talazoparib with trifluridine/ tipiracil may inhibit certain enzymes in the cells that are responsible for tumor cell growth.

This trial compares cryoablation combined with stereotactic body radiation therapy to stereotactic body radiation therapy alone to see how well they work in treating patients with pain from cancer that has spread to the bones (bone metastases). Bone is a common site of metastasis in advanced cancer, and bone metastases often result in debilitating cancer-related pain. The current standard of care to treat painful bone metastases is radiation therapy alone. However, many patients do not get adequate pain relief from radiation therapy alone. Another type of therapy that may be used to provide pain relief from bone metastases is cryoablation. Cryoablation is a procedure in which special needles are inserted into the tumor site. These needles grow ice balls at their tips to freeze and kill cancer cells. The goal of this trial is to compare how well cryoablation in combination with radiation therapy works to radiation therapy alone when given to cancer patients to provide pain relief from bone metastases.

This phase Ib trial tests the safety, side effects, and effectiveness of botensilimab, and balstilimab in combination with a fasting mimicking diet and high dose vitamin C in treating patients with KRAS-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer. Botensilimab and balstilimab are monoclonal antibodies that may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. KRAS is protein found on some tumor cells that is involved in the growth of tumor cells. KRAS mutant cells have been found to be more sensitive to vitamin C induced growth suppression in the presence of low-sugar (glucose). A fasting mimicking diet, a plant-based, calorie reduced, low-sugar diet alternating with refeeding periods, may positively change the way the body responds to cancer treatment. Vitamin C is a nutrient that the body needs in small amounts to function and stay healthy. It is an antioxidant that that can help prevent cell damage and may block growth and spread of tumor cells. Botensilimab and balstilimab in combination with a fasting mimicking diet and high dose vitamin C may be safe, tolerable and effective in treating patients with KRAS-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer.

This study evaluates cancer-related weight and muscle mass loss, symptoms, and physical function (cachexia) in patients undergoing treatment for colorectal, lung, or pancreatic cancer that cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable) or is stage IV. Patients with these cancer types are at risk for developing cancer cachexia (CC), which is defined as weight loss, muscle loss, and fat loss due to cancer. CC has been associated with reduced physical performance, impaired quality of life, and poorer survival. Many studies that have evaluated treatments for cancer-related weight and muscle loss have aimed to treat all patients with weight loss exactly the same and, unfortunately, have not been successful. Like different cancer types, weight and muscle loss related to cancer may have different causes in different individuals and the best treatment strategy for this condition may not be a one-size-fits-all approach. Information gathered from this study may help researchers develop new diagnostic criteria for CC and design better treatments and clinical trials for cancer-related weight and muscle loss in the future to improve the quality of life in patients with advanced colorectal, lung, or pancreatic cancer.