New studies offer novel therapies for patients with GI cancers

The Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, a division of Providence Cancer Institute at the Robert W. Franz Cancer Center, offers several studies of targeted therapies, immunotherapies and combination therapies for patients with GI cancers, including cancers of the biliary tract:

Durvalumab or placebo in combination with gemcitabine/cisplatin in patients with first-line advanced biliary tract cancer (TOPAZ-1) – PI: Gina Vaccaro, MD, opening soon

This phase III multicenter study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of durvalumab compared to placebo in combination with standard care chemotherapy in patients with first-line, advanced biliary tract cancers. Durvalumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor approved for lung and bladder cancers.

Eligibility criteria include:

• Patients with histologically confirmed, unresectable advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancers, including cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma
• Patients with previously untreated disease, if unresectable, or metastatic disease at initial diagnosis
• Patients with recurrent disease >6 months after curative surgery or >6 months after completion of adjuvant therapy

For more information or to enroll a patient, call our Clinical Research office at 503-215-2614.

A study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of pemigatinib versus chemotherapy in unresectable or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma (FIGHT-302) – PI: Gina Vaccaro, MD

FIGHT-302 is a phase III multicenter study for patients with unresectable or metastatic cholangiocarcinoma. The study compares the safety and effectiveness of pemigatinib to standard care gemcitabine and cisplatin. Pemigatinib is an investigational inhibitor of fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) types 1, 2 and 3. Prior studies of pemigatinib have shown anticancer potency in cholangiocarcinoma patients whose tumors express the FGFR2 gene alteration.

See more studies

New research studies are added frequently. Please visit our website to see all GI cancer studies, or view studies for all cancer types currently open at Providence Cancer Institute.

For more information or to enroll a patient, call our Clinical Research office at 503-215-2614 or submit a referral form.

An exceptional GI oncology team

Providence Cancer Institute is home to several clinics and programs specializing in the latest treatments, technology and research for patients with GI cancers. Our clinicians work closely with all members of our GI care team, including gastroenterologists, surgeons, pathologists, radiation and medical oncologists, immunologists, cancer genetics experts and oncology social workers, to offer patients the highest quality of care. From screening and diagnostic procedures to cancer treatment and surveillance, our patients benefit from compassionate, innovative and personalized care.