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MedStar Health is participating in two studies that could reveal new treatments for recurrent endometrial cancer, bringing state-of-the-art medications to participating patients in the D.C. area.
When endometrial cancer comes back after treatment, there currently are few effective treatment options to offer. Now, MedStar Health is enrolling participants in two crucial clinical trials that could provide new, impactful treatment for recurrent endometrial cancer.
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecologic cancer, and cases are on the rise. The National Cancer Institute estimates about 66,000 new cases will be diagnosed in 2023, with more than 13,000 deaths. And Black women are twice as likely as white women to die from endometrial cancer and more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease, making this an important area to explore as our health system examines ways to advance health equity.
About 18% of patients will see their endometrial cancer return, most in the two years following surgical treatment. Research has shown that Black women are more likely to experience recurrence than white patients, especially those who have been treated with estrogen replacement therapy.
One of the most effective ways to help reduce these disparities is to provide Black women more opportunities to enroll in clinical trials—providing access to the latest treatments and setting the stage for better studies to understand how endometrial cancer affects all women.
Two studies of new treatments.
Immunotherapy plus targeted treatment.
“A Study of Targeted Agents for Patients With Recurrent or Persistent Endometrial Cancer” is a Phase IB/II multi-cohort study. At centers around the country, researchers are evaluating how well and safely state-of-the-art immunotherapy and other medications personalized to an individual’s tumor work to slow the progression of endometrial cancer.
Patients will participate in genetic screening of the cancer to determine eligibility based on biomarkers in the tissues of their recurrent cancer. This kind of genetic personalization of the tumor, often called biomarker testing or molecular profiling, is now recommended for all patients with endometrial cancer because it allows for targeted treatments that have the best chance of slowing tumor growth.
Antibody drug conjugates.
“A Study of DB-1303 in Advanced/Metastatic Solid Tumors” is a multicenter, non-randomized Phase 1/2a trial examining the safety, effectiveness, and tolerability of an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC).
Some tumors express HER2, a protein that promotes the growth of cancer cells. Prior studies showed that ADCs have been effective at treating these types of tumors in patients with breast cancer. These drugs combine monoclonal antibodies (lab-made proteins that mimic antibodies in the immune system) targeted to antigens on the surface of tumors with potent anti-cancer drugs.
Why clinical trial participation benefits everyone.
Most of my endometrial cancer patients are Black and helping them enroll in clinical trials is one way we’re able to increase racial equity in our understanding and treatment of this condition. Studies have shown that participating in a clinical trial can benefit participants’ health—and offering trials in DC means more of our neighbors can benefit from access to the latest treatment advancements.
Yesterday’s trial participants made treatments that help today’s patients possible. MedStar Health is committed to making tomorrow better for all our neighbors.
