A Comprehensive Look at Advanced Neuroblastoma Clinical Trials
Neuroblastoma, a complex pediatric cancer, is catapulting towards unprecedented advancements in therapeutic research. This article will offer an in-depth overview of advanced neuroblastoma clinical trials that are currently open for enrollment. The increasing understanding of neuroblastoma and its pathophysiology has prompted the development of several new promising drugs.
Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Neuroblastoma
Neuroblastoma affects around 800 children in the US each year and most cases are diagnosed in children under the age of five. The diagnosis of neuroblastoma involves a delicate confluence of imaging tests, tissue biopsies, and careful medical history assessment. The standard treatments for neuroblastoma include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, stem cell transplant, immunotherapy, and retinoid therapy. Yet, for advanced cases, newer focused treatments are being evaluated through neuroblastoma clinical trials.
Current Drugs in Neuroblastoma Clinical Trials
Multiple drugs are currently being explored in examination phases, each one tackling a unique aspect of this multi-faceted cancer. Following is a list of some drugs that are presently in clinical trials for neuroblastoma. Notably, these drugs have exhibited potential efficacy in preclinical studies and are now being evaluated for their safety and efficacy in human participants.
1. Nifurtimox (Trial NCT02308527)
This active not recruiting phase 2 trial is evaluating Nifurtimox's ability to boost the effectiveness of standard therapy in children with neuroblastoma. Nifurtimox is conventionally used to treat American trypanosomiasis but could display beneficial anti-cancer effects.
2. Lorlatinib (NCT03107988)
As an ALK/ROS1 inhibitor, this drug is being evaluated in Phase 1/2 neuroblastoma clinical trials to keep the cancer cells from growing and dividing.
3. 131l-MIBG (NCT03275402)
This Phase 3 trial explores the use of 131I-Metaiodobenzylguanidine, a targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy, for relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma.
4. Nivolumab and Ipilimumab (NCT02914405)
A Phase 1 trial investigates a combination of these two immuno-oncology agents to stimulate the body’s immune system and fight cancerous cells in neuroblastoma.
5. Venetoclax and Chemotherapy (NCT03236857)
This phase 1 trial studies the best way to give venetoclax with cyclophosphamide in treating patients with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma.
6. Vincristine Sulfate (NCT00911560)
An early stage clinical trial evaluates vincristine sulfate liposome injection (VSLI) in treating young patients with relapsed or refractory solid tumors, including neuroblastoma.
Participation in Neuroblastoma Clinical Trials
A decision to take part in a neuroblastoma clinical trial is deeply personal and it is important to weigh the potential benefits and risks. A detailed discussion with your medical team is a crucial first step. Voluntary participation in these trials can significantly contribute to scientific advancements in neuroblastoma treatments and could potentially improve the prognosis of this challenging disease.
Conclusion
Our understanding of neuroblastoma has grown substantially, and robust clinical trials are underway to test out new, potentially life-saving treatments. This article highlights just a small selection of the neuroblastoma clinical trials currently open for enrollment. As we progress, maintaining an optimistic outlook on future advances and therapies is necessary to continue driving medical innovations and transform the clinical landscape of neuroblastoma treatment.