Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology highlights key role of clinical research in advancing men's cancer care

Every November, millions worldwide grow mustaches and join Movember, a global movement launched in 2003 to spark conversations about men's health, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. The initiative encourages men to challenge stigmas, prioritize their health, stay current with recommended screenings, and seek medical attention when symptoms arise.

Supporting Movember's mission, the Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology is highlighting the critical role of clinical research in advancing men's cancer care. Through greater awareness, early detection, and access to promising treatments, the Alliance aims to help improve outcomes for men with cancer and support their physical and mental well-being throughout survivorship.

Trials for people with prostate cancer

Alliance A031702: A phase II study of ipilimumab, cabozantinib, and nivolumab in rare genitourinary cancers (ICONIC)

Led by Andrea Apolo, MD, of the National Cancer Institute, this phase II trial is evaluating a combination of three anti-cancer drugs to treat rare genitourinary cancers that have spread, including primary small cell carcinoma of the prostate. Researchers are studying if combining a targeted daily pill, cabozantinib, with two intravenous immunotherapies, nivolumab and ipilimumab, can effectively shrink tumors. By pairing cabozantinib's ability to block tumor growth enzymes and blood vessel development with checkpoint inhibitors that use the patient's immune system to attack cancer cells, researchers aim to overcome treatment resistance in these unusual cancers.

Alliance A032102: PREcision DIagnostics in Prostate Cancer Treatment (PREDICT)

This phase II trial led by Rana McKay, MD, of the University of California San Diego evaluates whether using genetic profiling to match patients with metastatic prostate cancer to targeted therapies can improve treatment outcomes compared to standard treatment approaches. Participants first undergo DNA and RNA sequencing of their tumor tissue or blood sample. A molecular tumor board then evaluates the results and assigns participants into a personalized treatment arm designed to attack their cancer's specific genetic mutations. In Arm A, participants receive valemetostat tosylate, an oral medication that inhibits EZH1 and EZH2 proteins to alter tumor gene expression and slow growth. In Arm B, participants receive intravenous carboplatin paired with cabazitaxel aimed at tumors with specific gene mutations, such as TP53, RB1, or PTEN alterations. In Arm C, participants receive one of several standard treatment options such as targeted radiopharmaceutical therapy, chemotherapy, or novel anti-androgen therapy, such as abiraterone or enzalutamide.

Alliance A032302: Docetaxel addition in metastatic castrate-sensitive prostate cancer (ASPIRE)

Alliance A032304: Radioligand efficacy comparison by initial PSA-response outcome in metastatic CRPC with Lutetium 177 Lu PSMA RLT (RECIPROCAL)

Alliance A222302: Distance-based exercise to preserve function and prevent disability (DEFEND)

Research for prostate cancer survivors

Devon Noonan, PhD, MPH, FNP-BC, of Duke University School of Nursing, leads Project Reach, a phase III trial evaluating a text-based smoking cessation intervention for cancer survivors who smoke cigarettes and live in rural communities. Because smoking can affect cancer outcomes and overall health, the trial aims to identify accessible ways to help cancer survivors stop smoking.

Research focused on prevention and early detection

Alliance A212102: Blinded reference set for multicancer early detection blood tests

Marie Wood, MD, of the University of Colorado School of Medicine, leads this study to collect and store blood and tissue samples from people with and without cancer to help evaluate and advance tests designed to detect multiple cancers earlier. Prostate cancer is among the cancers represented in this research.

Continuing progress

During Movember, the Alliance recognizes the patients and survivors who participate in clinical trials, the families and advocates who support them, and the clinicians and researchers who dedicate their expertise to advancing cancer care.

Every clinical trial adds to what we know. Every participant helps move science forward. And every discovery brings us closer to a future where fewer people are diagnosed with prostate cancer and more people survive it.

Source:

Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology