This clinical study is aiming to determine the safest doses and schedule for the combination of two drugs named palbociclib and avelumab.
The study will also be investigating how effective the combination is for a subgroup of breast cancer patients whose cancer expresses the androgen receptor (AR) but not the oestrogen (hormone) or HER2 receptors. Palbociclib is a drug used in routine care for hormone-receptor (HR) positive and HER2 negative advanced breast cancer, the most common subtype of breast cancer.
It is possible that the combination of palbociclib and avelumab will be a more effective cancer treatment than each drug separately, but this is unknown and this study is needed to establish the best dosage and schedule of each drug as well as how effective the combination is.
Patients with recurrent inoperable locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer.
Previously treated with at least one prior line of chemotherapy for advanced disease, but no more than two prior lines of chemotherapy for advanced disease. Patients with ER+ breast cancer must have received at least one prior line of hormone therapy for advanced disease. Patients with HER2+ breast cancer must have received at least one prior line of HER2 directed therapy.
Measurable disease (RECIST 1.1)
Haematological and biochemical indices within the ranges stated in the study protocol. These measurements must be performed within one week (Day -7 to Day 1) before the patient goes in the trial.
Oral chemotherapy within two weeks, weekly iv chemotherapy within three weeks or any other systemic chemotherapy or investigational medicinal products during the previous four weeks.
Hormonal therapy within 7 days except luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) analogues for ovarian suppression. Bisphosphonates or RANK ligand antagonists are permitted for the management of bone metastases.
Previous exposure to immune checkpoint inhibitors or immune co-stimulatory drugs in the advanced setting. (Note: Patients who have received neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant pembrolizumab are eligible if treatment was completed at 6 months prior to metastatic relapse.)
Previous treatment with palbociclib or any agents which inhibit CDK4/6. (Note: Patients who have received adjuvant abemaciclib or ribociclib for early breast cancer are eligible if treatment was completed at least 12 months prior to metastatic relapse.)