Clinical trials

This phase II trial studies how well giving siltuximab during the reintroduction (rechallenge) of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy works in preventing severe immune-related adverse events (irAEs) in patients with cancer that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced). Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as anti-PD1 and anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. The use of ICI therapy may lead to severe irAEs that can affect essentially any organ system in the body. Severe irAEs may lead to the early stopping of life saving treatment. Most patients that stop ICI therapy early will eventually progress and require additional treatment. Sometimes the decision is made to rechallenge with ICI therapy. Many patients who developed severe irAEs during initial ICI therapy are at risk for developing severe irAEs again during the rechallenge. Siltuximab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to receptors for a protein called interleukin-6 (IL-6). This may help lower the body's immune response and reduce inflammation. Giving siltuximab during ICI rechallenge may help prevent severe irAEs in patients with advanced cancer.

This phase II trial tests how well the combination of futibatinib and durvalumab given before cystectomy works in treating patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) who are ineligible for cisplatin-based therapy. Cisplatin-based therapy is the standard of care for patients with MIBC. However, many patients cannot receive standard therapy due to poor renal function, peripheral neuropathy, poor functional status, or clinically significant heart failure. Futibatinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Durvalumab is a monoclonal antibody that may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Radical cystectomy is a surgery to remove all of the bladder as well as nearby tissues and organs. Giving futibatinib in combination with durvalumab before surgery may be an effective treatment option for patients with MIBC who are ineligible for cisplatin-based therapy.