Trial Outcomes & Findings for Testing the Addition of Radiation Therapy to Immunotherapy for Merkel Cell Carcinoma (NCT NCT03304639)

NCT ID: NCT03304639

Last Updated: 2025-11-12

Results Overview

Will compare PFS in non-radiated lesion(s) of patients receiving either (a) stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) + pembrolizumab compared to (b) pembrolizumab alone in patients with advanced Merkel cell carcinoma. Kaplan- Meier curves will be constructed and median PFS times will be calculated for each arm. Progression is defined using Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors Criteria (RECIST v1.0), as a 20% increase in the sum of the longest diameter of target lesions, or a measurable increase in a non-target lesion, or the appearance of new lesions

Recruitment status

ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Study phase

PHASE2

Target enrollment

9 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

From randomization to either disease progression or death (without progression), assessed up to 3 years

Results posted on

2025-11-12

Participant Flow

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Group I (Pembrolizumab)
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.\> \> Pembrolizumab: Given IV
Group II (Pembrolizumab, SBRT)
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo SBRT for 3 doses during cycle 1.\> \> Pembrolizumab: Given IV\> \> Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Undergo SBRT
Overall Study
STARTED
4
5
Overall Study
COMPLETED
4
5
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
0
0

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

Testing the Addition of Radiation Therapy to Immunotherapy for Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Group I (Pembrolizumab)
n=4 Participants
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.\> \> Pembrolizumab: Given IV
Group II (Pembrolizumab, SBRT)
n=5 Participants
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo SBRT for 3 doses during cycle 1.\> \> Pembrolizumab: Given IV\> \> Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Undergo SBRT
Total
n=9 Participants
Total of all reporting groups
Age, Continuous
76.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.7 • n=10 Participants
69.0 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.2 • n=10 Participants
72.1 years
STANDARD_DEVIATION 9.5 • n=20 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
1 Participants
n=10 Participants
1 Participants
n=20 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
4 Participants
n=10 Participants
4 Participants
n=10 Participants
8 Participants
n=20 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
0 Participants
n=20 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
4 Participants
n=10 Participants
5 Participants
n=10 Participants
9 Participants
n=20 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
0 Participants
n=20 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
0 Participants
n=20 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
0 Participants
n=20 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
0 Participants
n=20 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
0 Participants
n=20 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
4 Participants
n=10 Participants
5 Participants
n=10 Participants
9 Participants
n=20 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
0 Participants
n=20 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
0 Participants
n=10 Participants
0 Participants
n=20 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: From randomization to either disease progression or death (without progression), assessed up to 3 years

Will compare PFS in non-radiated lesion(s) of patients receiving either (a) stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) + pembrolizumab compared to (b) pembrolizumab alone in patients with advanced Merkel cell carcinoma. Kaplan- Meier curves will be constructed and median PFS times will be calculated for each arm. Progression is defined using Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors Criteria (RECIST v1.0), as a 20% increase in the sum of the longest diameter of target lesions, or a measurable increase in a non-target lesion, or the appearance of new lesions

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Group I (Pembrolizumab)
n=4 Participants
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. \> \> Pembrolizumab: Given IV
Group II (Pembrolizumab, SBRT)
n=5 Participants
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo SBRT for 3 doses during cycle 1. \> \> Pembrolizumab: Given IV \> \> Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Undergo SBRT
Progression-free Survival (PFS)
7.5 months
Interval 1.6 to
Insufficient number of participants with events
5.5 months
Interval 3.7 to
Insufficient number of participants with events

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: From randomization to either evidence of disease progression or death (without evidence of progression), assessed up to 3 years

Same as the primary endpoint, but includes both irradiated and non-radiated lesions. It is a time to event endpoint and will be evaluated using the Kaplan- Meier method. Median PFS times will be calculated for each arm and a cox proportional hazards model will be constructed to determine if there is a PFS benefit for patients receiving SBRT + pembrolizumab compared to pembrolizumab alone.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Group I (Pembrolizumab)
n=4 Participants
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. \> \> Pembrolizumab: Given IV
Group II (Pembrolizumab, SBRT)
n=5 Participants
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo SBRT for 3 doses during cycle 1. \> \> Pembrolizumab: Given IV \> \> Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Undergo SBRT
PFS Among All Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Lesions
7.5 months
Interval 1.6 to
Insufficient number of participants with events
NA months
Interval 5.5 to
Insufficient number of participants with events

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Up to 3 years

Defined as partial response (PR) on 2 consecutive evaluations. Response rates will be calculated and compared across treatment arms utilizing a chi-square test.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Group I (Pembrolizumab)
n=4 Participants
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. \> \> Pembrolizumab: Given IV
Group II (Pembrolizumab, SBRT)
n=5 Participants
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo SBRT for 3 doses during cycle 1. \> \> Pembrolizumab: Given IV \> \> Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Undergo SBRT
Overall Response Rate
1 Participants
2 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: At 6 months

The rates of success will be calculated and compared across treatment arms utilizing a chi-square test.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Group I (Pembrolizumab)
n=4 Participants
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. \> \> Pembrolizumab: Given IV
Group II (Pembrolizumab, SBRT)
n=5 Participants
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo SBRT for 3 doses during cycle 1. \> \> Pembrolizumab: Given IV \> \> Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Undergo SBRT
Progression-free Survival
1 Participants
2 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Up to 3 months

Graded according to National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0. Maximum grade adverse events will be summarized by treatment arm in a tabular setting.

Outcome measures

Outcome data not reported

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Up to 3 years

Population: Group I did not receive radiation per protocol.

The protocol irradiated tumors are considered to be controlled if they have no evidence of progression. No evidence of progression is defined as complete response, PR, or stable disease. Local control of the protocol-irradiated tumor will be described using the Kaplan-Meier technique.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Group I (Pembrolizumab)
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. \> \> Pembrolizumab: Given IV
Group II (Pembrolizumab, SBRT)
n=5 Participants
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo SBRT for 3 doses during cycle 1. \> \> Pembrolizumab: Given IV \> \> Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Undergo SBRT
PFS for Lesions Chosen for Radiation Prior to Randomization
0 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Up to 3 years

Population: Group I did not receive radiation per protocol.

Radiation doses will be summarized descriptively and compared to the planned dose.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Group I (Pembrolizumab)
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. \> \> Pembrolizumab: Given IV
Group II (Pembrolizumab, SBRT)
n=5 Participants
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo SBRT for 3 doses during cycle 1. \> \> Pembrolizumab: Given IV \> \> Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Undergo SBRT
Delivered Radiation Dose Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CT) Images
Planned Dose Cycle 1
24 cGY
Interval 8.0 to 24.0
Delivered Radiation Dose Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CT) Images
Actual Dose Cycle 1
24 cGY
Interval 8.0 to 24.0
Delivered Radiation Dose Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CT) Images
Planned Dose Cycle 2
16 cGY
Interval 8.0 to 24.0
Delivered Radiation Dose Using Cone-beam Computed Tomography (CT) Images
Actual Dose Cycle 2
16 cGY
Interval 8.0 to 24.0

Adverse Events

Group I (Pembrolizumab)

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 4 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Group II (Pembrolizumab, SBRT)

Serious events: 0 serious events
Other events: 5 other events
Deaths: 0 deaths

Serious adverse events

Adverse event data not reported

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
Group I (Pembrolizumab)
n=4 participants at risk
Pembrolizumab: Given IV
Group II (Pembrolizumab, SBRT)
n=5 participants at risk
Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: Undergo SBRT
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Anemia
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 28 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 33 • Up to 5 years
Cardiac disorders
Myocardial infarction
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
Cardiac disorders
Sinus bradycardia
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 4 • Up to 5 years
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Tinnitus
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
0.00%
0/5 • Up to 5 years
Endocrine disorders
Hypothyroidism
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 22 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 8 • Up to 5 years
Eye disorders
Blurred vision
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 4 • Up to 5 years
Eye disorders
Eye disorders - Other, specify
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 4 • Up to 5 years
Eye disorders
Watering eyes
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 8 • Up to 5 years
Gastrointestinal disorders
Abdominal pain
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
Gastrointestinal disorders
Constipation
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 2 • Up to 5 years
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhea
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
80.0%
4/5 • Number of events 27 • Up to 5 years
Gastrointestinal disorders
Flatulence
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
0.00%
0/5 • Up to 5 years
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
40.0%
2/5 • Number of events 23 • Up to 5 years
Gastrointestinal disorders
Pancreatitis
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 7 • Up to 5 years
General disorders
Edema limbs
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 2 • Up to 5 years
40.0%
2/5 • Number of events 28 • Up to 5 years
General disorders
Fatigue
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
40.0%
2/5 • Number of events 59 • Up to 5 years
General disorders
Fever
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
General disorders
Gait disturbance
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 35 • Up to 5 years
General disorders
Gen disord and admin site conds-Oth spec
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 14 • Up to 5 years
General disorders
Generalized edema
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
General disorders
Pain
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
60.0%
3/5 • Number of events 5 • Up to 5 years
Infections and infestations
Papulopustular rash
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 4 • Up to 5 years
Infections and infestations
Wound infection
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 2 • Up to 5 years
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Fall
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 2 • Up to 5 years
Investigations
Aspartate aminotransferase increased
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 9 • Up to 5 years
40.0%
2/5 • Number of events 2 • Up to 5 years
Investigations
Creatinine increased
50.0%
2/4 • Number of events 2 • Up to 5 years
0.00%
0/5 • Up to 5 years
Investigations
Lymphocyte count decreased
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 3 • Up to 5 years
0.00%
0/5 • Up to 5 years
Investigations
Weight loss
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
0.00%
0/5 • Up to 5 years
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Anorexia
50.0%
2/4 • Number of events 2 • Up to 5 years
40.0%
2/5 • Number of events 2 • Up to 5 years
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Dehydration
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
0.00%
0/5 • Up to 5 years
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hyperglycemia
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 21 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 4 • Up to 5 years
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hypoalbuminemia
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 2 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hypokalemia
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 5 • Up to 5 years
40.0%
2/5 • Number of events 3 • Up to 5 years
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hyponatremia
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 6 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 4 • Up to 5 years
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Arthralgia
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 35 • Up to 5 years
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Arthritis
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 35 • Up to 5 years
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Back pain
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 2 • Up to 5 years
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Generalized muscle weakness
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Muscle weakness lower limb
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
40.0%
2/5 • Number of events 11 • Up to 5 years
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Musculoskeletal, conn tissue - Oth spec
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 19 • Up to 5 years
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Myalgia
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 2 • Up to 5 years
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Pain in extremity
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 5 • Up to 5 years
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)
Tumor hemorrhage
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
Nervous system disorders
Dysgeusia
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
0.00%
0/5 • Up to 5 years
Nervous system disorders
Extrapyramidal disorder
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
Nervous system disorders
Peripheral sensory neuropathy
50.0%
2/4 • Number of events 3 • Up to 5 years
40.0%
2/5 • Number of events 37 • Up to 5 years
Psychiatric disorders
Insomnia
50.0%
2/4 • Number of events 2 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 14 • Up to 5 years
Renal and urinary disorders
Urinary frequency
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 12 • Up to 5 years
Renal and urinary disorders
Urinary urgency
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 12 • Up to 5 years
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Cough
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 8 • Up to 5 years
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Hoarseness
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 14 • Up to 5 years
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Postnasal drip
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 3 • Up to 5 years
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Sneezing
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 3 • Up to 5 years
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Dry skin
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 2 • Up to 5 years
0.00%
0/5 • Up to 5 years
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Pruritus
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
60.0%
3/5 • Number of events 22 • Up to 5 years
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rash maculo-papular
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
40.0%
2/5 • Number of events 5 • Up to 5 years
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Skin and subcut tissue disord - Oth spec
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 3 • Up to 5 years
Vascular disorders
Hypertension
25.0%
1/4 • Number of events 1 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 30 • Up to 5 years
Vascular disorders
Hypotension
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 2 • Up to 5 years
Vascular disorders
Lymphedema
0.00%
0/4 • Up to 5 years
20.0%
1/5 • Number of events 2 • Up to 5 years

Additional Information

Dr. Jason Luke

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center

Phone: 412-647-2811

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place

Restriction type: LTE60