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NCT05700721 · M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Phase II Trial of the PARP Inhibitor Niraparib and PD-1 Inhibitor Dostarlimab in Patients With Advanced Cancers With Active Progressing Brain Metastases (STARLET)

What this study is about

To learn if the combination of niraparib and dostarlimab can help to control advanced cancer that has spread to the brain.

View original scientific description

To learn if the combination of niraparib and dostarlimab can help to control advanced cancer that has spread to the brain.

Who can participate

This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.

Inclusion criteria

  • 1\. Age ≥ 18 years old. 2. Participant must have brain metastasis and either 1\. Advanced BRCA1/2m cancer 2. Advanced HRR-aberrant, non-BRCA1/2m cancer 3. Advanced small cell lung cancer 4. Advanced non-small cell lung cancer 5. Advanced Triple Negative Breast Cancer 3. In cohorts 1 and 2, subjects will be eligible for this study based on the presence of actionable aberrations in one or more of the following HRR genes: BRCA1/2, ATM; BRIP1; CDK12; CHEK1; CHEK2; FANCL; PALB2; RAD51; RAD51B; RAD51C; RAD51D; RAD52; RAD54L, or other related genes at the discretion of the principal investigator in consultation with the MD Anderson Cancer Center Institute for Personalized Cancer Therapy Precision Oncology Decision Support (PODS) group. Variant interpretation for actionability will be performed by PODS. 4\. Any prior SRS to brain lesions or prior excision must have occurred ≥1 week before the start of dosing for this study. Lesions situated in a previously irradiated area are considered measurable if progression has been demonstrated in such lesions. 5\. Patients must have had at least one prior line of systemic therapy directed at their malignancy. 6\. Participant must have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of ≤ 2. 7\. Adequate organ function as described below: (Note: CBC test should be obtained without transfusion or receipt of colony-stimulating factors in the 2 weeks before obtaining). Hematological • Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥1,500 /mcL • Platelets ≥ 100,000 / mcL • Hemoglobin ≥ 9.0 g/dL • Serum creatinine ≤1.5xULN OR Measured or calculated creatinine clearance ≥50 mL/min for participants. Hepatic
  • Serum total bilirubin ≤1.5xULN OR Direct bilirubin ≤1 x ULN for subjects with total bilirubin levels ≥1.5xULN ) (if associated with liver metastases or Gilbert's disease, ≤2.5 x ULN)
  • Aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) ≤2.5 x ULN (if associated with liver metastases, ≤5 x ULN) Coagulation
  • International Normalized Ratio (INR) or Prothrombin Time (PT) and Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) ≤1.5xULN, unless subject is receiving anticoagulant therapy. 8\. Participant must have at least one measurable brain metastasis (tumor diameter of 0.5-3 cm by mRECIST on magnetic resonance imaging \[MRI\]) for which all of the following criteria have to be met: asymptomatic (no neurologic signs or symptoms), unirradiated, not requiring immediate local intervention (surgery or radiosurgery), and not requiring systemic glucocorticoid therapy within 10 days prior to study treatment initiation. Patient may have other metastatic lesions which can have had irradiation. 9\. Patients must have archival systemic tumor tissue available at screening. Patients who do not have tissue specimens available may undergo a biopsy during the screening period. Acceptable samples include core-needle biopsies for deep systemic tumor tissue or excisional, incisional, punch, or forceps biopsies for cutaneous, subcutaneous, or mucosal lesions. Representative formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor specimens in paraffin blocks (blocks are preferred) OR at least 4 unstained slides, with an associated pathology report, for testing of tumor PD-L1 expression. Tumor tissue should be of good quality based on total and viable tumor content. 10\. Female participant has a negative serum pregnancy test within 3 days prior to taking study treatment if of childbearing potential and agrees use a highly effective method of contraception (\< 1% failure rate with low user dependency) from screening through 180 days after the last dose of study treatment or is of nonchildbearing potential. Nonchildbearing potential is defined as follows (by other than medical reasons):
  • Patients who are ≥45 years of age and who have not had menses for \>1 year or have been amenorrhoeic for \<2 years without history of a hysterectomy and oophorectomy must have a follicle stimulating hormone value in the postmenopausal range upon screening evaluation
  • Post-hysterectomy, post-bilateral oophorectomy, or post-tubal ligation. Documented hysterectomy or oophorectomy must be confirmed with medical records of the actual procedure or confirmed by an ultrasound. Tubal ligation must be confirmed with medical records of the actual procedure, otherwise the patient must be willing to use an adequate barrier method throughout the study, starting with the screening visit through 180 days after the last dose of study treatment. See Section 4.4 for a list of acceptable birth control methods. Information must be captured appropriately within the site's source documents. Note: Abstinence is acceptable if this is the established and preferred contraception for the patient.
  • Participant must agree to not breastfeed during the study or for 180 days after the last dose of study treatment. 11\. Male participants are eligible to participate if they agree to the following during the treatment period and for at least 180 days after the last dose of study treatment:
  • Refrain from donating sperm plus, either:
  • Be abstinent from sexual activity as their preferred and usual lifestyle (abstinent on a long-term and persistent basis) and agree to remain abstinent or
  • Must agree to use a male condom (and should also be advised of the benefit for a female partner to use a highly effective method of contraception as a condom may break or leak) 12. Participant must have signed and dated an IRB/IEC approved written informed consent form in accordance with regulatory and institutional guidelines. This must be obtained before the performance of any protocol related procedures that are not part of normal subject care. Hence, participants must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign the approved written informed consent document. 13\. Participant must be willing and able to comply with scheduled visits, treatment schedule, laboratory testing, and other requirements of the study.

Exclusion criteria

  • Participant must not be simultaneously receiving interventional anticancer treatment.
  • Participant must not have contraindications to MRI (implanted metal device or foreign bodies) or MRI contrast (insufficient renal function or allergy).
  • A history of / or suffers from claustrophobia or subject feels unable to lie flat and still on their back for the required period of time in an MRI or PET/CT scanner.
  • Participant must not have symptomatic or untreated spinal cord compression.
  • Participant must not have evidence of leptomeningeal disease.
  • Participant must not have previously received a combination of PARP inhibitor and PD-1/L1inhibitor. Participant must not have previously received equivalent of full dose single agent PARPi. Prior therapy with PD-1/L1-inhibitor is permitted.
  • For participants choosing optional CSF collection via lumbar puncture: no medical contraindication to lumbar puncture may be present (including severe coagulopathy, radiographic concern for impending herniation or obstructive hydrocephalus, or soft tissue infection at puncture site, as outlined in MD Anderson institutional policy). LP may be deferred if at any time the treating physician determines that it would be unsafe to perform this procedure due to the characteristics of the brain metastases (eg. size, associated edema, etc).
  • Participant must not have had major surgery ≤ 3 weeks prior to initiating protocol therapy and participant must have recovered from any surgical effects.
  • Participant must not have received systemic anticancer therapy ≤2 weeks prior to initiating protocol therapy.
  • Previous systemic radiation therapy encompassing \>20% of the bone marrow (but not encompassing the CNS) within 2 weeks
  • Previous stereotactic or highly conformal radiotherapy within 1 week before the start of dosing for this study, whole brain radiotherapy within 2 weeks.
  • Participant must not have a known hypersensitivity to niraparib and dostarlimab components or excipients.
  • Participants with an inactive, known or suspected autoimmune disease. Subjects with type I diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism only requiring hormone replacement, skin disorders (such as vitiligo, psoriasis, or alopecia) not requiring systemic treatment, or conditions not expected to recur in the absence of an external trigger are permitted to enroll.
  • Participant must not have a history of interstitial lung disease.
  • Participants with a major medical, neurologic or psychiatric condition who are judged as unable to fully comply with study therapy or assessments should not be enrolled.
  • Participant has a history of a second malignancy, unless potentially curative treatment has been completed with no evidence of malignancy for 2 years.
  • Patients with prostate cancer are excluded from this trial.
  • Participant has a known history of active hepatitis B or hepatitis C. Prior treated hepatitis B or C with undetectable viral load may be enrolled.
  • Participants who have a known history of HIV positive and are on effective anti-retroviral therapy with documented undetectable viral load and CD4 count ≥350 within 6 months of the first dose of study treatment are eligible.
  • Participants unable to undergo contrast enhanced brain MRI.
  • Participants unable to swallow pills or have significant gastrointestinal disease which would preclude the adequate oral absorption of medications.
  • Patients who have received live vaccines within 30 days of study entrance.
  • Patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure (HTN \>140/90).
  • Patients with prior diagnosis of MDS or AML.

Where

  • Houston, Texas

Frequently asked questions

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.

Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.

Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.

Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?

When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.

Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.

How long does a clinical trial last?

Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.

Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 5, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

📊
1 of 120 participants interested
1% interest

See if this study fits

A short prescreen based on this study's listed criteria. A coordinator confirms eligibility — this is not a medical assessment.

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Study locations

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RECRUITING

Houston

Texas

Location available

Express your interest

Share your contact details and a study coordinator can follow up about screening.

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What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Looking for Brain Metastases Treatment in Houston?

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Brain Metastases Treatment Options in Houston, Texas

If you're searching for Brain Metastases treatment in Houston, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Houston and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Brain Metastases. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in Texas
Now Enrolling
Up to 120 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Brain Metastases?

Potential Benefits

  • Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • Study-related care provided at no cost
  • Contribute to medical research for Brain Metastases

What to Expect

  • Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • Possible compensation for time and travel
  • You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Brain Metastases Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT05700721. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.