NCT06194929 · University of Utah
Defactinib and Avutometinib, With or Without Encorafenib, for the Treatment of Patients With Brain Metastases From Cutaneous Melanoma
(DETERMINE)
What this study is about
The goal of this interventional clinical trial is to provide proof-of-principle data for the biologic activity of defactinib in combination with avutometinib in brain metastases from melanoma, and to define the potential role of the combination with mutant BRAF inhibitors or after BRAF/MEK inhibitors in BRAF V600E/K mutant tumors, in individuals with advanced melanoma who experience the development or progression of brain metastases after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. The main qu
View original scientific description
The goal of this interventional clinical trial is to provide proof-of-principle data for the biologic activity of defactinib in combination with avutometinib in brain metastases from melanoma, and to define the potential role of the combination with mutant BRAF inhibitors or after BRAF/MEK inhibitors in BRAF V600E/K mutant tumors, in individuals with advanced melanoma who experience the development or progression of brain metastases after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Interventions
DRUG
Defactinib
Defactinib will be administered at 200 mg twice daily orally per arm description.
DRUG
Avutometinib
Avutometinib will be administered at 3.2 mg twice a week orally per arm description.
DRUG
Encorafenib
Encorafinib administered orally per arm description.
Primary outcome measures
Response rate defined as Partial Response (PR) + Complete Response (CR) using Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Brain Metastases (RANO-BM) criteria of all measurable target lesions present at the time of enrollment on trial.
Time frame: 6 months
For Cohort A, the primary objective will be to evaluate preliminary response rate of defactinib and avutometinib in patients with RAS mutant, BRAF mutant, NF1 mutant, and triple RAS/BRAF/NF1 wild type (wt) melanoma (includes RAF fusions). Measurable target lesions to be defined as all untreated and measurable (≥ 0.5 cm by 2 dimensional diameter measurements) present at the time of enrollment on study.
Frequency of dose limiting toxicities (DLTs).The frequency of adverse events (AEs) and serious adverse events (SAEs) characterized by type, severity (as defined by the NIH CTCAE, version 5.0), seriousness, duration, and relationship to study treatment.
Time frame: 4 weeks
For Cohort B, a Phase 1 run-in will be performed with the primary objective of evaluating the safety and tolerability of the combination of defactinib, avutometinib, and encorafenib in patients with BRAF V600E/K mutant melanoma with at least one untreated brain metastasis.
Response rate defined as Partial Response (PR) + Complete Response (CR) using Response Assessment in Neuro-Oncology Brain Metastases (RANO-BM) criteria of all measurable target lesions present at the time of enrollment on trial.
Time frame: 6 months
For Cohort B, the primary objective will be to evaluate the preliminary response rate of the three drug combination of defactinib, avutometinib, and encorafenib in patients with BRAF V600E/K mutant melanoma. Measurable target lesions to be defined as all untreated and measurable (≥ 0.5 cm by 2 dimensional diameter measurements) present at the time of enrollment on study.
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
- Age ≥ 18 years at the time of informed consent.
- Provide written informed consent and comply with the study protocol as judged by the Investigator. Of note, If the subject has an impairment that prevents him/her from providing written consent, the site may follow local institutional procedures for obtaining consent.
- Histologically confirmed diagnosis of cutaneous melanoma with radiographically confirmed metastases to the brain.
- Must have a tumor with known RAS, BRAF, and NF1 mutation status using a validated testing method prior to enrollment.
- Cohort A: RAS, BRAF, NF1, or triple wildtype
- Cohort B: BRAF V600E or BRAF V600K
- Must have at least 1 untreated (no prior resection or radiation of the target lesion) parenchymal brain metastasis with minimal dimensions of ≥ 0.5 cm diameter and maximal dimensions ≤ 4 cm diameter, measured from a gadolinium enhanced MRI T1 sequence.
- Note: Subject may have received prior resection or radiation therapy for
Where
- Iowa City, Iowa
- Salt Lake City, Utah
Collaborators
Verastem, Inc.
Related conditions & keywords
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 Dec 3, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations