NCT05660083 · The Methodist Hospital Research Institute
Alpelisib/iNOS Inhibitor/Nab-paclitaxel in Patients With HER2 Negative Metaplastic Breast Cancer (MpBC)
What this study is about
This is a research study to test the safety and effectiveness of using the drug alpelisib together with chemotherapy (nab-paclitaxel) and a drug called L-NMMA in patients with HER2 negative metastatic or locally advanced metaplastic breast cancer, who have not responded to previous treatments.
View original scientific description
This is a research study to test the safety and effectiveness of using the drug alpelisib together with chemotherapy (nab-paclitaxel) and a drug called L-NMMA in patients with HER2 negative metastatic or locally advanced metaplastic breast cancer, who have not responded to previous treatments. Participants in this study in addition to the standard care chemotherapy will also receive the drug alpelisib and L-NMMA.
Interventions
DRUG
L-NMMA
Patients with HER2 negative metastatic or locally advanced MpBC, will receive a combination of an iNOS inhibitor, nab-paclitaxel and alpelisib . As prophylaxis against deep venous thrombosis and hypertension, patients will receive aspirin (81 mg po daily) and amlodipine (10 mg po Days 0-5 each cycle). Metformin will be initiated at 500 mg once daily starting one week prior to treatment to reduce risk of severe hyperglycemia. Based on tolerability and serial blood sugar assessments, metformin dose will be increased to 500 mg twice daily, followed by 500 mg with breakfast and 1000 mg with dinner, followed by further increase to 1000 mg twice daily if needed. Insulin sensitizers and/or SGLT2i will be used as second anti-diabetic agents, if necessary. For prophylaxis of alpelisib rash, patients will be treated with an anti-histamine (cetirizine 10 mg daily) along with alpelisib.
Primary outcome measures
Define recommended phase II dose (RP2D)
Time frame: The RP2D will be defined as the highest dose administered at which 6 patients complete treatment with experiencing <2 DLTs (Study completion is an average of 6 cycles, determined by diseases progression, unacceptable toxicity, physician's discretion)
Define recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of Alpelisib in combination with standard dose of q3wk nab-paclitaxel and L-NMMA
Objective response rate (ORR)
Time frame: Study treatment will continue until progression, unacceptable toxicity, treating physician's discretion, or patient withdraws from the study. An average of 6 cycles q3week.
Objective response rate (ORR) of an iNOS inhibitor and nab-paclitaxel in combination with alpelisib in patients with HER2 negative metastatic or locally advanced MpBC.
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
- The patient (or legally acceptable representative if applicable) provides written informed consent for the study.
- At least 18 years of age on the day of informed consent signing.
- Histologically confirmed HER2 negative MpBC and/or Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) with squamous and/or sarcomatoid elements, including osseous, chondroid, and spindle morphology.
- HER2 negative status as defined by the current American Society of Clinical Oncology and College of American Pathologists guidelines at time of study entry.
- Locally advanced inoperable or metastatic MpBC with measurable disease by RECIST 1.1 Both first- and second-line patients will be eligible for this trial. Patients may have received prior immunotherapy, per standard of care.
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1.
- Adequate organ and marrow function as defined below:
- Hemoglobin ≥9.0 g/dl (without blood transfusion within 2 weeks of laboratory test used to determine eligibility)
- Absolute neutrophil count ≥1000/μL (without granulocyte colony stimulating factor support within 2 weeks of laboratory test used to determine eligibility)
- Platelet count ≥100,000/μL (without transfusion within 2 weeks of laboratory test used to determine eligibility)
- Serum total bilirubin (TB) ≤1.5 x institutional upper limit of normal (ULN; In the case of known Gilbert's syndrome, a higher serum TB \[\>1.5 x ULN\] is allowed),
- Aspartate transaminase/alanine transaminase ≤5 x institutional ULN
- Creatinine ≤1.5X the ULN or measured creatinine clearance ≥ 60 mL/min/1.
- Fasting blood glucose of ≤140 mg/dl and HgbA1c ≤7.0.
- Ability to swallow oral medication.
- Ability to take aspirin.
- Women of childbearing potential must agree to use contraception for the duration of the study through 90 days after the last dose of study treatment. A condom is required for all sexually active male participants to prevent them from fathering a child AND to prevent delivery of study treatment via seminal fluid to their partner. In addition, male participants must not donate sperm during the study and up to the time period as specified in labels of study drugs.
- If patient received major surgery, they must have recovered adequately from the toxicity and/or complications from the intervention prior to starting the study treatment.
- Willing and able to comply with the protocol for the duration of the study including undergoing treatment and scheduled visits and examinations.
Exclusion criteria
- Concomitant use of strong inhibitors or strong inducers of cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A4. The patient must have discontinued strong CYP3A4 inhibitors or strong CYP3A4 inducers for at least 1 week prior to study treatment initiation (Examples included in Appendix 2).
- Currently receiving warfarin or other coumarin-derived anticoagulant for treatment, prophylaxis, or otherwise. Therapy with DOACs, heparin, low molecular weight heparin, direct oral anticoagulants or fondaparinux is allowed.
- Concurrent use of medications that interact with nitrate/nitrite levels (Examples included in Appendix 3).
- Received previous treatment with nab-paclitaxel, Pl3K inhibitor, AKT inhibitor, or mTOR inhibitor.
- Known history of Steven Johnson's syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis.
- Since HAART agents are metabolized by CYP3A4, HIV positive patients will be excluded from this trial.
- Poorly controlled hypertension at baseline (defined as systolic blood pressure \>150 mm Hg). Isolated, unconfirmed systolic BP elevations will NOT exclude participation. Patients with medication-controlled hypertension are allowed provided they have been on their current medications for at least 4 weeks prior to Cycle 1, Day 1.
- Has any of the following cardiac abnormalities:
- Symptomatic congestive heart failure
- History of documented congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association functional classification III-IV)
- Documented cardiomyopathy
- Left ventricular ejection fraction \<50% as determined by multigated acquisition scan or echocardiogram
- Myocardial infarction \~6 months prior to enrollment
- Unstable angina pectoris
- Serious uncontrolled cardiac arrhythmia
- Symptomatic pericarditis
- History of congenital QT prolongation
- Absolute corrected QT interval of \>480 msec in the presence of potassium \>4.0 mEq/L and magnesium \>1.8 mg/dl.
- Is currently participating in or has participated in a study of an investigational agent or has used an investigational device within 3 weeks prior to study treatment administration. NOTE: Patients who have entered the follow-up phase of an investigational study may participate as long as it has been 3 weeks after the last dose of the previous investigational agent.
- Known or suspected hypersensitivity to any component or excipient of the proposed regimen (nab-paclitaxel, alpelisib, iNOS inhibitor, aspirin).
- Known additional malignancy that requires active treatment.
- Pneumonitis/ interstitial lung disease on baseline CT scan of the chest or moderate to severe chronic lung disease
- Known psychiatric or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with cooperation with the requirements of the study.
- Manifestations of malabsorption due to prior gastrointestinal surgery, gastrointestinal surgery disease, or an unknown reason.
- Symptomatic/untreated metastatic central nervous system disease.
- Type I diabetes mellitus irrespective of Hgb A1c OR uncontrolled type II diabetes mellitus defined as hemoglobin A1c \>7%.
- Uncontrolled gastric ulcer
- ≥ Grade 2 sensory neuropathy
- Osteonecrosis of jaw
- Pancreatitis
- Pregnant, breastfeeding or expecting to conceive children within the projected duration of the study, starting with the prescreening or screening visit through 30 days after the last dose of study treatment.
Where
- Bethesda, Maryland
- Houston, Texas
Collaborators
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
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 Jun 4, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations