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NCT06445972 · Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Substudy 06D: Combination Therapies in Second Line (2L) Gastroesophageal Adenocarcinoma (MK-3475-06D/Keymaker-U06)

What this study is about

This is a phase 1/2 conducted at multiple hospitals, where both patients and doctors know the treatment given umbrella platform study that will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of sacituzumab tirumotecan (MK-2870) plus paclitaxel versus ramucirumab plus paclitaxel, for the treatment of participants with advanced or metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma, gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma, or esophageal adenocarcinoma who have failed 1 prior line of therapy. This is an estimation study, and no formal hypothesis testing will be performed.

View original scientific description

This is a phase 1/2 multicenter, open-label umbrella platform study that will evaluate the safety and efficacy of sacituzumab tirumotecan (MK-2870) plus paclitaxel versus ramucirumab plus paclitaxel, for the treatment of participants with advanced or metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma, gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma, or esophageal adenocarcinoma who have failed 1 prior line of therapy. This is an estimation study, and no formal hypothesis testing will be performed.

Interventions

BIOLOGICAL

Ramucirumab

8 mg/kg IV Infusion

DRUG

Paclitaxel

80 mg/M\^2 IV infusion

BIOLOGICAL

Sacituzumab Tirumotecan

3 mg/kg or 4 mg/kg IV Infusion

DRUG

Rescue Medications

Participants receive rescue medications according to each approved drug's product label. Recommended rescue medications for the Sacituzumab Tirumotecan + Paclitaxel arm include antihistamines (histamine-1 and histamine-2 receptor antagonists), acetaminophen or equivalent, dexamethasone or equivalent infusion, and steroid mouth wash (dexamethasone or equivalent) and rescue medications for the HER3-DXd + ramucirumab arm include 5-HT3-receptor antagonist, NK-1 receptor antagonist, and corticosteroids.

BIOLOGICAL

HER3-DXd

IV Infusion

Primary outcome measures

Percentage of Participants who Experience Dose Limiting Toxicities (DLTs) During the Safety Lead-In Phase

Time frame: Up to ~28 days

DLTs are defined as any drug-related adverse event (AE) according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology for Adverse Events (NCI CTCAE) Version 5.0, observed during the DLT evaluation period that results in a change to a given dose or a delay in initiating the next cycle. The percentage of participants who experience at least one DLT will be presented.

Percentage of Particiapants who Experience an Adverse Event (AE) During the Safety Lead-In Phase

Time frame: Up to ~60 days

An AE is any untoward medical occurrence in a clinical study participant, temporally associated with the use of study intervention, whether or not considered related to the study intervention. The percentage of participants who discontinued study intervention due to an AE will be presented.

Percentage of Participants who Discontinue Study Intervention Due to an AE During the Safety Lead-In Phase

Time frame: Up to ~28 days

An AE is any untoward medical occurrence in a clinical study participant, temporally associated with the use of study intervention, whether or not considered related to the study intervention. The percentage of participants who discontinued study intervention due to an AE will be presented.

Objective Response Rate (ORR)

Time frame: Up to ~28 months

ORR is defined as the percentage of participants with Complete Response (CR: disappearance of all target lesions) or Partial Response (PR: at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions) per Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1). The percentage of participants who experience CR or PR as assessed by Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR) will be presented.

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 main inclusion criteria include but are not limited to the following:
  • Has histologically and/or cytologically confirmed diagnosis of previously treated, second line (2L) (received first line (1L) treatment) gastric adenocarcinoma, gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma, or esophageal adenocarcinoma
  • Has metastatic disease or locally advanced, unresectable disease
  • Has experienced documented objective radiographic or clinical disease progression during or after 1L therapy containing any platinum/fluoropyrimidine doublet with or without immunotherapy
  • Tumor tissue must be confirmed as negative for HER2 expression (IHC 0/1+ or IHC2+/in situ hybridization negative) as classified by American Society of Clinical Oncology/College of American Pathologists (ASCO-CAP) guidelines
  • Can provide a core/excisional biopsy of a tumor lesion not previously irradiated (collected from a biopsy performed after the most recent systemic anticancer therapy regimen)
  • AEs due to previous anticancer therapies must be ≤Grade 1 or baseline (except alopecia and vitiligo). Endocrine-related AEs adequately treated with hormone replacement are acceptable
  • Has Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1
  • Has a life expectancy of at least 3 months
  • Participants who are hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive are eligible if they have received Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) antiviral therapy for at least 4 weeks, and have undetectable HBV viral load prior to allocation/randomization
  • Participants with history of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection are eligible if HCV viral load is undetectable at screening
  • Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-infected participants must have well controlled HIV on antiretroviral therapy

Exclusion criteria

  • The main exclusion criteria include but are not limited to the following:
  • Has squamous cell or undifferentiated gastroesophageal cancer
  • Has experienced weight loss \>20% over 3 months before the first dose of study intervention
  • Has history of documented severe dry eye syndrome, severe Meibomian gland disease and/or blepharitis, or severe corneal disease that prevents/delays corneal healing
  • Has Grade ≥2 peripheral neuropathy
  • Has active inflammatory bowel disease requiring immunosuppressive medication or previous history of inflammatory bowel disease
  • Has a serious or nonhealing wound or peptic ulcer or bone fracture within 28 days prior to allocation/randomization
  • Has a bowel obstruction, history or presence of inflammatory enteropathy or extensive intestinal resection (hemicolectomy or extensive small intestine resection with chronic diarrhea)
  • Has uncontrolled, significant cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease
  • Has experienced any arterial thrombotic event, including myocardial infarction, unstable angina, cerebrovascular accident, or transient ischemic attack, within 6 months prior to allocation/randomization
  • Has uncontrolled arterial hypertension ≥150/≥90 mm mercury (Hg)
  • Has accumulation of pleural, ascitic, or pericardial fluid requiring drainage or diuretic drugs within 2 weeks prior to enrollment
  • Has undergone major surgery within 28 days prior to allocation/randomization, or central venous access device placement within 7 days prior to allocation/randomization or planned major surgery following initiation of study treatment
  • Is receiving therapeutic anticoagulation with warfarin, low-molecular weight heparin or similar agents
  • Is receiving chronic therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents or other antiplatelet agents
  • Has a history of deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or any other significant thromboembolism during the 3 months prior to allocation/randomization
  • Has significant bleeding disorders, vasculitis, or had a significant bleeding episode from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract within 3 months prior to study entry
  • Has history of GI perforation and/or fistulae within 6 months prior to allocation/randomization
  • HIV-infected participants with a history of Kaposi's sarcoma and/or Multicentric Castleman's Disease
  • Has received prior treatment with a trophoblast cell-surface antigen 2 (TROP2)- or HER3-targeted agent, topoisomerase 1 inhibitor-based ADC and/or a topoisomerase 1 inhibitor-based chemotherapy, or any previous systemic therapy targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) or the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) signaling pathways
  • Has received prior systemic anticancer therapy within 4 weeks before the first dose of study intervention
  • Has received prior radiotherapy within 2 weeks of start of study intervention, or has radiation-related toxicities, requiring corticosteroids
  • Has received a live or live-attenuated vaccine within 30 days before the first dose of study intervention. Administration of killed vaccines is allowed
  • Has received an investigational agent or has used an investigational device within 4 weeks prior to study intervention administration
  • Has known additional malignancy that is progressing or has required active treatment within the past 3 years. Basal cell carcinoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, or carcinoma in situ, excluding carcinoma in situ of the bladder, that have undergone potentially curative therapy are not excluded
  • Has known active central nervous system metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis
  • Has an active infection requiring systemic therapy
  • Has concurrent active Hepatitis B (defined as HBsAg positive and/or detectable HBV deoxyribonucleic acid) and Hepatitis C virus (defined as anti-HCV antibody positive and detectable HCV ribonucleic acid) infection
  • History of (noninfectious) pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease that required steroids or has current pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease, or where suspected ILD or pneumonitis cannot be ruled out by imaging at screening
  • Has severe hypersensitivity (Grade ≥3) to MK-2870, or HER3-DXd, any of their excipients, and/or to another biologic therapy
  • Has not adequately recovered from major surgery or have ongoing surgical complications

Where

  • Tucson, Arizona
  • Los Angeles, California
  • Louisville, Kentucky
  • Grand Rapids, Michigan
  • East Syracuse, New York
  • New York, New York
  • Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
  • Houston, Texas

Collaborators

Daiichi Sankyo

Related conditions & keywords

Gastroesophageal JunctionGastroesophageal AdenocarcinomaEsophageal NeoplasmsEsophageal CancerProgrammed Cell Death 1 (PD1, PD-1)Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand 1(PDL1, PD-L1)Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand 2 (PDL2, PD-L2)

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 Sep 3, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

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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

Choose your preferred location, or select flexible during enrollment.

RECRUITING

Tucson

Arizona

Location available
RECRUITING

Los Angeles

California

Location available
COMPLETED

Louisville

Kentucky

Location available
RECRUITING

Grand Rapids

Michigan

Location available
RECRUITING

East Syracuse

New York

Location available
COMPLETED

New York

New York

Location available
RECRUITING

Pittsburgh

Pennsylvania

Location available
RECRUITING

Houston

Texas

Location available

Express your interest

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

Secure & Confidential

Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

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

Find More Esophageal Cancer Trials by City

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Looking for Gastroesophageal Cancer Treatment in Tucson?

Join others in Arizona exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Gastroesophageal Cancer Treatment Options in Tucson, Arizona

If you're searching for Gastroesophageal Cancer treatment in Tucson, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Tucson, Los Angeles, Louisville 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 Gastroesophageal Cancer. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
3 locations in Arizona
Now Enrolling
Up to 210 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Gastroesophageal Cancer?

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 Gastroesophageal Cancer

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 Gastroesophageal Cancer 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: NCT06445972. 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.