NCT06016179 · Allegheny Singer Research Institute (also known as Allegheny Health Network Research Institute)
Tocilizumab Delivered Via Pleural and Peritoneal Catheters in Patients With Advanced Metastatic Cancer
(RIOT2)
What this study is about
The purpose of this study to find out if tocilizumab can be safely infused into chest or abdominal cavities of patients with malignancy ascites (MA) or malignant pleural effusions (MPE). Patients will have a total of 4 doses, one dose administered each week. Each dose will be greater than the previous one.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study to find out if tocilizumab can be safely infused into chest or abdominal cavities of patients with malignancy ascites (MA) or malignant pleural effusions (MPE). Patients will have a total of 4 doses, one dose administered each week. Each dose will be greater than the previous one.
Interventions
DRUG
Tocilizumab
Each patient will receive four incremental weekly intra-cavitary doses of tocilizumab starting at 0.5μg/mL and increasing to 1.6μg/mL, 5μg/mL and 50μg/mL once a week over four weeks.
Primary outcome measures
Successful intra-cavitary administration of tocilizumab
Time frame: 6 weeks
Number of patients with successful administration of tocilizumab
Adverse Events
Time frame: 6 weeks
To identify the frequency and type of adverse events (AE) following intrapleural or intraperitoneal administration of tocilizumab at doses up to 2.5 mg (intrapleural) or 25 mg (intraperitoneal) using CTCAE v5.0
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
- Males or females ages 18-89 years
- Female patients must have a negative pregnancy test and agree to use contraception. Female patients receiving tocilizumab should maintain adequate contraceptive measures during and for a minimum of 90 days after the last dose of tocilizumab. Male patients receiving tocilizumab should maintain adequate contraceptive measures during and for a minimum of 60 days after the last dose of tocilizumab.
- Biopsy-proven diagnosis of malignancy with cytologic or radiographic evidence of malignant pleural effusion or ascites
- Scheduled to undergo standard-of-care pleural or peritoneal drainage catheter placement
- Able to read and understand consent in English and provide informed consent
Exclusion criteria
- Pediatric patients
- Laboratory abnormalities that indicate clinically significant inflammatory process AST/SGOT \> 2 times the upper limit of normal ALT/SGPT \> 2 times the upper limit of normal Total bilirubin \> 2 times the upper limit of normal Creatinine \> 2.5 mg/dL Hemoglobin \< 7 mg/dL White blood cell count \< 3,000/ mm3 Platelet count \< 70,000/mm3 Absolute neutrophil cell count \< 2,000 per mm3
- Subjects who are unable to comply with study procedures including travel for weekly outpatient clinic visits
- Pregnant and lactating women
- Active immunotherapy within 30 days; concurrent chemotherapy or targeted therapy is permitted but for patients with a history of prior immunotherapy, the most recent dose should be \>30 days prior to the first treatment visit
- Investigational drug use within 30 days prior to first treatment dose
- History of systemic autoimmune disease (CRS, GCA, PJIA, RA, and SJIA)
- Patient with known hypersensitivity to tocilizumab (IL-6)
- Active infection
- Medical contraindication or history of adverse reaction to acetaminophen or diphenhydramine
Where
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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 May 22, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations