NCT02332668 · Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
A Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Pediatric Participants With an Advanced Solid Tumor or Lymphoma (MK-3475-051/KEYNOTE-051)
What this study is about
Researchers are looking for new ways to treat children with different types of melanoma (skin cancer), solid tumors, and lymphomas (blood cancers) that are any of these: * Advanced, which means cancer spread in the body or cannot be removed with surgery * Relapsed, which means cancer has come back after it had responded to previous treatment (responded means it stopped growing, gets smaller, or disappeared) * Refractory, which means cancer did not respond to previous treatment Pembrolizumab is
View original scientific description
Researchers are looking for new ways to treat children with different types of melanoma (skin cancer), solid tumors, and lymphomas (blood cancers) that are any of these: * Advanced, which means cancer spread in the body or cannot be removed with surgery * Relapsed, which means cancer has come back after it had responded to previous treatment (responded means it stopped growing, gets smaller, or disappeared) * Refractory, which means cancer did not respond to previous treatment Pembrolizumab is
Interventions
BIOLOGICAL
Pembrolizumab
IV infusion
Primary outcome measures
Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors and Other Lymphoma Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) per Site Assessment (Each Disease Indication Evaluated Separately)
Time frame: Up to 2 years
The ORR is assessed by RECIST 1.1 per site assessment. The ORR is defined as the percentage of participants who have a response (complete response, CR or partial response, PR) prior to disease progression. Complete Response (CR): Disappearance of all target lesions. Any pathological lymph nodes (whether target or non-target) must have reduction in short axis to \<10 mm. Partial Response (PR): At least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the baseline sum diameters.
ORR by RECIST 1.1 per Site Assessment for MSI-H or TMBH Solid Tumors (Each Cohort Evaluated Separately)
Time frame: Up to 2 years
The ORR is assessed by RECIST 1.1 per site assessment. The ORR is defined as the percentage of participants who have a response (complete response, CR or partial response, PR) prior to disease progression. Complete Response (CR): Disappearance of all target lesions. Any pathological lymph nodes (whether target or non-target) must have reduction in short axis to \<10 mm. Partial Response (PR): At least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the baseline sum diameters.
ORR by International Working Group (IWG) Response Criteria (Cheson, 2007) per Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR) Assessment for rrcHL Cohort
Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years
The ORR is assessed by blinded independent central review utilizing the International Working Group \[IWG\] response assessment criteria per Cheson 2007 by BICR. The ORR is defined as the percentage of participants who have a response (complete response, CR or partial response, PR) prior to disease progression. CR is the disappearance of all evidence of disease and PR is the regression of measurable disease and no new sites. Participants with missing data are considered non-responders.
Number of Participants with Dose-Limiting Toxicities (DLTs)
Time frame: Cycle 1 (Up to 21 days)
Number of participants experiencing toxicities that are possibly, probably, or definitely related to study therapy; that meet pre-defined severity criteria; and result in a change in the given dose.
Number of Participants Experiencing Adverse Events (AEs)
Time frame: Up to 27 months
An adverse event (AE) is defined as any unfavorable and unintended sign including an abnormal laboratory finding, symptom or disease associated with the use of a medical treatment or procedure, regardless of whether it is considered related to the medical treatment or procedure, that occurs during the course of the study.
Number of Participants Discontinuing Study Drug Due to AEs
Time frame: Up to 2 years
An adverse event (AE) is defined as any unfavorable and unintended sign including an abnormal laboratory finding, symptom or disease associated with the use of a medical treatment or procedure, regardless of whether it is considered related to the medical treatment or procedure, that occurs during the course of the 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
- Between 6 months and \<18 years of age on day of signing informed consent is documented.
- Histologically- or cytologically-documented, locally-advanced, or metastatic solid malignancy or lymphoma that is incurable and has failed prior standard therapy, or for which no standard therapy exists, or for which no standard therapy is considered appropriate
- Any number of prior treatment regimens
- Tissue (or lymph node biopsy for rrcHL participants) available from an archival tissue sample or, if appropriate, a newly obtained core or excisional biopsy of a tumor lesion not previously irradiated
- Advanced melanoma or PD-L1-positive advanced, relapsed, or refractory solid tumor or lymphoma
- Measurable disease based on RECIST 1.1 (Or based on IWG \[Cheson, 2007\] \[i.e., measurement must be \>15 mm in longest diameter or \>10 mm in short axis\] for rrcHL participants)
- Participants with neuroblastoma with only metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG)-positive evaluable disease may be enrolled
- Lansky Play Scale ≥50 for participants from 6 months up to and including 16 years of age; or Karnofsky score ≥50 for participants \>16 years of age
- Adequate organ function
- Female participants of childbearing potential should have a negative urine or serum pregnancy test within 72 hours before the first dose of study medication
- Female participant is not a woman of childbearing potential (WOCBP) or is a WOCBP who is abstinent from heterosexual intercourse or using contraception during the intervention period and for at least 120 days after the last dose of study intervention
- Contraceptive use by men should be consistent with local regulations regarding the methods of contraception for those participating in clinical studies.
- Demonstrate adequate organ function.
Exclusion criteria
- Currently participating and receiving study therapy in, or has participated in a study of an investigational agent and received study therapy or used an investigational device within 4 weeks of the date of allocation/randomization
- Diagnosis of immunodeficiency or receiving systemic steroid therapy or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to the date of allocation/randomization
- Prior systemic anti-cancer therapy including investigational agent within 2 weeks prior to study Day 1 or not recovered from adverse events due to a previously administered agent
- Prior radiotherapy within 2 weeks of start of study treatment
- Known additional malignancy that is progressing or requires active treatment with the exception of basal cell carcinoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin or carcinoma in situ (eg, breast carcinoma, cervical carcinoma in situ) with potentially curative therapy, or in situ cervical cancer
- Known active central nervous system (CNS) metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis
- Tumor(s) involving the brain stem
- Severe hypersensitivity (≥ Grade 3) to pembrolizumab and/or any of its excipients
- Active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in past 2 years; replacement therapy (such as thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency) is acceptable
- Has a history of (non-infectious) pneumonitis that required steroids or current pneumonitis.
- Active infection requiring systemic therapy
- Pregnant or breastfeeding, or expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the trial through 120 days after the last dose of study medication
- Prior therapy with an anti-programmed cell death (PD)-1, anti-PD-ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1), anti-PD-L2 agent, or any agent directed to another stimulatory or inhibitory T-cell receptor (eg, cytotoxic lymphocyte associated protein-4 \[CTLA-4\], OX-40, CD137)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Hepatitis B or C
- Known history of active tuberculosis (TB; Bacillus tuberculosis)
- Received a live vaccine within 30 days of planned start of study medication
- Has undergone solid organ transplant at any time, or prior allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation within the last 5 years. (Participants who have had an allogeneic hematopoietic transplant \>5 years ago are eligible as long as there are no symptoms of Graft Versus Host Disease \[GVHD\].)
- History or current evidence of any condition, therapy, or laboratory abnormality, or known severe hypersensitivity to any component or analog of the trial treatment, that might confound the results of the trial, or interfere with the participant's participation for the full duration of the study
- Known psychiatric or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with the requirements of the study
Where
- Aurora, Colorado
- Chicago, Illinois
- Boston, Massachusetts
- New York, New York
- Fargo, North Dakota
- Sioux Falls, South Dakota
- Dallas, Texas
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 Jul 6, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations