NCT04812366 · University of British Columbia
Genomic Biomarker-Selected Umbrella Neoadjuvant Study for High Risk Localized Prostate Cancer
(GUNS)
What this study is about
The objective of this study is to see if providing an appropriate therapy based on the genomic testing of prostate tumour tissue will result in an improved clinical response. Each participant will be treated with 8 weeks of a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist (LHRHa) plus apalutamide (APA) while genome sequence characterization is being done.
View original scientific description
The objective of this study is to see if providing an appropriate therapy based on the genomic testing of prostate tumour tissue will result in an improved clinical response. Each participant will be treated with 8 weeks of a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist (LHRHa) plus apalutamide (APA) while genome sequence characterization is being done. Participants with biopsy specimens deemed unevaluable for genomic testing will remain on LHRHa plus APA for an additional 16 weeks.
Interventions
DRUG
Apalutamide 60mg Tab
4 tablets by mouth once a day for 24 weeks
DRUG
Abiraterone Acetate 250mg
4 tablets by mouth on an empty stomach once a day for 16 weeks
DRUG
Prednisone 5mg Tab
1 tablet by mouth once daily while taking abiraterone acetate
DRUG
Docetaxel
Infusion every 3 weeks for 6 cycles (each cycle has 3 weeks)
DRUG
Niraparib 100mg Oral Capsule
3 capsules by mouth once daily for 16 weeks
DRUG
Atezolizumab
1200mg infusion every 3 weeks for 6 cycles
DRUG
Tazemetostat Pill
200 mg 4 tablets by mouth twice daily with or without food for 16 weeks
DRUG
Capivasertib
200 mg 2 tablets by mouth twice a day with or without food on an intermittent dosing schedule (days 1-4, then 3 days off) each week for 16 weeks
Primary outcome measures
Complete Pathologic Response (pCR)
Time frame: 6 years
Pathological Minimal Residual Disease (pMRD): pathological minimal residual disease (pMRD) is defined as residual tumour 5mm or less.
Pathological Minimal Residual Disease (pMRD)
Time frame: 6 years
Pathological minimal residual disease is defined as residual tumour 5 mm or less.
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
- i. Males ≥ 18 years of age. ii. Histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of the prostate without pathologic evidence of small cell differentiation at the time of initial diagnosis. Screening biopsy must be performed within 4 months of the screening visit. iii. High-risk localized prostate cancer as defined by at least one of the following:
- Any combination of Gleason Score 4+3=7 and Gleason Score 8 (4+4 or 5+3) in ≥6 systematic cores (with ≥1 core Gleason Score 8 \[4+4 or 5+3\] included);
- Any combination of Gleason Score 4+3 and Gleason Score 8 (4+4 or 5+3) in ≥3 systematic cores and PSA ≥20 ng/mL (with at least 1 core Gleason Score 8 \[4+4 or 5+3\] included);
- Gleason Score ≥9 in at least 1 systematic or targeted core;
- At least 2 systematic or targeted cores with Gleason Score ≥8, each with at least 80% involvement"; or
- Gleason Score 4+3=7 in at least 6 systematic or targeted cores and PSA ≥20 ng/mL iv. Participants must provide consent blood collection and evaluation of diagnostic prostate tissue for genetic testing at registration and prior to assignment by a central reference laboratory. v. No prior systemic or localized treatment for prostate cancer (exception: up to 12 weeks of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonist or antagonist (LHRHa) and bicalutamide is allowable prior to registration). vi. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0 or 1 (Appendix II) and a life expectancy of ≥ 3 years in the opinion of the treating oncologist. vii. Laboratory Requirements: Participants must have adequate end-organ function and all laboratory tests must be performed within 8 weeks prior to registration into master protocol (Table 1). viii. Patient consent must be appropriately obtained in accordance with applicable local and regulatory requirements. Each patient must sign a consent form prior to registration in the trial to document their willingness to participate. ix. Archival tissue must be available for genetic analysis.
Exclusion criteria
- Participants will be excluded if ANY of the following criteria are met: i. Received more than 12 weeks of LHRHa prior to registration. ii. Stage T4 prostate cancer by clinical examination or radiologic evaluation. iii. Hypogonadism or severe androgen deficiency as determined by the treating physician, or screening serum testosterone less than 50 ng/dL (1.7 nmol/L) iv. Participants with serious illnesses or medical conditions which could cause unacceptable safety risks or would not permit the participant to be managed according to the protocol. This includes but is not limited to:
- Active infection or chronic liver disease requiring systemic therapy;
- Active or known human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with detectable viral load;
- Participants with uncontrolled hypertension or diabetes.
- Uncontrolled or recent clinically significant cardiac disease, including history of any of the following within 12 months prior to screening:
- Severe or unstable angina, symptomatic pericarditis, symptomatic congestive heart failure, arterial or venous thromboembolic events (e.g., pulmonary embolism, cerebrovascular accident including transient ischemic attacks), clinically significant ventricular arrhythmias or New York Heart Association Class II to IV heart disease, coronary artery bypass grafting, coronary angioplasty, stenting, or myocardial infarction; uncomplicated deep vein thrombosis is not considered exclusionary).
- History of any cardiac arrhythmias that preclude prostatectomy or treatment with study drugs, e.g. ventricular, supraventricular, nodal arrhythmias, or conduction abnormality. v. Participants who are unable to swallow oral medication and/or have impairment of gastrointestinal (GI) function or GI disease that may significantly alter the absorption of the study drugs (e.g. ulcerative diseases, uncontrolled nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome, or small bowel resection). vi. Participants with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the study drugs or any excipient. vii. Participants with a history of non-compliance to medical regimens. viii. Severe concurrent disease, infection, or co-morbidity that, in the judgment of the Investigator, would make the participant inappropriate for registration or prostatectomy. ix. Prior androgen deprivation, chemotherapy, surgery, or radiation for prostate cancer. x. Receiving concurrent androgens, estrogens, or progestational agents, or received any of these agents within the 6 months prior to registration. xi. M1 by conventional imaging (CT, bone scan) or PSMA-PET. Participants with oligometastatic (\<3) metastases by PSMA imaging only who are deemed candidates for radical prostatectomy are eligible.
Where
- Sacramento, California
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Houston, Texas
- Seattle, Washington
Collaborators
Janssen Inc., University Health Network, Toronto
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 Aug 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations