NCT04946370 · Weill Medical College of Cornell University
Phase I/II Trial of Pembrolizumab and Androgen-receptor Inhibitor With or Without 225Ac-J591 for Progressive Metastatic Castration Resistant Prostate Cancer
What this study is about
This is a phase I/II study investigating the combination of 225Ac-J591 (a drug that can deliver radiation to prostate cancer cells) with pembrolizumab (immunotherapy, a drug that increases the immune system's ability to destroy cancer cells).
View original scientific description
This is a phase I/II study investigating the combination of 225Ac-J591 (a drug that can deliver radiation to prostate cancer cells) with pembrolizumab (immunotherapy, a drug that increases the immune system's ability to destroy cancer cells). This study will assess whether 225Ac-J591 + pembrolizumab + androgen receptor inhibitor (ARI) is more effective against prostate cancer than pembrolizumab + ARI alone.
Interventions
DRUG
225Ac-J591
Alpha-emitter Actinium-225 conjugated to the anti-PSMA antibody J591.
DRUG
Pembrolizumab
Pembrolizumab will be administered intravenously, 400mg every 6 weeks. Patients may receive maximum 18 cycles of therapy, approximately 2 years.
DRUG
Androgen receptor inhibitor
Patients will receive an oral androgen receptor inhibitor (ARI). Examples include enzalutamide, apalutamide, darolutamide. Dosing will be the standard dosing, as described by the package insert.
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
68Ga-PSMA-11
\[185 ±74 MBq or 5 ±2 mCi\] intravenous during screening and 12 weeks. Imaging agent for PSMA PET/CT.
Primary outcome measures
Proportion of patients with dose-limiting toxicity (DLT) following treatment with pembrolizumab and 225Ac-J591
Time frame: From visit 1 through 12 weeks on study
Primary outcome for phase I; DLTs will be measured by utilizing the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. There will be 12 weeks of safety follow-up following visit 1.
Determination of optimal dose of 225Ac-J591 for phase II
Time frame: From visit 1 through 12 weeks on study
Primary outcome for phase I; following 12 weeks of safety follow-up, the study team will make a determination of the 225Ac-J591 dose for phase II (either 65 or 90 KBq/kg).
Change in composite response rate of pembrolizumab and ARPI with or without 225Ac-J591
Time frame: Will be collected at the time of visit 1 and up to 100 months
The primary outcome for phase II will be response, a composite of: PSA decline greater than 50% of baseline, measurable disease response by imaging criteria, conversion of circulating tumor cell count to favorable or undetectable.
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
- Male participants who are at least 18 years of age on the day of signing informed consent with histologically confirmed diagnosis of prostate adenocarcinoma.
- A male participant must agree to use a contraception during the treatment period and for at least 4 months after the last dose of study treatment and refrain from donating sperm during this period.
- Documented progressive metastatic CRPC based on Prostate Cancer Working Group 3 (PCWG3) criteria, which includes at least one of the following criteria: PSA progression, Objective radiographic progression in soft tissue, New bone lesions
- Evaluable for response with at least one of the following:
- Measurable disease by RECIST 1.1
- Detectable (\>0) CTC by CellSearch
- PSA of at least 2 ng/dL
- ECOG performance status of 0-1
- Have serum testosterone ≤ 50 ng/dL. Subjects must continue primary androgen deprivation with an LHRH/GnRH analogue (agonist/antagonist) if they have not undergone orchiectomy.
- Have previously been treated with at least one of the following in any disease state: Androgen receptor inhibitor (ARI, such as enzalutamide, apalutamide or darolutamide), CYP 17 inhibitor (such as abiraterone acetate). These drugs may have been initiated in the metastatic hormone sensitive (i.e. non-castrate) or non-metastatic (M0) CRPC setting provided they meet criteria for progressive mCRPC at study entry.
- Age ≥ 18 years
- Patients must have normal organ and marrow function as defined: Absolute neutrophil count \>2,000 cells/mm3, Hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dL, Platelet count \>150 x 10\^3/mcL, Serum creatinine \<1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) or calculated creatinine clearance ≥ 50 mL/min/1.73 m2 by Cockcroft-Gault, Serum total bilirubin \<1.5 x ULN (unless due to Gilbert's syndrome in which case direct bilirubin must be normal), Serum AST and ALT \<3 x ULN in absence of liver metastases; \< 5x ULN if due to liver metastases (in both circumstances bilirubin must meet entry criteria), Serum internalized normalized ratio (INR) OR prothrombin time (PT) AND activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) must be ≤1.5 x ULN unless participant is receiving anticoagulant therapy as long as PT or aPTT is within therapeutic range of intended use of anticoagulants.
- Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
Exclusion criteria
- Prior receipt of chemotherapy for castration-resistant prostate cancer. Prior receipt of docetaxel chemotherapy in the hormone sensitive "CHAARTED" setting or for localized disease is acceptable provided at least 6 months has passed since the last dose.
- Has received prior therapy with an anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or anti PD L2 agent or with an agent directed to another stimulatory or co-inhibitory T-cell receptor (eg, CTLA-4, OX 40, CD137).
- Has active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in the past 2 years (i.e. with use of disease modifying agents, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs). Replacement therapy (eg., thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, etc.) is not considered a form of systemic treatment and is allowed.
- Prior bone-seeking beta-emitting radioisotopes (e.g. Sm-153, Sr-89) or PSMA-targeted radionuclide therapy for metastatic disease; prior radium-223 is allowed provided last dose administered \>12 weeks prior to C1D1 on this study
- Has a history of a second malignancy, unless treatment with curative intent has been completed with no evidence of malignancy for 2 years. Patients with treated localized non-melanoma skin care, non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma, or carcinoma in-situ of other site are not excluded.
- Known history of myelodysplastic syndrome
- Has a known history of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection
- Has a known history of Hepatitis B (defined as Hepatitis B surface antigen \[HBsAg\] reactive) or known active Hepatitis C virus (defined as HCV RNA \[qualitative\] is detected) infection.
- Has a diagnosis of immunodeficiency or is receiving chronic systemic steroid therapy (in dosing exceeding 10 mg daily of prednisone equivalent) or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to the first dose of study drug.
- Is currently participating in or has participated in a study of an investigational agent or has used an investigational device within 4 weeks prior to the first dose of study intervention.
- Has received prior systemic anti-cancer therapy including investigational agents within 4 weeks or \<5 half-lives prior to C1D1.
- Has known active CNS metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis. Participants with previously treated brain metastases may participate provided they are radiologically stable, i.e. without evidence of progression for at least 4 weeks by repeat imaging (note that the repeat imaging should be performed during study screening), clinically stable and without requirement of steroid treatment for at least 14 days prior to first dose of study intervention.
- Diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolus within 1 month of C1D1
- Has a history or current evidence of any condition, therapy, or laboratory abnormality that might confound the results of the study, interfere with the subject's participation for the full duration of the study, or is not in the best interest of the subject to participate, in the opinion of the treating investigator
- Has received radiotherapy within 4 weeks of start of study treatment. Participants must have recovered from all radiation-related toxicities, not require corticosteroids, and not have had radiation pneumonitis. A 1-week washout is permitted for palliative radiation to non-CNS disease that is not a measurable target lesion.
- Patients on stable dose of bisphosphonates or denosumab, which have been started no less than 4 weeks prior to treatment start, may continue on this medication, however patients are not allowed to initiate bisphosphonate/denosumab therapy during the DLT-assessment period of the study. These drugs may be added after week 12 in phase 1 or phase 2.
- Unless azoospermia is present (whether due to surgery or underlying medical condition), having partners of childbearing potential and not willing to use a method of birth control deemed acceptable by the principal investigator and chairperson during the study and for 4 months after last study drug administration.
- Is expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the study, starting with the screening visit through 120 days after the last dose of trial treatment
- Has received a live vaccine or live-attenuated vaccine within 30 days prior to the first dose of study drug. Administration of killed vaccines are allowed.
- Has severe hypersensitivity (≥Grade 3) to pembrolizumab and/or any of its excipients.
- Has a history of (non-infectious) pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease that required steroids or has current pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease.
- Has an active infection requiring systemic therapy at the time of treatment initiation
- Has a known history of active TB (Bacillus Tuberculosis)
- Has known psychiatric or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with cooperation with the requirements of the trial
- Has had an allogenic tissue/solid organ transplant
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
- Brooklyn, New York
- New York, New York
Collaborators
United States Department of Defense, Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
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 Apr 21, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations