NCT07227402 · Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
A Clinical Study of Belzutifan and Zanzalintinib in People With Recurrent Kidney Cancer Following Adjuvant Therapy (MK-6482-033)
(LITESPARK-033)
What this study is about
Researchers are looking for more ways to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) that is recurrent. Researchers want to learn if recurrent advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) responds (gets smaller or goes away) after treatment with belzutifan (MK-6482) and zanzalintinib compared to cabozantinib.
View original scientific description
Researchers are looking for more ways to treat advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) that is recurrent. Researchers want to learn if recurrent advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) responds (gets smaller or goes away) after treatment with belzutifan (MK-6482) and zanzalintinib compared to cabozantinib. The goal of this study is to learn if: People who take belzutifan and zanzalintinib live longer overall and without the cancer getting worse than people who take cabozantinib.
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 a histologically confirmed diagnosis of unresectable, advanced renal cell cancer (RCC) with clear cell component (with or without sarcomatoid features) i.e., Stage IV renal cell cancer per American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) (8th Edition)
- Has measurable disease per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors 1.1 (RECIST 1.1)
- Has disease recurrence during adjuvant anti-programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/L1) therapy or recurrence ≤24 months following the last dose of adjuvant anti-PD-1/L1 therapy
- Has received no other prior systemic therapy for their RCC except for their adjuvant anti-PD-1/L1 therapy
Exclusion criteria
- The main exclusion criteria include but are not limited to the following:
- Has clinically significant cardiovascular disease within 12 months from first dose of study intervention, including New York Heart Association Class III or IV congestive heart failure, unstable angina, new-onset angina, pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, cerebral vascular accident, or cardiac arrhythmia associated with hemodynamic instability
- Had deep vein thrombosis within 3 months before randomization unless stable, asymptomatic, and treated with therapeutic anticoagulation for at least 4 weeks before randomization
- Has a left ventricular ejection fraction ≤50% or below the institutional (or local laboratory) normal range as determined by multigated acquisition or echocardiogram
- Has had major surgery within 8 weeks before randomization or has not adequately recovered from major surgery or has ongoing surgical complications
- Has current pneumonitis/interstitial lung disease
- Has symptomatic pleural effusion (for example cough, dyspnea, pleuritic chest pain), ascites, or pericardial fluid requiring drainage within 4 weeks prior to randomization
- Has a gastrointestinal disorder including those associated with a high risk of perforation or fistula formation
- Has a serious active nonhealing wound/ulcer/bone fracture
- Has a requirement for hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
- Has history of human immunodeficiency virus infection
- Has hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus
- Has pharmacologically uncompensated, symptomatic hypothyroidism
- Received a live or live-attenuated vaccine within 30 days before the first dose of study intervention
Where
- Anchorage, Alaska
- Fullerton, California
- Westbrook, Maine
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Saint Louis Park, Minnesota
- Omaha, Nebraska
- Charlotte, North Carolina
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 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations