NCT05450965 · Taofeek Owonikoko
Study of PLK1 Inhibitor, Onvansertib, in Relapsed Small Cell Lung Cancer
What this study is about
This phase II clinical trial will study the safety and effectiveness of onvansertib to treat patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) who have either not responded to or are unable to tolerate chemotherapy. Onvansertib is a drug that inhibits polo-like kinase 1 (PLK-1), an enzyme that is over-expressed in many cancer cells and is involved in cellular repair.
View original scientific description
This phase II clinical trial will study the safety and efficacy of onvansertib to treat patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC) who have either not responded to or are unable to tolerate chemotherapy. Onvansertib is a drug that inhibits polo-like kinase 1 (PLK-1), an enzyme that is over-expressed in many cancer cells and is involved in cellular repair.
Interventions
DRUG
Onvansertib
Onvansertib at a dose of 15 mg/m2 orally on Days 1-14 of a 21-day cycle. Treatment will continue until disease progression or intolerable toxicity.
Primary outcome measures
Objective Response Rate (ORR)
Time frame: Up to 42 months (cohort)
The proportion of patients having either a complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) (as best response), per RECIST 1.1. Complete Response (CR): Disappearance of all target lesions. For non-target lesions, CR is the disappearance of all non-target lesions and normalization of tumor marker level. Partial Response (PR): At least a 30% decrease in the sum of the LD of target lesions, taking as reference the baseline sum LD.
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
- Patients must have histologically or cytologically confirmed small cell lung cancer
- Patients must have measurable disease, defined as at least one lesion that can be accurately measured in at least one dimension (longest diameter to be recorded for non-nodal lesions and short axis for nodal lesions) as \>20 mm with conventional techniques or as \>10 mm with spiral CT scan. See Section 8for the evaluation of measurable disease.
- Patient must have failed or found to be intolerant of standard frontline platinum-based regimens and not more than two lines of cytotoxic chemotherapy treatment in total for extensive stage disease. Maintenance immunotherapy counts as part of the frontline therapy, while prior chemotherapy for limited stage disease will not count toward this total if completed more than 12 months before initiation of protocol therapy. Retreatment with the original chemotherapy regimen for sensitive relapsed SCLC counts as a separate line of treatment.
- Adult patients with age \>18 years. Because no dosing or adverse event data are currently available on the use of arsenic trioxide in patients \<18 years of age, children are excluded from this study but will be eligible for future pediatric single-agent trials, if applicable.
- Ability to tolerate oral medicine
- ECOG performance status ≤2
- Patients must have normal organ and marrow function as pre-defined
- Negative serum pregnancy test within 48 hours before starting study treatment in women with childbearing potential
- Women of child-bearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception.
- Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
- Both men and women and members of all races and ethnic groups are eligible for this trial.
Exclusion criteria
- Treatment with chemotherapy (within 4 weeks; 6 weeks for nitrosoureas or mitomycin C); radiotherapy or biologic agents (within 2 weeks) prior to first dose of onvansertib or those persistent, clinically significant, grade ≥2 adverse events due to agents administered more than 4 weeks earlier.
- Patients may not be receiving any other investigational agents (Use of conventional external beam radiation therapy will be allowed during protocol therapy solely for palliation of localized painful lesions or bone lesions at risk of fracture provided the radiation field does not encompass any selected target lesions required for assessment).
- Patients with uncontrolled symptomatic brain metastases. Subjects with a history of central nervous system (CNS) metastases must have documentation of stable brain imaging after completion of definitive treatment and prior to first dose of Study Drug. Patients must be off or on a stable dose of corticosteroids (not more than 10mg prednisone or equivalent). Definitive treatment may include surgical resection, whole brain irradiation, and/or stereotactic radiation therapy.
- Patients with active GI disorders likely to impair the absorption of oral medications
- History of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to onvansertib.
- Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements.
- Patient with untreated or active HBV, HCV and HIV are ineligible. Patients on stable doses of antiretroviral for at least six months and undetectable viral load will be enrolled with prior approval of the study sponsor. Appropriate studies will be undertaken in patients receiving combination antiretroviral therapy when indicated.
- Patients who require ongoing treatment with any hematopoietic colony-stimulating growth factors (e.g., G-CSF, GM-CSF) ≤ 2 weeks prior to starting study drug.
- Patients who have undergone major surgery ≤ 2 weeks prior to starting study drug or who have not recovered from side effects of such therapy
- Patient is unable or unwilling to abide by the study protocol or cooperate fully with the investigator.
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
- Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Collaborators
Cardiff Oncology, National Cancer Institute (NCI)
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 Dec 17, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations