PHILADELPHIA, PA (April 27, 2017) In addition to the best clinical care available, Fox Chase Cancer Center is home to a team of world-renowned cancer researchers who develop and test therapies not available anywhere else. For more than a century, Fox Chase has been a key contributor in advancing understanding of cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
One of our latest studies is a Phase II trial that will test the effectiveness of a new drug combination for adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma. Henry Chi Fung, MD, vice chair, Department of Hematology/Oncology at Fox Chase, is leading this study in order to learn whether an investigational drug called ONC201 combined with the steroid dexamethasone will be an effective treatment. Dr. Fung is seeking to work with more than 40 multiple myeloma patients for whom no standard therapy is available.
Eligible patients must be unresponsive to, or not a candidate for, established therapy known to provide a clinical benefit for multiple myeloma. In order to ensure the study produces scientifically reliable results, there are some medical conditions and circumstances that would preclude participation. Please read the clinical trial page for complete details about eligibility.
During the study, patients will receive ONC201 orally once per week in combination with dexamethasone. After an initial period requiring five visits to Fox Chase during the first three weeks, patients will have an appointment once every three weeks for a physical exam, urine, blood draw, and EKG.
“We encourage eligible patients to participate in clinical trials, because they may directly benefit from the new therapies available, and even if they do not, their participation helps create a better understanding of what is a safe and effective treatment,” said Dr. Fung.
The ONC201 clinical trial is expected to last for two years, and the medical team will continue to follow the health status of each patient for three years after he or she stops receiving the drug combination.