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Closed (no longer recruiting)Last updated: 21 December 2023

PHOCUS: This phase III trial is evaluating sorafenib, alone and in combination with immunotherapy treatment, in patients with hepatocellular (liver) cancerA Phase 3 Randomized, Open-Label Study Comparing Pexa Vec (Vaccinia GM CSF / Thymidine Kinase-Deactivated Virus) Followed by Sorafenib Versus Sorafenib in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Without Prior Systemic Therapy

Clinical summary

Summary

This is a multi-center, randomized, open-label, Phase 3 study comparing Pexa Vec followed by sorafenib versus sorafenib in patients with advanced HCC without prior systemic therapy. A total of 600 patients will be randomly assigned to 2 treatment arms in a 1:1 ratio (300 in each arm) to reach at least 570 evaluable patients.

Conditions

This trial is treating patients with Hepatocellular (Liver) Cancer.

Cancer

Upper gastrointestinal tract Cancers Upper gastrointestinal tract

Age

People18+

Phase

III

Trial Acronym

PHOCUS

More information

Trial Identifiers

Use the hyperlinks, where available to access additional clinical trial information.

Trial sponsor

SillaJen, Inc

Scientific Title

A Phase 3 Randomized, Open-Label Study Comparing Pexa Vec (Vaccinia GM CSF / Thymidine Kinase-Deactivated Virus) Followed by Sorafenib Versus Sorafenib in Patients With Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) Without Prior Systemic Therapy

Eligibility

Inclusion

  • Histological/cytological diagnosis of primary HCC
  • Advanced stage HCC (Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer [BCLC] Stage C or B per American Association for the Study of Liver Disease [AASLD] guidelines)
  • At least one measurable viable tumor in the liver, ≥1 cm longest diameter (LD), using a dynamic imaging technique (arterial phase of triphasic computerized tomography [CT] scan, or dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging [MRI]), and injectable under imaging-guidance (CT and/or ultrasound)
  • Child-Pugh Class A
  • Performance status 0 or 1 on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) scale
  • Adequate hematological, hepatic, and renal function:
  • Additional inclusion criteria exist

Exclusion

  • Histological diagnosis of cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocholangiocarcinoma, fibrolamellar carcinoma and hepatoblastoma
  • Symptomatic cardiovascular disease, including but not limited to significant coronary artery disease (e.g., requiring angioplasty or stenting) or congestive heart failure within the preceding 12 months
  • Current or past history of cardiovascular disease (e.g.. past history of myocardial infarction, ischemic cardiomyopathy) unless cardiology consultation and clearance has been obtained for study participation
  • History of moderate or severe ascites, bleeding esophageal varices, hepatic encephalopathy or pleural effusions related to liver insufficiency within 6 months of screening
  • Bulky disease patients - tumors encompassing >50% of the liver volume and / or inferior vena cava invasion
  • Known significant immunodeficiency due to underlying illness (e.g., HIV/AIDS) and/or immune-suppressive medication including high-dose corticosteroids
  • Ongoing severe inflammatory skin condition (as determined by the Investigator) requiring medical treatment
  • History of severe eczema (as determined by the Investigator) requiring medical treatment
  • Additional exclusion criteria exist

Inclusion

  • You have been diagnosed with cancer, but have not received any treatment.
  • Your cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

Exclusion

  • You have certain types of non-cancer medical conditions.
  • You have had certain treatments, surgical procedures or drugs.
Message

Clinical trials have complex eligibility criteria.

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