Clinical Corner
"Role Reversal: From Nurse to Patient" + Clinical Trial Highlight
Role Reversal: From Nurse to Patient
Donna Pinckney worked as an oncology nurse in Daytona Beach for nearly two years when her role as a clinician was quickly reversed. On Dec. 28, 2020, Pinckney was diagnosed with ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS. Commonly known as one of the earliest forms of breast cancer, abnormal cells were found inside her breast ducts. A pathology exam revealed that a portion of the cancer had spread to nearby tissue.
Nearly 20 years prior, Pinckney found out she had atypical ductal hyperplasia in her breast tissue, a precursor to DCIS. With this diagnosis, she knew that she had a 1-in-3 chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer during her lifetime.
As a nurse who works with cancer patients, Pinckney was initially concerned that she knew too much to worry herself sick about her diagnosis. The day after learning her results, Pinckney spoke with a breast cancer navigator at an oncology center. Pinckney shared that navigators explain to patients what their next steps should be and guide them through the entire process. She was very thankful for having such a strong support system.
To read more of the story, click here.
Clinical Trial Highlight
With more than 150 clinical trials open and currently recruiting patients, the UF Health Cancer Center has numerous options for patients with refractory malignancies
Questions about how to send a patient? Please contact the Clinical Trials Office at cancer-center@ufl.edu or 352.273.8675.
A Phase 1b/2 Study of XMT-1536 In Cancers Likely to Express NaPi2b F
First-in-human, Phase 1b/2 safety study of the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) XMT- 1536 (upifitamab rilsodotin) administered as an IV infusion once every four weeks. Patients with tumor types likely to express NaPi2b are being enrolled in dose escalation. Patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer and non-small cell lung cancer (adenocarcinoma subtype) are being enrolled in the expansion segment of the this study. Patients with platinum-resistant, high-grade serous ovarian cancer are being enrolled in the UPLIFT segment of this study. In addition to safety assessments, the pharmacokinetics of the drug will be assessed along with ADC activity.
Principal Investigator: Frederic Kaye, M.D., cell: 352-672-8860
Nivolumab and Ipilimumab in Treating Patients with Esophageal and GEJ Adenocarcinoma Undergoing Surgery
This phase II/III trial studies immunotherapy with antibodies, such as nivolumab and ipilimumab that may remove the brake on the body’s immune system and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may reduce the tumor size and the amount of normal tissue that needs to be removed during surgery. A combined treatment with nivolumab and ipilimumab, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy might be more effective in patients with esophageal and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinoma who are undergoing surgery. Two opportunities for study entrance and randomization are available: 1) at diagnosis prior to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and 2) upon postoperative recovery.
Principal Investigator: Kathryn Hitchcock, M.D. cell: 352.246.0136
Regorafenib + Pembrolizumab in Pts with Advanced HCC previously treated with PD1/PDL1 Immune Inhibitors
This Phase 2 study is an open-label trial to assess the objective response rate, duration of response and safety of regorafenib in combination with pembrolizumab. Regorafenib is an oral multi-kinase inhibitor which targets angiogenic, stromal, and oncogenic receptor tyrosine kinase, and pembrolizumab is an intravenous immunotherapy PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor. This study will enroll patients who have previously been treated and failed other HCC treatments.
Principal Investigator: Roniel Carbrera, M.D. cell: 352.256.4385
Oral TP-3654 in Patients With Intermediate-2 and High-Risk Primary or Secondary Myelofibrosis
This study is an open-label trial to assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of TP-3654 in patients with intermediate-2 and high-risk primary or secondary Myelofibrosis. This study will enroll patients who have been previously treated and failed on a JAK inhibitor or ineligible to receive ruxolitinib or fedratinib.
Principal Investigator: Randy Brown, M.D. cell: 852.221.6828
