IMC-1121B (also known as ramucirumab) clinical trial information

As most of you know my almost 79 year old father was told that the chemo is not working and there isn’t much else that can be done at this point to treat his now Stage IV EC (w mets to the liver) and he has months to live. My father decided he didn't really like that answer and wasn’t ready to discontinue treatment if he could find a Phase III trial that offered some hope/potential. He has regained a tremendous amount of strength and weight since his hospitalization in May/June and is driving, walking and back to doing most of his activities.

I have to admire his spirit and fight. He did ask what would the oncologist do if he were her dad and she said that if he could get into a Phase III trial that she would recommend that but otherwise he should enjoy the time he has left. So we did some research and as God would have it there is a Phase III trial he looks like he is eligible for and he is going to apply --- still don’t know if they will accept him into the trial or if he will decide to go ahead since we are still pulling together information.


Right now he is considering participating in a Phase III Trial at MD Anderson in Houston. It is A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Blinded Study of IMC-1121B and Best Supportive Care (BSC) Versus Placebo and BSC in the Treatment of Metastatic Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Adenocarcinoma Following Disease Progression on First-Line Platinum- or Fluoropyrimidine-Containing Combination Therapy (IMCL CP12-0715). The NCT number is 00917384 and requires a bi-weekly infusion of IMC-1121B plus Best Supportive Care. http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00917384 and MD Anderson listing at http://utm-ext01a.mdacc.tmc.edu/dept/prot/clinicaltrialswp.nsf/Index/2009-0231. (as always cut and paste in your browser because this site doesn't support hyperlinks).

I was wondering if anyone had participated in any of the earlier trials or had been administered IMC-1121B (also known as ramucirumab) as part of another trial, or even this Phase III trial. If so what have the effects of the drug been, both good and bad. This drug is made by Imclone and in the class of drugs like Erbitux that inhibit tumor growth.

Also, thought I would pass this information along to the group as I know there are folks in Stage IV looking for alternative treatments. This may be a clinical trial you may want to consider for yourself as well. As always thank you in advance for any information and/or experiences you may have had.

Prayers and hugs,
Cindy