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A Study of Sasanlimab, Palbociclib and Axitinib in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

  • PhasePhase 2
  • StatusRecruiting
  • Planned enrollment25 people
  • Recruiting US sites2
  • SponsorStephanie Berg
  • RegistryNCT07123090

Recruitment re-checked on ClinicalTrials.gov Oct 30, 2026. Public record; not medical advice.

A Study of Sasanlimab, Palbociclib and Axitinib in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: a one-minute explainerNCT071230901 min

Eligibility

Who can join

The film gives the main points. The full list below is copied from the registry; the study team makes the final decision.

  • Age18 Years to no maximum
  • SexAll
  • Healthy volunteersNo

You may be able to join if

  • Histologically or cytologically confirmed unresectable advanced or metastatic renal cell carcinoma with a clear cell component or translocation renal cell carcinoma. Patients with clear cell carcinoma and sarcomatoid histology are eligible.
  • a. For tRCC please refer to the following for eligibility definitions:
  • i. TFE3 (Xp11.2) translocation RCC: confirmed by IHC; however, FISH should be utilized if IHC is not optimal (ie, conclusive) or unavailable.
  • ii. TFEB rearranged RCC: confirmed by FISH; TFEB amplified tumors are excluded.
  • b. A formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tumor tissue block from a de novo tumor biopsy obtained during screening will be required (biopsied tumor lesion should not be a RECIST target lesion). Alternatively, a recently obtained archival FFPE tumor tissue block (not cut slides from a primary or metastatic tumor resection or biopsy) can be provided if the following criteria are met:
  • i. The biopsy or resection was performed within 1 year of registration AND
  • ii. The patient has not received any intervening systemic anti-cancer treatment from the time the tissue was obtained and registration onto the current study. If an FFPE tissue block cannot be provided as per documented regulations then 15 unstained slides (10 minimum) will be acceptable
  • c. Availability of an archival FFPE tumor tissue block from primary diagnosis specimen (if available and not provided per above). If an FFPE tissue block cannot be provided as per documented regulations, then 15 unstained slides (10 minimum) will be acceptable.
  • Measurable disease as per RECIST 1.1. See Section 11 for the evaluation of measurable disease.
  • Age ≥ 18 years.
  • ECOG performance status ≤2 (Karnofsky ≥60%, see Appendix A).
  • Normal organ and marrow function as defined below:
  • a. Absolute neutrophil count ≥1.5×109/L
  • b. Platelets ≥100×109/L
  • c. Hemoglobin ≥9g/dL (RBC transfusions allowed)
  • d. Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 × institutional upper limit of normal (ULN) with the following exception: patients with known Gilbert disease should have a total serum bilirubin ≤ 3 x ULN
  • e. AST(SGOT)/ALT(SGPT) ≤1.5 × ULN
  • f. Creatinine clearance ≥30 mL/min according to the CKD-EPI equation. (APPENDIX C)
  • g. Urine protein <1+ by urinalysis; If ≥1+ protein or otherwise suggestive of any proteinuria above a trace amount (per local institutional standards), a random urine protein and creatinine ratio (UPCR) should be collected. A 24-hour urine collection can also be utilized for direct measurement. When multiple modalities are used, the 24-hour urine measurement takes precedence over the random UPCR; refer to section 6.2 for further guidance.
  • Women of child-bearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception (intrauterine device or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry and for the duration of study participation. If condoms are used as a barrier method, a spermicidal agent should be added as a double barrier protection. A negative pregnancy serum test should be obtained within 7 days of therapy initiation. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while she or her partner is participating in this study, she must discontinue treatment immediately. Data on fetal outcome and breast-feeding are to be collected for regulatory reporting and drug safety evaluation. Participants treated or enrolled on this protocol must also agree to use adequate contraception prior to the study, for the duration of study participation, and 90 days after completion of sasanlimab, axitinib and palbociclib administration.
  • Ability to swallow oral medications.
  • Ability to understand and willingness to sign a written informed consent document.

You cannot join if

  • Treatment with the following prior therapies:
  • a. Prior systemic therapy for advanced or metastatic RCC.
  • b. Prior adjuvant or neoadjuvant therapy for RCC if disease progression or relapse has occurred within 12 months of last dose of such therapy. Treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor in the adjuvant setting is allowed providing more than 12 months have elapsed since last dose or completion of therapy.
  • c. Prior treatment with any immunotherapeutic agent (IL-2, IFN-α, anti-PD(L)-1, anti-CTLA-4, or any other antibody or drug targeting T-cell co-stimulation or immune checkpoint pathways).
  • d. Prior therapy with axitinib or other therapies targeting VEGF pathway in the metastatic setting (adjuvant therapy is allowed).
  • e. Prior therapy with any CDK4/6 inhibitor.
  • Participants with untreated brain metastases. Participants with metastatic CNS tumors may participate in this trial, if the participant is ≥ 4 weeks from therapy completion (incl. radiation and/or surgery), is clinically stable at the time of study entry and is not receiving corticosteroid therapy >10 mg/day prednisone equivalents. A repeat MRI or CT brain to show stability is required.
  • Wide field radiation therapy ≤ 2 weeks prior to treatment start. Prior palliative radiotherapy to metastatic non-target lesion(s) is permitted if completed at least 48hrs prior to patient registration.
  • Untreated deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, or event of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism within 2 weeks of treatment start. Patient should be on at least 1 week of anticoagulation before C1D1.
  • Major surgery/surgical procedures within the past 4 weeks prior to registration.
  • The patient has serious and/or uncontrolled preexisting medical condition(s) that, in the judgment of the investigator, would preclude participation in this study (for example, interstitial lung disease - also see 3.2.22, severe dyspnea at rest or requiring oxygen therapy, severe renal impairment [e.g. estimated creatinine clearance <30ml/min], history of major surgical resection involving the stomach or small bowel, or preexisting Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis or a preexisting chronic condition resulting in baseline Grade 2 or higher diarrhea).
  • Current or prior use of immunosuppressive medication within 7 days prior to registration, except the following:
  • a. Intranasal, inhaled, topical steroids, or local steroid injections (eg. intra-articular injection).
  • b. Systemic corticosteroids at physiologic doses ≤10 mg/day of prednisone or equivalent.
  • c. Steroids as premedication for hypersensitivity reactions (eg. CT scan premedication).
  • Known severe hypersensitivity reactions to monoclonal antibodies (Grade ≥3) or any history of anaphylaxis.
  • Active autoimmune disease that might deteriorate when receiving an immunostimulatory agents. Patients with diabetes type I, vitiligo, psoriasis, hypo- or hyperthyroidism not requiring immunosuppressive treatment are eligible.
  • Vaccination within 4 weeks of the first dose of sasanlimab and while on trial is prohibited except for administration of inactivated vaccines (for example, inactivated influenza or shingles vaccines). Note, the COVID19 vaccine is not a live vaccine and permitted.
  • Grade ≥3 hemorrhage within 4 weeks of registration.
  • Patient with active systemic bacterial infection (requiring IV antibiotics at the time of initiating study treatment), fungal infection, or detectable viral infection. Patients with known viral infection (such as HIV) are excluded given the potential for interactions between antiretroviral agents and palbociclib and axitinib, and the potential for increased risk of life-threatening infection with therapy that is myelosuppressive. If patients are not known to have HIV, a HIV test is required prior to registration.
  • Patients with known Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C infection are excluded only if there is evidence of active infection (detectable Hepatitis B surface antigen, detectable HBV DNA, or detectable Hepatitis C RNA).
  • Prior allogenic or autologous stem cell or any solid organ transplant.
  • Impairment of gastrointestinal function or gastrointestinal disease that may significantly alter the absorption of oral drugs (e.g., ulcerative diseases, uncontrolled nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, malabsorption syndrome, or small bowel resection).
  • Participants who are currently taking therapeutic doses of warfarin sodium or any other coumadin-derivative anticoagulant. Therapeutic use of low molecular weight heparin and factor Xa inhibitors (eg. apixaban, rivaroxaban) is permitted.
  • Other malignancy diagnosed within 2 years of treatment start unless negligible risk of metastases or death according to the investigator (included but not limited to carcinoma in situ of the cervix, basal or squamous cell skin cancer, localized prostate cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast, non-muscle invasive urothelial carcinoma, or other malignancy not deemed to impact patients 5-year life expectancy).
  • Has a personal history of any of the following conditions: syncope of cardiovascular etiology, ventricular arrhythmia of pathological origin (including, but not limited to, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation), myocarditis, sudden cardiac arrest.
  • Has had any major cardiovascular event within 6 months prior to treatment start, including but not limited to: myocardial infarction, unstable angina, cerebrovascular accident, transient ischemic event or New York Heart Association Class III or IV heart failure.
  • Ongoing cardiac dysrhythmias of NCI CTCAE Grade ≥2 or history of long QTC syndrome. Any history of myocarditis.
  • History of interstitial lung disease or other restrictive lung disease, as well as history of symptomatic respiratory condition considered clinically significant by the investigator. Individuals with a history of radiotherapy to the thorax and any history of pneumonitis will be excluded.
  • Current or past tobacco users with a history of cigarette smoking greater than 30 pack-yrs (i.e., # of packs of cigarettes smoked per day × # of years patient has smoked > 30).
  • Participants with a known hypersensitivity to the study compounds or to its excipients.
  • Current use or anticipated need for treatment with drugs or foods that are known strong CYP3A4/5 inhibitors, including their administration within 7 days prior to treatment start (eg. Grapefruit juice or grapefruit/grapefruit-related citrus fruits [eg. Seville oranges, pomelos], ketoconazole, miconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, , clarithromycin, telithromycin, indinavir, saquinavir, ritonavir, nelfinavir, amprenavir, fosamprenavir nefazodone, lopinavir, troleandomycin, mibefradil, and conivaptan). The topical use of these medications (if applicable), such as 2% ketoconazole cream, is allowed.
  • Current use or anticipated need for drugs that are known strong CYP3A4/5 inducers, including their administration within 14 days prior to treatment start (eg. Phenobarbital, rifampin, phenytoin, carbamazepine, rifabutin, 23albociclib, clevidipine, St John's wort).
  • Participants who have taken herbal medications within 7 days prior to treatment start. Herbal medications include, but are not limited to St. John's wort, Kava, ephedra (ma huang), gingko biloba, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), yohimbe, saw palmetto, and ginseng.
  • Females that are pregnant or breastfeeding.
  • Judgement by the investigator that the patient is unsuitable to participate in the study and the patient is unlikely to comply with study procedures, restrictions and requirements.

The treatment

How it is intended to work

This is how the treatment is meant to work. Whether it helps, and how safe it is, is what this trial is testing.

sasanlimab. An inhibitor of the human inhibitory receptor programmed cell death 1 (PD-1; PDCD1), with potential immune checkpoint inhibitory and antineoplastic activities. Upon administration, sasanlimab targets and binds to PD-1 and blocks the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) and PD-1 ligand 2 (PD-L2). This prevents the activation of PD-1 and its downstream signaling pathways. This may restore immune function through the activation of natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) against tumor cells. PD-1, an inhibitory receptor belonging to the B7-receptor family, is expressed on activated T lymphocytes, B cells and NK cells; it functions as an immune checkpoint that negatively regulates T-cell activation and effector function when activated by its ligands, and plays an important role in tumor evasion from host immunity. NCI Drug Dictionary

Treatments listed in the registry

  • Sasanlimab (Drug): Recombinant humanized monoclonal antibody, prefilled syringe, subcutaneous (under the skin) injection per protocol
  • Palbociclib (Drug): Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitor, tablet taken orally per protocol
  • Axitinib (Drug): Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor, tablet taken orally per standard of care

The study

Treatment groups

Na · Single Group · masking: None

Sasanlimab, Axitinib, and Palbociclib (Experimental)

A Bayesian dose-limiting toxicity plan will be employed per protocol with a monitoring time period of the first two cycles of therapy and starting after the first three participants have started protocol therapy. 25 enrolled participants will complete: * Baseline visit with assessments and imaging * Imaging every 8 weeks for 16 weeks, then every 12 weeks * Cycle 1 Through End of Treatment (28 day cycles): * Day 1: Predetermined dose of Sasanlimab 1x daily * Days 1 through 28: Predetermined dose of Axitinib 2x daily, * Days 8 through 28: Predetermined dose of Palbociclib 1x daily * End of treatment visit * Follow up every 6 months for 2 years after treatment discontinuation

What it involves

Procedures

As the registry describes them. Requirements to join, such as a tissue sample, are in the eligibility list above even when on-study procedures are optional. Ask the study team which steps apply to you.

  • ECG: Part of the study plan
  • questionnaires: Part of the study plan

Goals

What the study measures

Main goals

  • Objective Response Rate (ORR) (Disease assessment will be performed every 8 weeks for the first 16 weeks, then every 12 weeks on treatment for up to 14 months)

Other goals

  • Grade 3 or Higher Treatment-Related Adverse Event (AE) Rate
  • Complete Response Rate (CRR)
  • Deep Partial Response Rate
  • Median Progression-Free Survival (PFS)
  • Median Overall Survival (OS)

Planned enrollment: 25 (estimated).

Where

Recruiting US sites

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
  • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts

Site status as of Oct 30, 2026. Check the live record before contacting a site.

Sources

Where this comes from

Registry record reviewed as fetched Oct 30, 2026, last updated by the sponsor Aug 19, 2026. Public record; not medical advice.

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