CITN-09: Phase II Study of MK-3475 in Patients with Advanced Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC)

The Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center is currently enrolling patients for a clinical trial involving Merkel Cell Carcinoma.  More details (including the consent form and contact information) can be found below.

Performance Site:
University Medical Center, 2000 Canal Street, New Orleans, LA 70112

Investigators:
Principal Investigator:  Augusto Ochoa, MD
Address and Phone: 1700 Tulane Ave, 9th floor, New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone:  504-210-2828

Co-Investigators: Adam Riker, MD
Address and Phone: 1542 Tulane Ave, 7th floor, New Orleans, LA 70112
Phone: 504-568-4752

WHY IS THIS STUDY BEING DONE?
The main purpose of this study is to find out how people with advanced Merkel cell cancer respond to study drug called MK-3475. MK-3475 is an experimental medication that is being used to stimulate your immune system to destroy cancer cells. It works differently than traditional chemotherapy agents. We hope that the study medication will increase the number and function of certain T-cells in your immune system. T-cells can identify and destroy cancer cells.

Another purpose of this study is for researchers to learn if blood or tumor tests can be used to identify patients who are likely to respond to treatment with the study medication.

The study drug, MK-3475, is not FDA approved for treating Merkel cell cancer.

WHERE CAN I GET MORE INFORMATION?
You may visit the NCI Web site at http://cancer.gov/ for more information about other studies you may be interested in joining or general information about cancer. You may also call the NCI Cancer Information Service to get the same information at: 1-800-4-CANCER (1-800-422-6237).

A description of this clinical trial will be available on ClinicalTrials.gov as required by U.S. Law. This Web site will not include information that can identify you. At most, the Web site will include a summary of the results. You can search this Web site at any time.

More information can also be found under our Active Clinical Trials page.  Under Disease Site, select "Melanoma", and under "Protocol", select CITN-09.

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE IN THIS CLINICAL TRIAL?
Please contact us at (504) 407-7395.

(CITN-09 Consent Form)