Immune-Mediated Pathophysiology And Clinical Triage Program
Launched by AHS CANCER CONTROL ALBERTA · Apr 20, 2020
Trial Information
Current as of July 23, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is studying the best way to treat joint pain and stiffness that some people experience after cancer treatments that target the immune system. While steroids like prednisone are commonly used to relieve these symptoms, they can have side effects. This study is comparing the effects of a combination of hydroxychloroquine, a medication used for inflammatory joint pain, and prednisone versus prednisone alone to see which is more effective and safer.
To participate, individuals must be at least 18 years old, have confirmed cancer, and be experiencing significant joint pain related to their cancer treatment. The trial is open to all genders. Participants will receive either hydroxychloroquine with prednisone or a placebo (a non-active treatment) for 12 weeks, and neither they nor the medical staff will know which treatment they are receiving until the end of the study. This helps ensure the results are reliable. If you’re considering joining, it’s important to discuss any health conditions or medications you currently take with your doctor to see if you qualify.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • 1. Patients must be 18 years of age, or older;
- • 2. Patients must be capable of providing consent to enrolment and treatment.
- • 3. Patients with a performance status of ECOG 0-2 will be eligible for enrolment (see appendix A).
- • 4. Patients with histologically confirmed cancer receiving anti-PD1 or anti-PDL1 monoclonal antibody ICI therapy, either alone or in combination with anti-CTLA4 monoclonal antibody ICI therapy who develop CTCAEv5.0 grade ≥2 arthritis or arthralgia that has developed on, or after, ICI therapy and is felt to be treatment related (irAA).
- 5. Adequate hepatic and renal function defined by the following laboratory parameters:
- • AST and ALT and alkaline phosphatase ≤ 2.5x ULN,
- • Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5x ULN,
- • Serum creatinine ≤ upper limit of institutional normal OR calculated creatinine clearance of ≥ 60 mL/min using the Cockcroft-Gault formula.
- • 6. Women of child bearing potential (WOCBP) must have a negative serum (or urine) pregnancy test at the time of screening. WOCBP is defined as any female who has experienced menarche and who has not undergone surgical sterilization (hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy or bilateral salpingectomy) and is not postmenopausal. Menopause is defined as 12 months of amenorrhea in a woman over age 45 years in the absence of other biological or physiological causes. In addition, females under the age of 55 years must have a serum follicle stimulating hormone, (FSH) level \> 40 mIU/mL to confirm menopause.
- • 7. Patients of childbearing / reproductive potential should use highly effective birth control methods, during the study treatment period and for a period of 3 months after the last dose of study drug. A highly effective method of birth control is defined as those that result in low failure rate (i.e. less than 1% per year) when used consistently and correctly. These may include: hormonal contraceptives (e.g. combined oral contraceptives, patch, vaginal ring, injectables, and implants); intrauterine device (IUD) or intrauterine system (IUS); vasectomy and tubal ligation. Double-barrier methods may be acceptable in circumstances when highly effective methods cannot be implemented (e.g. male condom with diaphragm, male condom with cervical cap). Note: Contraceptive requirements for the oncology regiments will apply, if they are more stringent than those for this trial. Abstinence is acceptable if this is established and preferred contraception for the patient and is accepted as a local standard.
- • 8. Female patients who are breast-feeding should discontinue nursing prior to the first dose of study treatment and until 3 months after the last dose of study drug.
- • 9. Male patients should agree to not donate sperm during the study and for a period of at least 3 months after last dose of study drug.
- • 10. Absence of any condition hampering compliance with the study protocol and follow- up schedule; those conditions should be discussed with the patient before registration in the trial.
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • 1. History of inflammatory arthritis, including, but not limited to: Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, Ankylosing spondylitis or other chronic inflammatory arthritis. Note: Patients with a known history of stable osteoarthritis will not be excluded.
- • 2. Patients with an indication for systemic immunosuppressive medications or corticosteroids. Patients with CTCAEv5.0 grade ≥2 irAE's other than irIAA (ie. colitis, pneumonitis, rash, etc) are not eligible for trial, with the exception of endocrinopathies that are being treated with hormone replacement alone and not systemic immunosuppressive medications or corticosteroids.
- • 3. Patients weighing \< 40 kg.
- • 4. Patients with G6PD deficiency, porphyria or psoriasis.
- • 5. Clinically significant (i.e., active) cardiovascular disease: cerebral vascular accident/stroke (\< 6 months prior to enrollment), myocardial infarction (\< 6 months prior to enrollment), unstable angina, congestive heart failure (≥ New York Heart Association Classification Class II), or serious cardiac arrhythmia requiring medication.
- • 6. Prolonged corrected QT interval or concurrent medications that prolong QT interval.
- • 7. Diagnosis of immunodeficiency.
- • 8. Current use of immunosuppressive medication, EXCEPT for the following: a. intranasal, inhaled, topical steroids, or local steroid injection (e.g., intra-articular injection); b. Steroids as premedication for hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., CT scan premedication).
- • 9. Known prior severe hypersensitivity to investigational product or any component in its formulations, including known severe hypersensitivity reactions to monoclonal antibodies (CTCAEv5.0 Grade ≥ 3).
- • 10. Other severe acute or chronic medical conditions including inflammatory bowel disease, immune pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis or psychiatric conditions including recent (within the past year) or active suicidal ideation or behavior; or laboratory abnormalities that may increase the risk associated with study participation or study treatment administration or may interfere with the interpretation of study results and, in the judgment of the investigator, would make the patient inappropriate for entry into this study.
About Ahs Cancer Control Alberta
AHS Cancer Control Alberta is a leading clinical trial sponsor dedicated to advancing cancer treatment and research in Alberta, Canada. As part of Alberta Health Services, the organization focuses on optimizing patient care through innovative clinical trials that explore new therapeutic approaches and enhance existing treatment protocols. With a commitment to evidence-based practices, AHS Cancer Control Alberta collaborates with healthcare professionals and researchers to facilitate groundbreaking studies aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients. Their mission encompasses not only the pursuit of scientific knowledge but also the integration of patient-centered care throughout the research process.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Michael Kolinsky
Principal Investigator
AHS-CCI
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported
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