MK2 Inhibitor in Combination With mFOLFIRINOX for Untreated Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Recruiting now · Phase 1

Conditions studied: Metastatic Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Pancreatic Cancer, Cancer of the Pancreas

In brief

The investigators hypothesize that MK2 inhibition may improve efficacy of mFOLFIRINOX chemotherapy for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).

Key facts

Study ID: NCT06648434
Run by: Washington University School of Medicine
People needed: 51
Starts: 2025-06-13
Expected to finish: 2030-05-31
Last updated by the study team: 2026-04-30

Who can join

Age: 18 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

Histologically or cytologically confirmed pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma with no prior systemic treatment for advanced or metastatic disease. Patients with mixed cytology in their tumors such as adeno-squamous, mixed neuroendocrine-carcinoma are permitted if the portion of adenocarcinoma is predominant. Prior adjuvant/neoadjuvant therapy (including FOLFIRINOX or mFOLFIRINOX regimens) is allowed if progression occurred ≥ 12 months from the last dose of that therapy. A biopsy is not required to confirm advanced or metastatic disease.
Dose escalation: Diagnosis of advanced inoperable or metastatic disease, where mFOLFIRINOX (or classical FOLFIRINOX) is deemed a suitable option per the treating physician.
Dose expansion: Diagnosis of metastatic disease, where mFOLFIRINOX (or classical FOLFIRINOX) is deemed a suitable option per the treating physician.
Measurable disease by RECIST 1.1.
At least 18 years of age
ECOG performance status ≤ 1.
Adequate bone marrow and organ function as defined below:
Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1.5 K/cumm
Platelets ≥ 100 K/cumm without transfusion within 2 weeks prior to C1D1
Hemoglobin ≥ 9.0 g/dL without transfusion within 2 weeks prior to C1D1
Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x IULN
AST(SGOT)/ALT(SGPT) ≤ 3.0 x IULN, unless there are liver metastases in which case AST and ALT ≤ 5.0 x IULN
Creatinine clearance > 50 mL/min by Cockcroft-Gault
Baseline EKG with QTcF ≤ 460 ms.
Women of childbearing potential and men who are heterosexually active must agree to use adequate contraception as specified in the protocol. Contraception should continue for 1 month following last dose of zunsemetinib, 6 months following last dose of irinotecan, 9 months following last dose of oxaliplatin, and/or 3 months following last dose of fluorouracil. Should a woman (or the female partner of a male participant) become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while participating in this study, she must inform her treating physician immediately.
Ability to understand and willingness to sign an IRB approved written informed consent document (or that of legally authorized representative, if applicable).

You may not qualify if…

A history of other malignancy with the exception of 1) malignancies for which all treatment was completed at least 2 years before registration and the patient has no evidence of disease; 2) or known indolent malignancies that do not require treatment and will likely not alter the course of treatment of metastatic pancreatic cancer.
History of allogeneic organ or stem cell transplant.
Currently receiving any other investigational agents, or receipt of an investigational agent within 2 weeks or 5 half-lives of the agent, whichever is shorter.
Receipt of strong and moderate CYP3A4 and CYP2C8 inhibitors (including grapefruit), strong and moderate CYP3A and CYP2C8 inducers (see Appendices H and I), and drugs with QT prolonging potential within 5 half-lives of cycle 1 day 1.
Known brain metastases or CNS involvement, because brain metastases are often associated with poor functional status, shortened life expectancy and risk of toxicity.
A history of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to zunsemetinib, or other agents used in the study.
Clinically significant neuropathy ≥ grade 2.
Presence of interstitial lung disease that is symptomatic or may interfere with the detection or management of suspected treatment-related pulmonary toxicity.
Gastrointestinal conditions which could prevent absorption of zunsemetinib, in the opinion of the treating physician.
Inability to swallow pills.
Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, or cardiac arrhythmia .
Pregnant and/or breastfeeding. Women of childbearing potential must have a negative serum pregnancy test within 7 days of C1D1.
Patients with HIV are eligible unless their CD4+ T-cell counts are < 350 cells/mcL or they have a history of AIDS-defining opportunistic infection within the 12 months prior to registration. Concurrent treatment with effective ART according to DHHS treatment guidelines is recommended.
Major surgery within 28 days prior to C1D1. Major surgery refers to any surgical procedure that involves general or regional anesthesia, involves extensive resecting or altering of body parts, carries a higher risk of complications, or requires long recovery times. Central line placement is allowed.
Use of any live vaccines against infectious diseases (eg, influenza, varicella) within 4 weeks (28 days) of C1D1.

Where it is running

Washington University School of Medicine — St Louis, Missouri, United States (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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