New combo therapy aims to halt merkel cell cancer spread
NCT ID NCT04261855
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether adding radiation therapy (either external beam or a targeted radioactive drug called Lutathera) to the immunotherapy avelumab can help control metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma. About 19 adults with advanced disease will receive avelumab every two weeks for up to 24 months, plus two radiation treatments. The main goal is to see how long the cancer stays under control.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
avelumab (Bavencio) plus radiation therapy (external beam or Lutathera)
What this could lead to
If successful, this combination could offer a new way to control metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma and delay disease progression.
What could go wrong
This is an early-phase trial with only 19 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Side effects from combining immunotherapy with radiation are not yet fully known.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Gosford Hospital
Gosford, New South Wales, 2250, Australia
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Lake Macquarie Private Hospital
Gateshead, New South Wales, 2290, Australia
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Mid North Coast Cancer Institute - Coffs Harbour Health Campus
Coffs Harbour, New South Wales, 2450, Australia
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Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre
Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia
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Princess Alexandra Hospital
Brisbane, Queensland, 4102, Australia
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Royal Adelaide Hospital
Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia
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Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital
Brisbane, Queensland, 4029, Australia
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Royal North Shore Hospital
Sydney, New South Wales, 2065, Australia
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Sir Charles Gaidner Hospital
Perth, Western Australia, 6009, Australia
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Wyong Hospital
Hamlyn Terrace, New South Wales, 2259, Australia