Offering the Latest Clinical Trials
Research is a core focus at Eastern Connecticut Hematology & Oncology (ECHO). For over 35 years, we have excelled at bringing the latest advancements and treatments to patients across Eastern Connecticut. This includes offering our patients the possibility to participate in promising national clinical trials that adhere to rigorous safety standards and protocols.
The Benefits of Clinical Trials in a Community Setting
Clinical trials are often performed at large academic centers, which not only limits the number of participants but adds the burden of travel for those who participate. Community-based clinical trials can help more patients access these trials than ever before. This increases diversity of participation, improves recruitment, and enables our patients to be matched with potentially life-saving research.
By offering leading clinical trials in our community, patients enjoy:
- Greater convenience, flexibility, and reduced costs by minimizing travel and logistical burdens.
- Easier participation for those with limited mobility, remote locations, or demanding schedules.
- Access to their support system, including family and friends.
- Care from a medical practice they know and trust.
Our Role in Clinical Trials
ECHO participates in many clinical trials including ECOG, NSABP, NCI, and pharmaceutical-sponsored studies. Patients are offered participation in Phase II, Phase III, and Phase IV clinical studies. Other trials offered at ECHO include quality of life and prevention trials to reduce cancer risk, particularly for those at high-risk. Research treatments offered by ECHO are reviewed at a number of levels nationally and/or locally, to ensure both the protection of patients’ rights and the scientific merit of the research.
Current Trials at ECHO
ECHO consistently adds clinical trials to our roster based on the needs of our patient population and the most promising research. We regularly update our website and inform the community of new trials.
Some of our current trials include:
- Phase I study evaluating the safety and efficacy of targeted therapies in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
- A phase 1b study evaluating the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of therapies in subjects with advanced thoracic tumors.
- A phase 2 study evaluating the efficacy, safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics of subjects with certain subsets of previously treated advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
- A phase 3 study utilizing individualized neoantigen therapy for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer.
- A phase 3 study for patients with unresectable or metastatic colorectal cancer who have received prior chemotherapy.
- A phase 3 study for participants with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia/ small lymphocytic lymphoma.
- A phase 3 study evaluating the next generation BCL-2 drug to treat chronic lymphocytic leukemia/ small lymphocytic lymphoma.
Supporting Our Patients at Every Stage
We know enrolling in a clinical trial can be a difficult decision. We take the time to educate patients on benefits and risks and ensure they have all the information needed to make an informed decision. Our team is here for patients at every step to monitor progress. As an independent private practice, we deliver personalized care and provide all the services a patient needs in a comfortable setting.
For information on clinical trials contact: Dr. Spiro Curis: scuris@echoct.com/(860) 886-8362, x251
Current Clinical Trials at ECHO
Lung
V940-009
For Patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) After Surgery and Prior Treatment
This clinical trial is studying whether adding an investigational personalized cancer vaccine called V940 to the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab may help reduce the risk of cancer returning after treatment.
Patients in this study:
- Have non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Have already received treatment before surgery (called neoadjuvant therapy)
- May still have some remaining cancer cells after surgery
Researchers are evaluating whether this combination can help the immune system better recognize and fight any remaining cancer cells.
Treatment being studied:
- Pembrolizumab (an FDA-approved immunotherapy)
- V940 (an investigational personalized mRNA cancer vaccine)
Mirati 849-007
For Patients with KRAS G12C Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
This study is evaluating a combination of targeted therapy and immunotherapy as a first treatment for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that contains a specific genetic mutation called KRAS G12C.
Patients in this study:
- Have advanced or metastatic NSCLC
- Have a KRAS G12C mutation
- Have not yet received treatment for advanced disease
Researchers are studying whether combining adagrasib, a targeted therapy, with pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy, may improve outcomes for patients with this specific type of lung cancer.
Treatment being studied:
- Adagrasib (targeted therapy)
- Pembrolizumab (immunotherapy)
OSE210C302
For Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer After Prior Immunotherapy
This clinical trial is studying an investigational immunotherapy called OSE2101 compared to standard chemotherapy (docetaxel) in patients whose cancer has progressed after treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Patients in this study:
- Have advanced NSCLC
- Previously received immunotherapy
- Experienced cancer progression after treatment
Researchers hope to learn whether OSE2101 can help the immune system better fight lung cancer while potentially offering an alternative to standard chemotherapy.
Treatments being studied:
- OSE2101 (investigational cancer vaccine/immunotherapy)
- Docetaxel (standard chemotherapy)
Amgen 178
For Patients with Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (ES-SCLC)
This study is evaluating whether adding a new investigational immunotherapy called tarlatamab to standard first-line treatment may improve outcomes for patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.
Patients in this study:
- Have extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC)
- Have not yet received treatment for extensive-stage disease
Researchers are studying the safety and effectiveness of combining tarlatamab with chemotherapy and durvalumab, a standard immunotherapy treatment.
Treatments being studied:
- Tarlatamab (investigational immunotherapy)
- Chemotherapy
- Durvalumab (immunotherapy)
GI/Colorectal
SMT112-3005
For Patients with Metastatic Colorectal Cancer
This clinical trial is studying whether an investigational immunotherapy drug called ivonescimab combined with standard chemotherapy may work better than the current standard treatment for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer.
Patients in this study:
- Have metastatic colorectal cancer
- Are receiving first-line treatment for advanced disease
Researchers are comparing two treatment approaches to evaluate safety and effectiveness in controlling cancer growth.
Treatments being studied:
- Ivonescimab + FOLFOX chemotherapy
- Bevacizumab + FOLFOX chemotherapy (standard treatment comparison)
Hematologic Clinical Trials
BGB-11417-303
For Patients with Relapsed Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL)
This study is evaluating a new targeted therapy combination for patients whose chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) has returned after prior treatment.
Patients in this study:
- Have relapsed or recurrent CLL/SLL
- Previously received treatment for their disease
Researchers are studying whether the investigational drug sonrotoclax combined with anti-CD20 therapy may be as effective or more effective than current standard treatment options.
Treatments being studied:
- Sonrotoclax + anti-CD20 therapy
- Venetoclax + rituximab (standard treatment comparison)
MK-1026-011
For Patients Newly Diagnosed with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) or Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL)
This clinical trial is evaluating an investigational targeted therapy called nemtabrutinib compared to currently approved targeted therapies for patients newly diagnosed with CLL or SLL.
Patients in this study:
- Have newly diagnosed CLL/SLL
- Have not yet started treatment
Researchers are studying whether nemtabrutinib may provide another effective treatment option for patients with these blood cancers.
Treatments being studied:
- Nemtabrutinib
- Ibrutinib or acalabrutinib (approved targeted therapies)
Solid Tumors
RMC-APEX-103
For Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors with RAS Mutations
This “basket” clinical trial is studying an investigational targeted therapy for patients whose cancers contain specific RAS gene mutations.
Patients in this study:
- Have advanced solid tumors
- Have cancers with RAS mutations
Because RAS mutations can occur in many different cancer types, this study includes patients with a variety of solid tumors sharing this genetic change.
Researchers are evaluating the safety and effectiveness of a RAS(ON) inhibitor used alone or in combination with other treatments.
Treatment being studied:
- Investigational RAS(ON) inhibitor therapy
Genitourinary Clinical Trials
Pfizer C6461006
For Patients With Metastatic Urothelial Cancer
This study is evaluating an investigational treatment for patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma, the most common type of bladder cancer.
Patients in this study:
- Have metastatic urothelial carcinoma
Researchers are studying whether PF-08634404, alone or combined with enfortumab vedotin, may help treat advanced bladder cancer.
Treatments being studied:
- PF-08634404
- PF-08634404 + enfortumab vedotin
Supportive Care & Research Studies
Tempus Gemini
NSCLC Monitoring Study
This observational study uses advanced molecular testing to help monitor non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Patients in this study:
- Have NSCLC
Researchers collect and analyze blood and tumor information to better understand cancer behavior and treatment response over time.
Tempus Aries
Tissue Collection and Genomic Research Registry
This research registry collects tissue samples and genomic information to support future cancer research and precision medicine efforts.
Patients who participate:
- Contribute tissue and health information for research purposes
The goal is to help researchers better understand cancer biology and develop future personalized treatments.
CLIN-53
Neuropathy Prevention Study
This supportive care study is evaluating whether a compression device may help prevent neuropathy, a common side effect of certain chemotherapy treatments.
Patients in this study:
- Are receiving treatments that may cause neuropathy
Researchers are studying ways to reduce numbness, tingling, pain, and nerve-related side effects during cancer treatment.
Natera MRD
Minimal Residual Disease (MRD) Monitoring
This diagnostic study uses a blood test called circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) testing to monitor for minimal residual disease (MRD), which refers to very small amounts of cancer that may remain after treatment.
Patients in this study:
- Undergo blood-based cancer monitoring
Researchers and physicians use this information to better track treatment response and possible recurrence.
Coming Soon / Pre-Screening Studies
DREAMM-15
For Patients with Relapsed or Refractory Multiple Myeloma
This upcoming clinical trial is evaluating combinations that include belantamab mafodotin for patients whose multiple myeloma has returned or no longer responds to treatment.
Patients in this study:
- Have relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Researchers are studying new combination approaches to improve outcomes for patients with advanced multiple myeloma.
Treatment being studied:
- Belantamab mafodotin-based combinations
Participating in a Trial
At Eastern Connecticut Hematology and Oncology, patients are offered participation in Phase II, Phase III, and Phase IV clinical studies. Other trials offered at ECHO include quality of life and prevention trials that study ways of reducing the risks of getting cancer, particularly in persons at high risk. These trials involve either taking certain medications (such as hormonal medication or vitamins) or modifying their lifestyles (such as smoking cessation).Learn about the different phases of clinical trials
ECHO Associates is part of a unique quality improvement program, the AIM Higher Initiative, launched in 15 community oncology practices in the U.S. It uses pen-based computer technology designed to facilitate the assessment of symptoms and provide access to scientific and clinical information regarding symptoms.
Research treatments offered by ECHO Associates are reviewed at a number of levels nationally and/ or locally, to ensure both the protection of patients’ rights and the scientific merit of the research. The Institutional Review Board (IRB) is an independent body consisting of medical, scientific, and non-scientific members, whose responsibility is to ensure the protection of each patient’s rights and safety. The IRB assures the well-being of patients involved in every new trial by reviewing, approving, and providing continuing review of trials, protocols, and amendments, and of the methods and materials to be used in obtaining and documenting informed consent of the trial participants. The review process ensures the trial is safe and beneficial to its participants and the medical community.
While some people have very positive results, there are risks and side effects that need to be taken into consideration. Only you, along with your doctor and family, can decide if you should participate. If you are interested in exploring the possibilities of a clinical trial, please make an appointment with one of our oncologists. They will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding current or upcoming trials and to help determine whether you are a good candidate.