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NCT Number: NCT02332668

A Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Pediatric Participants With an Advanced Solid Tumor or Lymphoma (MK-3475-051/KEYNOTE-051)

Researchers are looking for new ways to treat children with different types of melanoma (skin cancer), solid tumors, and lymphomas (blood cancers) that are any of these:

* Advanced, which means cancer spread in the body or cannot be removed with surgery * Relapsed, which means cancer has come back after it had responded to previous treatment (responded means it stopped growing, gets smaller, or disappeared) * Refractory, which means cancer did not respond to previous treatment

Pembrolizumab is an immunotherapy, which is a treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer. Researchers want to learn if different doses of pembrolizumab can cause at least 1 of the types of cancer to get smaller or go away.

With Amendment 8, enrollment of participants with solid tumors and participants 6 months to under 12 years old with melanoma were closed.

With Amendment 13, enrollment was closed for participants with relapsed refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma (rrCHL), microsatellite instabilty-high (MSI-H) solid tumors, tumor-mutational burden-high (TMB-H) solid tumors, and participants 12 years old to <18 years old with advanced melanoma.

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Key information

Conditions

Melanoma Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases Immune System Diseases Immunoproliferative Disorders Lymphatic Diseases Lymphoma Lymphoproliferative Disorders Microsatellite-instability-high Solid Tumor Neoplasms Neoplasms by Histologic Type Neoplasms by Site Neoplasms, Germ Cell and Embryonal Neoplasms, Nerve Tissue Neuroectodermal Tumors Neuroendocrine Tumors Nevi and Melanomas Skin Diseases Skin Neoplasms Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases Solid Tumor

Age range

6 month–17 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 1 / Phase 2

Primary location

MSD Brasil, São Paulo, Brazil

Loading trial locations.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Between 6 months and <18 years of age on day of signing informed consent is documented.
  • Histologically- or cytologically-documented, locally-advanced, or metastatic solid malignancy or lymphoma that is incurable and has failed prior standard therapy, or for which no standard therapy exists, or for which no standard therapy is considered appropriate
  • Any number of prior treatment regimens
  • Tissue (or lymph node biopsy for rrcHL participants) available from an archival tissue sample or, if appropriate, a newly obtained core or excisional biopsy of a tumor lesion not previously irradiated
  • Advanced melanoma or PD-L1-positive advanced, relapsed, or refractory solid tumor or lymphoma
  • Measurable disease based on RECIST 1.1 (Or based on IWG [Cheson, 2007] [i.e., measurement must be >15 mm in longest diameter or >10 mm in short axis] for rrcHL participants)
  • Participants with neuroblastoma with only metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG)-positive evaluable disease may be enrolled
  • Lansky Play Scale ≥50 for participants from 6 months up to and including 16 years of age; or Karnofsky score ≥50 for participants >16 years of age
  • Adequate organ function
  • Female participants of childbearing potential should have a negative urine or serum pregnancy test within 72 hours before the first dose of study medication
  • Female participant is not a woman of childbearing potential (WOCBP) or is a WOCBP who is abstinent from heterosexual intercourse or using contraception during the intervention period and for at least 120 days after the last dose of study intervention
  • Contraceptive use by men should be consistent with local regulations regarding the methods of contraception for those participating in clinical studies.
  • Demonstrate adequate organ function.

Exclusion criteria

  • Currently participating and receiving study therapy in, or has participated in a study of an investigational agent and received study therapy or used an investigational device within 4 weeks of the date of allocation/randomization
  • Diagnosis of immunodeficiency or receiving systemic steroid therapy or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to the date of allocation/randomization
  • Prior systemic anti-cancer therapy including investigational agent within 2 weeks prior to study Day 1 or not recovered from adverse events due to a previously administered agent
  • Prior radiotherapy within 2 weeks of start of study treatment
  • Known additional malignancy that is progressing or requires active treatment with the exception of basal cell carcinoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin or carcinoma in situ (eg, breast carcinoma, cervical carcinoma in situ) with potentially curative therapy, or in situ cervical cancer
  • Known active central nervous system (CNS) metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis
  • Tumor(s) involving the brain stem
  • Severe hypersensitivity (≥ Grade 3) to pembrolizumab and/or any of its excipients
  • Active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in past 2 years; replacement therapy (such as thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency) is acceptable
  • Has a history of (non-infectious) pneumonitis that required steroids or current pneumonitis.
  • Active infection requiring systemic therapy
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding, or expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the trial through 120 days after the last dose of study medication
  • Prior therapy with an anti-programmed cell death (PD)-1, anti-PD-ligand 1 (anti-PD-L1), anti-PD-L2 agent, or any agent directed to another stimulatory or inhibitory T-cell receptor (eg, cytotoxic lymphocyte associated protein-4 [CTLA-4], OX-40, CD137)
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Hepatitis B or C
  • Known history of active tuberculosis (TB; Bacillus tuberculosis)
  • Received a live vaccine within 30 days of planned start of study medication
  • Has undergone solid organ transplant at any time, or prior allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation within the last 5 years. (Participants who have had an allogeneic hematopoietic transplant >5 years ago are eligible as long as there are no symptoms of Graft Versus Host Disease [GVHD].)
  • History or current evidence of any condition, therapy, or laboratory abnormality, or known severe hypersensitivity to any component or analog of the trial treatment, that might confound the results of the trial, or interfere with the participant's participation for the full duration of the study
  • Known psychiatric or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with the requirements of the study

Treatment and study plan

Pembrolizumab

Biological

IV infusion

Other names: MK-3475

Primary outcomes

  1. Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors and Other Lymphoma Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) per Site Assessment (Each Disease Indication Evaluated Separately)

    Time frame: Up to 2 years

    The ORR is assessed by RECIST 1.1 per site assessment. The ORR is defined as the percentage of participants who have a response (complete response, CR or partial response, PR) prior to disease progression. Complete Response (CR): Disappearance of all target lesions. Any pathological lymph nodes (whether target or non-target) must have reduction in short axis to <10 mm. Partial Response (PR): At least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the baseline sum diameters.

  2. ORR by RECIST 1.1 per Site Assessment for MSI-H or TMBH Solid Tumors (Each Cohort Evaluated Separately)

    Time frame: Up to 2 years

    The ORR is assessed by RECIST 1.1 per site assessment. The ORR is defined as the percentage of participants who have a response (complete response, CR or partial response, PR) prior to disease progression. Complete Response (CR): Disappearance of all target lesions. Any pathological lymph nodes (whether target or non-target) must have reduction in short axis to <10 mm. Partial Response (PR): At least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the baseline sum diameters.

  3. ORR by International Working Group (IWG) Response Criteria (Cheson, 2007) per Blinded Independent Central Review (BICR) Assessment for rrcHL Cohort

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    The ORR is assessed by blinded independent central review utilizing the International Working Group [IWG] response assessment criteria per Cheson 2007 by BICR. The ORR is defined as the percentage of participants who have a response (complete response, CR or partial response, PR) prior to disease progression. CR is the disappearance of all evidence of disease and PR is the regression of measurable disease and no new sites. Participants with missing data are considered non-responders.

  4. Number of Participants with Dose-Limiting Toxicities (DLTs)

    Time frame: Cycle 1 (Up to 21 days)

    Number of participants experiencing toxicities that are possibly, probably, or definitely related to study therapy; that meet pre-defined severity criteria; and result in a change in the given dose.

  5. Number of Participants Experiencing Adverse Events (AEs)

    Time frame: Up to 27 months

    An adverse event (AE) is defined as any unfavorable and unintended sign including an abnormal laboratory finding, symptom or disease associated with the use of a medical treatment or procedure, regardless of whether it is considered related to the medical treatment or procedure, that occurs during the course of the study.

  6. Number of Participants Discontinuing Study Drug Due to AEs

    Time frame: Up to 2 years

    An adverse event (AE) is defined as any unfavorable and unintended sign including an abnormal laboratory finding, symptom or disease associated with the use of a medical treatment or procedure, regardless of whether it is considered related to the medical treatment or procedure, that occurs during the course of the study.

Secondary outcomes

  1. ORR by IWG Response Criteria (Cheson, 2007) per Site Assessment (rrcHL Cohort)

    Time frame: Up to 2 years

    The ORR is assessed by blinded independent central review utilizing the International Working Group [IWG] response assessment criteria per Cheson 2007 by site assessment. The ORR is defined as the percentage of participants who had a response (complete response, CR or partial response, PR) prior to disease progression. CR is the disappearance of all evidence of disease and PR is the regression of measurable disease and no new sites. Participants with missing data are considered non-responders.

  2. DOR per RECIST 1.1 by Site Assessment (Advanced Melanoma, Solid Tumors and Other Lymphoma, Each Disease Indication Is Evaluated Separately)

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    The duration of overall response is assessed by RECIST 1.1 by site evaluation. The duration of overall response is measured from the time measurement criteria are first met for CR/PR (whichever is first recorded) until the first date that recurrent or progressive disease is objectively documented (taking as reference for progressive disease the smallest measurements recorded on study).

  3. DOR per RECIST 1.1 by Site Assessment (MSI-H and TMB-H, Each Cohort Is Evaluated Separately)

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    The duration of overall response is assessed by RECIST 1.1 by site evaluation. The duration of overall response is measured from the time measurement criteria are first met for CR/PR (whichever is first recorded) until the first date that recurrent or progressive disease is objectively documented (taking as reference for progressive disease the smallest measurements recorded on study).

  4. DOR per IWG 2007 (Cheson, 2007) Response by BICR Assessment (rrcHL Cohort)

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    The duration of overall response is measured from the time measurement criteria are first met for CR/PR (whichever is first recorded) until the first date that recurrent or progressive disease is objectively documented (taking as reference for progressive disease the smallest measurements recorded on study).

  5. DOR per IWG 2007 (Cheson, 2007) Response by Site Assessment (rrcHL Cohort)

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    The duration of overall response is measured from the time measurement criteria are first met for CR/PR (whichever is first recorded) until the first date that recurrent or progressive disease is objectively documented (taking as reference for progressive disease the smallest measurements recorded on study).

  6. DOR per Immune-related Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (irRECIST) by Site Assessment (Solid Tumors and Other Lymphoma, Each Disease Indication Evaluated Separately)

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    The duration of overall response is measured from the time measurement criteria are first met for CR/PR (whichever is first recorded) until the first date that recurrent or progressive disease is objectively documented (taking as reference for progressive disease the smallest measurements recorded on study).

  7. DOR per irRECIST by Site Assessment (MSI-H and TMB-H, Each Cohort Is Evaluated Separately)

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    The duration of overall response is measured from the time measurement criteria are first met for CR/PR (whichever is first recorded) until the first date that recurrent or progressive disease is objectively documented (taking as reference for progressive disease the smallest measurements recorded on study).

  8. Progression-free Survival (PFS) Using RECIST 1.1 Criteria by Site Assessment (Solid Tumors and Other Lymphoma, Each Disease Indication Evaluated Separately)

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    Progression free survival is defined as the time from randomization to the first documented disease progression, or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. PFS is assessed by using RECIST 1.1 criteria by site assessment. Median PFS will be calculated from the product-limit (Kaplan-Meier) method for censored data.

  9. PFS using RECIST 1.1 Criteria by Site Assessment (MSI-H and TMB-H, Each Cohort Evaluated Separately)

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    Progression free survival is defined as the time from randomization to the first documented disease progression, or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. PFS is assessed by using RECIST 1.1 criteria by site assessment. Median PFS will be calculated from the product-limit (Kaplan-Meier) method for censored data.

  10. PFS using IWG 2007 Criteria (Chesson 2007) by BICR Assessment (rrcHL Cohort)

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    Progression free survival is defined as the time from randomization to the first documented disease progression, or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. PFS is assessed by using IWG 2007 criteria (Chesson, 2007) by BICR assessment (rrcHL Cohort). Median PFS will be calculated from the product-limit (Kaplan-Meier) method for censored data.

  11. PFS using IWG 2007 Criteria (Chesson, 2007) by Site Assessment (rrcHL Cohort)

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    Progression free survival is defined as the time from randomization to the first documented disease progression, or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. PFS is assessed by using IWG 2007 criteria (Chesson, 2007) by site assessment. Median PFS will be calculated from the product-limit (Kaplan-Meier) method for censored data.

  12. PFS Using irRECIST Criteria by Site Assessment

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    Progression free survival is defined as the time from randomization to the first documented disease progression, or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. PFS is assessed by using irRECIST criteria by site assessment. Median PFS will be calculated from the product-limit (Kaplan-Meier) method for censored data.

  13. Disease Control Rate by RECIST 1.1 Using Site Assessment (Solid Tumors and Other Lymphoma, Each Disease Indication Evaluated Separately)

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    Disease Control Rate is defined as the percentage of participants with a response of CR, PR, or SD. Complete Response (CR): Disappearance of all target lesions. Any pathological lymph nodes (whether target or non-target) must have reduction in short axis to <10 mm. Partial Response (PR): At least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the baseline sum diameters. Stable Disease is neither sufficient shrinkage to qualify for PR nor sufficient increase to qualify for progressive disease (PD), taking as reference the smallest sum diameters while on study. Progressive Disease is least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum on study (this includes the baseline sum if that is the smallest on study). In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum must also demonstrate an absolute increase of at least 5 mm. (Note: the appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered progression).

  14. Disease Control Rate by RECIST 1.1 Using Site Assessment (MSI-H and TMB-H, Each Cohort Evaluated Separately)

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    Disease Control Rate is defined as the percentage of participants with a response of CR, PR, or SD. Complete Response (CR): Disappearance of all target lesions. Any pathological lymph nodes (whether target or non-target) must have reduction in short axis to <10 mm. Partial Response (PR): At least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the baseline sum diameters. Stable Disease is neither sufficient shrinkage to qualify for PR nor sufficient increase to qualify for progressive disease (PD), taking as reference the smallest sum diameters while on study. Progressive Disease is least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum on study (this includes the baseline sum if that is the smallest on study). In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum must also demonstrate an absolute increase of at least 5 mm. (Note: the appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered progression).

  15. Disease Control Rate by irRECIST Using Site Assessment (Solid Tumors and Other Lymphomas, Each Disease Indication Evaluated Separately)

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    Disease Control Rate is defined as the percentage of participants with a response of CR, PR, or SD. Complete Response (CR): Disappearance of all target lesions. Any pathological lymph nodes (whether target or non-target) must have reduction in short axis to <10 mm. Partial Response (PR): At least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the baseline sum diameters. Stable Disease is neither sufficient shrinkage to qualify for PR nor sufficient increase to qualify for progressive disease (PD), taking as reference the smallest sum diameters while on study. Progressive Disease is least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum on study (this includes the baseline sum if that is the smallest on study). In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum must also demonstrate an absolute increase of at least 5 mm. (Note: the appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered progression).

  16. Overall Survival

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    Overall survival is defined as the time from randomization to death due to any cause. Participants without documented death at the time of the final analysis will be censored at the date of the last follow-up. Median overall survival will be calculated from the product-limit (Kaplan-Meier) method for censored data.

  17. Objective irRECIST Response Rate by Site Assessment (Each Disease Indication Evaluated Separately)

    Time frame: Up to approximately 2 years

    The ORR is assessed by irRECIST per site assessment.

  18. Area Under the Concentration Curve (AUC) for Pembrolizumab

    Time frame: Predose Cycles 1, 2, 4, 8 and every 4 cycles thereafter, and within 30 minutes post infusion at Cycles 1 and 8. Additional single pharmacokinetic samples obtained in Cycle 1 between 72 to 168 hours post-dose, and Cycle 1 at 336 hours post-dose

    The AUC of pembrolizumab when administered as monotherapy will be determined.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Toll Free Number

CONTACT

[email protected]

1-888-577-8839

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Industry

Registry information

Official study title

A Phase I/II Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Children With Advanced Melanoma or a PD-L1 Positive Advanced, Relapsed or Refractory Solid Tumor or Lymphoma (KEYNOTE-051)

Important dates

Study start
2015
Primary completion
2028
Study completion
2028
First posted
Jan 7, 2015
Registry last updated
Jul 6, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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