RETREAT
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Repurposing anti-retroviral drugs to treat NF2 related tumours
IRAS ID
1008579
Contact name
Clemens Hanemann
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN10422213
Research summary
This study aims to provide important information about the way two drugs called Ritonavir and Lopinavir are taken up into skin schwannoma tissue. Skin schwannomas are non-cancerous (benign) tumours which may develop on the skin of patients who have the condition NF2-related schwannomatosis (formerly Neurofibromatosis Type 2). NF2 is caused by changes to the genetic material inside the body’s cells. Surgery and radiotherapy are used to treat these tumours, but they are often not possible and can have unpleasant side effects. Therefore, new drugs that target specific molecules in the cell could offer a better treatment for patients with this condition.
Ritonavir and Lopinavir are used to treat Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The drugs have been shown to reduce tumour growth and survival in the lab. The safe and effective long-term use of these drugs is well documented in healthy volunteers and those with HIV, making them good candidates to study further.
This small study of up to 16 participants with skin schwannomas caused by NF2 is funded by the Children’s Tumor Foundation and will take place initially in Plymouth and Manchester. Participants will have a biopsy of a skin schwannoma and a blood sample taken prior to 30 days of treatment with Lopinavir/Ritonavir plus additional ritonavir. On Day 30 of treatment, a second (post-dose) biopsy will be taken along with a blood sample. The aim of the study is to investigate the uptake and activity of the drugs in the cutaneous tumours (whether it inhibits the molecular pathways it should) and how they affect the blood. Participants will attend a further “end of study” visit around Day 60 as a final safety check. The information we obtain will be used to decide whether Ritonavir and Lopinavir should be investigated further as a treatment for the tumours caused by NF2.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 1
REC reference
23/WS/0178
Date of REC Opinion
21 Feb 2024
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion