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Updated June 2026 · ClinicalTrials.gov

RECRUITINGPhase 2INTERVENTIONAL

A Phase II Study of Tucatinib and Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine (T-DM1) in Patients With HER2-positive Metastatic Solid Tumors and Metastases to Brain (TUCATEMEB)

A Phase II Study of Tucatinib and Ado-trastuzumab Emtansine (T-DM1) in Patients With HER2-positive Metastatic Solid Tumors and Metastases to Brain (TUCATEMEB) (NCT05673928) is a Phase 2 interventional studying Metastatic Solid Tumor and Brain Metastases, sponsored by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. RECRUITING as of the most recent ClinicalTrials.gov update. Talk to your doctor before contacting the trial site.

Important: This information is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial is right for you.

About This Trial

To learn if the study drugs, tucatinib and adotrastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), can help to control solid tumors that have spread to the brain.

What Stage of Research Is This?

Phase 2 trials evaluate whether a treatment actually works against Metastatic Solid Tumor and continue monitoring side effects. Phase 2 enrolls larger groups (typically 100–300 patients) and produces the first real efficacy signal. A successful Phase 2 readout is what unlocks the much larger Phase 3 confirmatory trials needed for FDA approval.

This trial is currently recruiting participants. The sponsor has registered the study with ClinicalTrials.gov as actively enrolling, which means new applicants who meet the eligibility criteria can be considered for screening. Trial status can change between updates — confirm current recruiting status with the study contact before traveling for a screening visit.

With a target enrollment of 30 participants, this is a small study — typical of early-phase research, rare-disease trials, or pilot studies designed to generate preliminary signal before a larger study is launched.

Who May Be Eligible (Plain English)

Who May Qualify: 1. diagnosed by tissue sample (biopsy-confirmed) HER2-positive metastatic solid tumor. HER2 positivity defined as HER2 overexpression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) 3+ or 2+ and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) positive and/or HER2 amplification by in situ hybridization (ISH) or next generation sequencing (NGS) and/or activating ERBB2 mutation(s) (verified by MDACC Precision Oncology Decision Support). 2. Patients must have one of the following on the screening brain MRI: - Untreated brain metastases not requiring immediate local CNS therapy - Previously treated brain metastases with progression of previous lesions or new lesions, but not requiring immediate local CNS therapy - At least one measurable untreated brain lesion ≥0.5 cm and \<3.0 cm in the longest axis - Prior SRS radiosurgery (must be completed within 7 days of study treatment initiation) is allowed as long as the previous treatment volume does not overlap with the current targets. 3. Measurable (per the RECIST v1.1) or evaluable extracranial disease. 4. Prior treatment with HER2-targeted treatments such as trastuzumab, pertuzumab, T-DM1, neratinib, lapatinib, or tucatinib is allowed, but not required. Patients with breast and gastric cancer must have received at least 1 line of HER2 targeted treatment. 5. Age ≥18 years at the time of consent. 6. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-2 (Appendix B). 7. Life expectancy ≥3 months, in the opinion of the investigator. 8. Adequate hematological and end-organ function, defined by the following laboratory test results, obtained within 28 days prior to study treatment initiation: - Absolute neutrophil count ≥1,200/μL - Platelet count ≥100,000/μL - blood count (hemoglobin) at least 9g/dL - Total bilirubin ≤1.5 × upper limit of normal (ULN), except for patients with known Gilbert's disease, who may enroll if conjugated bilirubin is ≤1.5 × ULN ...See full criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov Always talk to your doctor about whether this trial is right for you.

These are translations of the protocol\'s inclusion and exclusion criteria, simplified for patients and caregivers. The original clinical text appears below. Eligibility is ultimately confirmed by the trial site\'s screening process — this summary is a starting point for a conversation with your doctor, not a final determination.

Original Eligibility Criteria

View original clinical language
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Histologically confirmed HER2-positive metastatic solid tumor. HER2 positivity defined as HER2 overexpression by immunohistochemistry (IHC) 3+ or 2+ and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) positive and/or HER2 amplification by in situ hybridization (ISH) or next generation sequencing (NGS) and/or activating ERBB2 mutation(s) (verified by MDACC Precision Oncology Decision Support). 2. Patients must have one of the following on the screening brain MRI: * Untreated brain metastases not requiring immediate local CNS therapy * Previously treated brain metastases with progression of previous lesions or new lesions, but not requiring immediate local CNS therapy * At least one measurable untreated brain lesion ≥0.5 cm and \<3.0 cm in the longest axis * Prior SRS radiosurgery (must be completed within 7 days of study treatment initiation) is allowed as long as the previous treatment volume does not overlap with the current targets. 3. Measurable (per the RECIST v1.1) or evaluable extracranial disease. 4. Prior treatment with HER2-targeted treatments such as trastuzumab, pertuzumab, T-DM1, neratinib, lapatinib, or tucatinib is allowed, but not required. Patients with breast and gastric cancer must have received at least 1 line of HER2 targeted treatment. 5. Age ≥18 years at the time of consent. 6. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0-2 (Appendix B). 7. Life expectancy ≥3 months, in the opinion of the investigator. 8. Adequate hematological and end-organ function, defined by the following laboratory test results, obtained within 28 days prior to study treatment initiation: * Absolute neutrophil count ≥1,200/μL * Platelet count ≥100,000/μL * Hemoglobin ≥9g/dL * Total bilirubin ≤1.5 × upper limit of normal (ULN), except for patients with known Gilbert's disease, who may enroll if conjugated bilirubin is ≤1.5 × ULN * Transaminases (AST/ALT) ≤1.5 × ULN (≤5 × ULN if liver metastases are present) * Creatinine level \<1.5 x ULN or estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≥50 mL/min/1.73 m2 using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) study equation as applicable. 9. International normalized ratio (INR) and partial thromboplastin time (PTT)/activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) ≤1.5 × ULN, unless on medication known to alter INR and PTT/aPTT. Proprietary Information of MD Anderson Protocol 2021-0899 v.5.0,04/24/2023 28 10. LVEF ≥50% as assessed by echocardiogram (ECHO) or multi-gated acquisition (MUGA) scan documented within 3weeks prior to study treatment initiation. 11. For patients of childbearing potential, as defined in Section 4.3, the following stipulations apply: * Must have a negative serum or urine pregnancy test (minimum sensitivity of 25 mIU/mL or equivalent units of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin \[β-hCG\]) result within 3 days prior to study treatment initiation. A patient with a false positive result and documented verification that the patient is not pregnant will be eligible. * Must agree not to try to become pregnant during the study and for at least 7 months after the final dose of study treatment * Must agree not to breastfeed or donate ova starting at the time of informed consent and continuing through the study and for 7 months after the final dose of study treatment * If sexually active in a way that could lead to pregnancy, must consistently use highly effective methods of birth control (i.e., methods that achieve a failure rate of \<1% per year when used consistently and correctly) starting at the time of informed consent and continuing throughout the study and for at least 7 months after the final dose of study treatment. Highly effective methods of birth control include: i. Intrauterine device ii. Bilateral tubal occlusion/ligation iii. Vasectomized partner iv. Sexual abstinence when it is the preferred and usual lifestyle choice of the patient. 12. For patients who can father children, the following stipulations apply: * Must agree not to donate sperm starting at the time of informed consent and continuing throughout the study and for at least 7 months after the final dose of study treatment * If sexually active with a person of childbearing potential in a way that could lead to pregnancy, must consistently use a barrier method of birth control starting at the time of informed consent and continuing throughout the study and for at least 7 months after the final dose of study treatment * If sexually active with a person who is pregnant or breastfeeding, must consistently use a barrier method of birth control starting at the time of informed consent and continuing throughout the study and for at least 7 months after the final dose of study treatment. 13. The patient must provide written informed consent. 14. Must be willing to undergo biopsy as required by the study, if clinically considered safe and feasible by the investigator. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients must not have any of the following on the screening brain MRI: * Any untreated brain lesions \>3.0 cm in size * Any brain lesion thought to require immediate local therapy, including (but not limited to) a lesion in an anatomic site where increase in size or possible treatment-related edema may pose risk to the patient (e.g., brainstem lesions). Patients who undergo local treatment for such lesions may still be eligible for the study based on inclusion criteria #2. 2. Ongoing use of systemic corticosteroids for control of symptoms of brain metastases at a total daily dose of \>4 mg of dexamethasone (or equivalent). 3. Poorly controlled (\>1/week) generalized or complex partial seizures, or manifestation of neurologic progression due to brain metastases notwithstanding CNS-directed therapy. 4. History of allergic reactions to trastuzumab or compounds chemically or biologically similar to tucatinib, except for Grade 1 or 2 IRRs to trastuzumab that were successfully managed, or known allergy to any of the excipients in the study drugs. 5. Treatment with any systemic anticancer therapy or investigational agent within 5 half-lives (of the drug) or within 21 days (whichever is shorter ) prior to study treatment initiation. 6. Any toxicity related to prior cancer therapies that has not resolved to ≤ Grade 1, with the following exceptions: * Alopecia; * Neuropathy, which must have resolved to ≤ Grade 2; * Congestive heart failure (CHF), which must have been ≤ Grade 1 in severity at the time of occurrence and must have resolved completely. 7. Clinically significant cardiopulmonary disease such as: * Ventricular arrhythmia requiring therapy * Symptomatic hypertension or uncontrolled asymptomatic hypertension as determined by the investigator * Any history of symptomatic CHF, left ventricular systolic dysfunction, or decrease in LVEF * Severe dyspnea at rest (National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events \[NCI CTCAE\] ≥ Grade 3) due to complications of advanced malignancy or hypoxia requiring supplementary oxygen therapy * Grade 2 or greater corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation on screening electrocardiogram (ECG). 8. Known myocardial infarction or unstable angina within 6 months prior to study treatment initiation. 9. Unable for any reason to undergo contrast MRI of the brain. 10. Have used a strong cytochrome P450 (CYP)2C8 inhibitor within 5 half-lives of the inhibitor, or a strong CYP3A4 or CYP2C8 inducer within 5 days prior to study treatment initiation. Concomitant use of strong CYP3A4 inducers or CYP2C8 inducers or inhibitors is also prohibited during study treatment and for 2 weeks after discontinuation of study treatment. Use Proprietary Information of MD Anderson of sensitive CYP3A substrates should be avoided 2 weeks prior to study treatment initiation and during study treatment. 11. Known carrier of hepatitis B or hepatitis C virus or has other known chronic liver disease. 12. Known positive human immunodeficiency virus status. 13. Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant from the time of informed consent until 7 months after the last dose of study treatment. 14. Unable to swallow pills or has significant GI disease that would preclude adequate oral absorption of medication. 15. Other medical, social, or psychosocial factors that, in the opinion of the investigator, could impact patient safety or compliance with study procedures. 16. Evidence within 1 year of the start of study treatment of another malignancy that required systemic treatment. 17. Patients who are eligible for the HER2CLIMB-02 study (NCT03975647) and they can be enrolled in that study.

Treatments Being Tested

DRUG

Trastuzumab emtansine

Given by IV (vein)

DRUG

Tucatinib

Given by PO

Locations (1)

Trial sites listed on ClinicalTrials.gov for this study. Site activation status can vary — confirm with the specific site before traveling for a screening visit.

M D Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, United States

How to Talk to Your Doctor About This Trial

Bring the printable summary of this trial — including the NCT ID (NCT05673928), the sponsor (M.D. Anderson Cancer Center), and the key eligibility criteria — to your next appointment. Your doctor can review the inclusion and exclusion criteria against your medical history, lab values, and current treatments to assess whether you are likely to qualify. They can also help you weigh whether trial participation makes sense alongside your existing care plan.

Useful questions to walk through together: What does the trial protocol require beyond standard care? How long is the active treatment phase, and how long is follow-up? Are there study visits at sites I can reach? Who pays for the trial-specific procedures, and who pays for standard-of-care portions? See our 25 questions to ask about clinical trials guide for a more complete checklist.

Authoritative Sources

The official record for this trial lives on ClinicalTrials.gov — the federal registry maintained by the National Library of Medicine at NIH. For background on how this trial fits into the FDA approval pathway, see the FDA drug approval process. For oncology-specific guidance for patients considering trials, the National Cancer Institute publishes patient-oriented overviews. International trial registries are aggregated by the WHO ICTRP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NCT05673928 clinical trial studying?

To learn if the study drugs, tucatinib and adotrastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1), can help to control solid tumors that have spread to the brain. The full protocol is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov and includes the primary outcome measures, eligibility criteria, and study endpoints.

Who can participate in NCT05673928?

Eligibility for this trial depends on the specific inclusion and exclusion criteria set by the sponsor. The plain-English summary above translates the most important criteria into accessible language; the official clinical text is preserved in the collapsible section underneath. Whether you fit any specific trial is a medical decision your doctor needs to confirm — bring the trial information to your treating physician for a full review against your medical history.

How do I contact the trial site for NCT05673928?

Contact information registered with ClinicalTrials.gov is shown in the sidebar of this page. Before reaching out, confirm with your treating physician that this trial is appropriate for your situation. The trial site will then walk you through the screening process to determine final eligibility.

Is participating in a clinical trial safe?

Clinical trials in the United States are regulated by the FDA and overseen by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) that review the protocol for safety. Risk varies by trial — Phase 1 studies test new treatments in humans for the first time, while Phase 3 trials use treatments that have already passed earlier safety screening. The informed consent document for any specific trial details the known risks and what to expect. Discuss those risks with your physician before deciding whether to participate.

Where can I verify the data on this page?

Every detail on this page comes directly from the ClinicalTrials.gov API. Click "View on ClinicalTrials.gov" in the sidebar to see the official, unmodified record. The federal record is always authoritative; this page is a structured presentation with a plain-English eligibility translation. For background on how clinical trials are regulated, see the FDA drug approval process documentation.

How This Page Is Built

Every field on this page is pulled directly from the ClinicalTrials.gov API v2 — no estimates, no proxies. The plain-English eligibility translation is generated from the original protocol text and reviewed for fidelity to the underlying clinical criteria. The original clinical text remains visible in the collapsible section above so users and clinicians can verify the translation. Read the full methodology for the data pipeline and known limitations.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov API v2 record for NCT05673928. Maintained by the National Library of Medicine at NIH. Public domain. Cite as: "TrialFinderData. NCT05673928. Data: ClinicalTrials.gov."

Medical disclaimer: This page is informational, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial is right for you.

Last updated 2026-06-26 · Data from ClinicalTrials.gov.