Antimicrobial Therapy + SBRT for Lung Cancer

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By RadOnc Clinical Research Unit

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 1

Sponsor: Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine

Must be taking: Vancomycin

Must not be taking: Antibiotics, Antifungals, Antivirals, Antiparasitics

Disqualifiers: HIV, HBV, HCV, uncontrolled GI disorders, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Approved in 4 Jurisdictions This treatment is already approved in other countries

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 1

Duration: 5 weeks

10 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial explores a new treatment approach for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that does not respond well to initial therapies. It combines precision radiation treatment, known as Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), with the antibiotic vancomycin to assess safety and effectiveness. The study seeks patients with NSCLC experiencing limited progression, who have recently tried immunotherapy without success, and are not currently on certain medications like antibiotics or chemotherapy. Participants will provide blood and stool samples to help researchers monitor safety and reactions. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this innovative approach.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

You may need to stop taking certain medications, such as antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, antiparasitics, corticosteroids, methotrexate, immunosuppressive drugs, chemotherapy, anti-diarrheal medications, and probiotics, at least 4 weeks before joining the trial. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that vancomycin is usually well-tolerated, with most side effects being mild to moderate, such as diarrhea. Importantly, studies have found no severe side effects (Grade 3 or 4) with vancomycin, indicating its safety in cancer treatments.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) also maintains a strong safety record. Research indicates no severe toxicities in lung cancer treatments, suggesting SBRT is safe and as effective as surgery for some lung cancer cases.

Overall, previous studies have demonstrated the safety of both vancomycin and SBRT, with few serious side effects reported. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?

Unlike the standard treatments for lung cancer, which typically involve chemotherapy and conventional radiation therapy, this new approach combines Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) with the antibiotic vancomycin. Researchers are excited about this treatment because SBRT delivers highly precise, intense doses of radiation to cancer cells, potentially reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue. The addition of vancomycin is particularly intriguing as it may modify the gut microbiome, potentially enhancing the body's immune response against cancer. This combination offers a novel way to potentially improve outcomes in patients with lung cancer, especially those experiencing oligoprogression.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for lung cancer?

Research has shown that stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) effectively treats lung cancer, with studies indicating that 76% of patients survive at least three years post-treatment. SBRT is generally well-tolerated, though some patients may experience moderate side effects.

In this trial, participants will receive a combination of SBRT and vancomycin, an antibiotic. Early research suggests this combination is safe and could enhance treatment outcomes for lung cancer patients. Vancomycin may help the immune system respond more effectively to the cancer. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Steven Feigenberg, MD

Principal Investigator

University of Pennsylvania

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for adults who can consent and are set to receive SBRT for confirmed NSCLC. It's not open to those with chronic constipation, recent use of steroids or immunosuppressants, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, or chemotherapy. People with uncontrolled GI disorders, certain infections or a history of major GI surgery aren't eligible.

Inclusion Criteria

I am scheduled for targeted radiation therapy for my lung cancer.

I understand the details of the trial and can agree to participate.

Exclusion Criteria

I have not taken antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, or antiparasitics in the last 4 weeks.

I haven't started chemotherapy in the last 4 weeks or during my radiotherapy.

I have a documented history of HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive vancomycin for 1 week before and 1 month after precision hypofractionated radiation therapy

5 weeks

Weekly visits during treatment

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

12 months

Visits at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-treatment

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)
• Vancomycin

Trial Overview The study tests if adding vancomycin (an antibiotic) to SBRT boosts the Th1 immune response in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer patients by measuring specific immune signals like IFN gamma after treatment.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Arm 1 - Experimental Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Patients planned to undergo precision hypofractionated radiation to all sites of oligoprogression will receive vancomycin for 1 week before RT and for 1 month after start of RT, and asked to provide stool and blood samples as outlined in the Safety Trial study table.

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada, Japan for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for:

• Prostate cancer
• Lung cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Spinal tumors

Approved in European Union as Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for:

• Prostate cancer
• Lung cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Spinal tumors

Approved in Canada as Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for:

• Prostate cancer
• Lung cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Spinal tumors

Approved in Japan as Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for:

• Prostate cancer
• Lung cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Spinal tumors

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine

Lead Sponsor

Trials

425

Recruited

464,000+

Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania

Lead Sponsor

Trials

360

Recruited

108,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has evolved from stereotactic radiosurgery and is now widely used for treating lung cancer, demonstrating high local control rates.

Clinical studies indicate that SBRT has acceptable toxicity levels, making it a promising option for lung cancer treatment, with ongoing trials continuing to evaluate its effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for Stage I lung cancer. Nagata, Y., Kimura, T.[2018]

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is effective for treating inoperable early-stage non-small cell lung cancer, but radiation-induced lung toxicity (RILT) remains a significant concern, particularly in patients with interstitial lung disease.

The study found that a mean lung dose (MLD) of ≤8 Gy in 3 to 5 fractions and less than 10% to 15% of total lung volume receiving more than 20 Gy (V20) are associated with a lower risk of symptomatic RILT, indicating safe treatment parameters.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Organs at Risk Considerations for Thoracic Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy: What Is Safe for Lung Parenchyma? Kong, FS., Moiseenko, V., Zhao, J., et al.[2022]

In a study of 130 lung cancer patients treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), regimens of 10 Gy × 5 and 18 Gy × 3 showed significantly better local control and overall survival compared to the 9 Gy × 5 regimen.

The 10 Gy × 5 and 18 Gy × 3 treatments resulted in 100% local control at 1 year and 91% at 2 years, while the 9 Gy × 5 regimen had a local control rate of only 75% at 1 year and 50% at 2 years, highlighting the efficacy of higher dose regimens.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dose-response for stereotactic body radiotherapy in early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer. Olsen, JR., Robinson, CG., El Naqa, I., et al.[2022]

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an effective treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is generally well tolerated, but it can lead to adverse effects ranging from mild fatigue to severe complications like pneumonitis or hemorrhage.

The review highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind these adverse effects and discusses dosimetric constraints and strategies to mitigate treatment-related toxicities, especially as SBRT is increasingly used alongside chemoradiotherapy and immunotherapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The evolving toxicity profile of SBRT for lung cancer. Thompson, M., Rosenzweig, KE.[2023]

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an advanced treatment technique that has shown high local control rates in lung cancer patients while maintaining acceptable levels of toxicity.

The technique requires careful patient management, including fixation and breathing control, to ensure accurate targeting and effective treatment delivery.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Stereotactic body radiotherapy for early stage lung cancer. Nagata, Y.[2021]

A 68-year-old woman treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for lung metastases experienced pathological vertebral fractures ten months post-treatment, highlighting a previously unreported adverse effect of SBRT.

Despite achieving a complete response of the metastatic disease without signs of radiation pneumonitis, the case emphasizes the need for oncologists to consider the risk of bone toxicity, particularly in older patients with potential low bone mineral density (BMD).

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pathological vertebral fracture after stereotactic body radiation therapy for lung metastases. Case report and literature review. Rodríguez-Ruiz, ME., San Miguel, I., Gil-Bazo, I., et al.[2022]

Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is effective for treating early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in patients who cannot undergo surgery, showing good outcomes and low toxicity for tumors located in the periphery.

However, the risk of severe toxicity increases for tumors near critical structures like the bronchial tree or mediastinum, highlighting the importance of careful dose-fractionation planning in these cases.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

An optimal dose-fractionation for stereotactic body radiotherapy in peripherally, centrally and ultracentrally located early-stage non-small lung cancer. Zarębska, I., Harat, M.[2023]

In a study of 12,055 patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), adjuvant chemotherapy after stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) improved overall survival (OS) for patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and large cell carcinoma, but not for those with adenocarcinoma.

For tumors smaller than 4 cm, adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with worse OS across all histologies, indicating that the effectiveness of chemotherapy may depend on tumor size and type.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The impact of histology in the outcomes of patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and adjuvant chemotherapy. Ernani, V., Appiah, AK., Baine, MJ., et al.[2021]

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) demonstrated high effectiveness in treating early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), with 3-year local control, progression-free survival, and overall survival rates of 91%, 55%, and 71%, respectively, based on a study of 55 patients with 59 lesions.

The treatment was associated with minimal toxicity, with only a few cases of grade 2 pneumonitis and chest wall tenderness, indicating that SBRT is a safe option for patients who are not surgical candidates.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Stage I Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Retrospective, Single-Center Study of 55 Patients. Bhandari, RP., Stanford, JD., Packianathan, S., et al.[2018]

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is a preferred treatment for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients who cannot undergo surgery, but accurate lymph node staging is crucial for optimal patient selection.

Current staging methods like PET/CT and EBUS have limited sensitivity in detecting lymph node metastases, which can lead to undetected cancer spread and poorer outcomes; thus, invasive staging procedures are often necessary to improve detection and potentially enhance survival with adjuvant therapies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Undetected lymph node metastases in presumed early stage NSCLC SABR patients. Cerra-Franco, A., Diab, K., Lautenschlaeger, T.[2017]

Rib fractures are a common occurrence in patients undergoing stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) for lung cancer, with 41 out of 177 patients showing fractures on follow-up CT scans, although clinical symptoms are generally mild and infrequent.

Key risk factors for developing rib fractures include a smaller distance between the tumor and chest wall and being female, while an α/β ratio of 8 Gy was identified as the most effective for distinguishing between patients with and without fractures.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Rib fracture after stereotactic radiotherapy for primary lung cancer: prevalence, degree of clinical symptoms, and risk factors. Nambu, A., Onishi, H., Aoki, S., et al.[2021]

Lung stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is an effective treatment option for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and is increasingly being used for more advanced cases.

The review highlights current treatment recommendations and planning for SBRT, indicating its growing role in managing lung cancer.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy. Rehman, S., Roach, MC., Bradley, JD., et al.[2018]

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for early-stage lung cancer showed a high local control rate of 98% at 1 year and 95% at 5 years, indicating its effectiveness in managing tumors non-invasively.

The treatment was well tolerated, with only one severe toxicity (Grade 4 pneumonitis) reported among 28 recorded toxicities, suggesting a favorable safety profile for patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Local control and survival after stereotactic body radiation therapy of early-stage lung cancer patients in Slovenia. Stanic, K., But-Hadzic, J., Zagar, J., et al.[2023]

Citations

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Stereotactic body radiation therapy for non-small cell lung ... SBRT was generally well tolerated with 10%-30% grade 3-4 toxicities and a few treatment-related deaths. No differences in outcomes were observed between ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7481586/

Four-year follow-up outcomes after stereotactic body radiation ... This study aimed to assess the clinical outcomes and toxicity of patients with central lung cancer treated with SBRT in our institution.

3. practicalradonc.org practicalradonc.org/article/S1879-8500(24)00275-3/fulltext

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Primary Lung ... Based on the available literature, SBRT can be an effective treatment for ultracentral tumors, multiple lung tumors, and reirradiation. However, ...

4. ro-journal.biomedcentral.com ro-journal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13014-025-02699-4

A prospective outcomes and cost-effective analysis of surgery ... All SBRT patients recovered and none died due to complications. Complications after surgery were observed in 16 (64%) patients during the 90-day ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0169500225004192

Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) of centrally ... However, the lung cancer-specific survival of 76 % at 3 years is more favorable, and comparable to the previously published 85 % at 3 years after SBRT of ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11170538/

The analysis of the efficacy and safety of stereotactic body ... Following the treatment of oligoprogressed lung cancer with SBRT sequential ICIs, the median PFS-P and OS-P were 8 months (95% CI: 2.7–13.3) and 12 months (95% ...

7. mdanderson.org mdanderson.org/newsroom/research-newsroom/astro-2025--at-10-years--sbrt-comparable-to-surgery-for-early-stage-lung-cancer.h00-159779601.html

ASTRO 2025: At 10 years, SBRT comparable to surgery ... Study is the first to compare 10-year outcomes from surgery and a specific kind of radiation therapy known as SBRT (also called SABR) in ...

8. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1525730423001808

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for Oligoprogressive ... Two-year OS and PFS were 56% (95%CI 46%-64%) and 14% (95%CI 8%-21%), respectively. Median TNT-D was 9 months (95%CI 6-11). No grade 4 or 5 toxicity was seen. In ...

9. thegreenjournal.com thegreenjournal.com/article/S0167-8140(24)03525-4/fulltext

Feasibility, safety and outcomes of stereotactic ... Use of SBRT in Stage 1 peripheral lung cancers has reported survival rates of ∼ 86 % at 12 months and 54.7–74 % at 24 months [25,26]. In central ...

10. ascopubs.org ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/GO-25-00004

Metastasis-Directed Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy ... Conclusion. SBRT is effective and safe for treating OM and OP solid cancers, prolonging FISST and potentially delaying systemic treatments, ...