25 Participants Needed

Adaptive Radiation + Pembrolizumab for Lung Cancer

VS
Overseen ByVanderbilt-Ingram Service for Timely Access
No Placebo GroupAll trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This phase I/II trial tests the safety and efficacy of split-course adaptive radiation therapy in combination with immunotherapy with or without chemotherapy for the treatment of patients with stage IV lung cancer or lung cancer that that has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes (locally advanced). Radiation therapy is a standard cancer treatment that uses high energy rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Split-course adaptive radiation therapy uses patient disease response to alter the intensity of the radiation therapy. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies such as pembrolizumab, ipilimumab, cemiplimab, atezolizumab or nivolumab may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Chemotherapy drugs like carboplatin, pemetrexed, and paclitaxel work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Giving split-course adaptive radiation therapy with standard treatments like immunotherapy and chemotherapy may be more effective at treating stage IV or locally advanced lung cancer than giving them alone.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot use immunosuppressive medications within 28 days of enrollment, except for certain corticosteroids, and you must not use any prohibited drugs within 30 days of enrollment.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Adaptive Radiation + Pembrolizumab for Lung Cancer?

Research shows that combining pembrolizumab with chemotherapy, such as carboplatin and pemetrexed, is effective in treating advanced non-small cell lung cancer, improving survival rates and response to treatment. Additionally, studies indicate that adding pembrolizumab to carboplatin and paclitaxel/nab-paclitaxel enhances overall survival and progression-free survival in similar lung cancer cases.12345

Is the combination of adaptive radiation and pembrolizumab safe for lung cancer treatment?

Studies show that pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy, like carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel, is generally safe for lung cancer patients, with some risk of side effects like pneumonitis (lung inflammation). The addition of pembrolizumab to these treatments has shown little impact on severe toxicity, but patients should be aware of potential immune-related side effects.13467

What makes the Adaptive Radiation + Pembrolizumab treatment for lung cancer unique?

This treatment combines pembrolizumab, an immune-boosting drug, with adaptive radiation therapy, which is tailored to the patient's specific needs, and chemotherapy drugs like carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel. This combination aims to enhance the body's immune response against cancer while precisely targeting tumors, potentially improving outcomes for patients with advanced lung cancer.89101112

Research Team

EO

Evan Osmundson, MD

Principal Investigator

Vanderbilt University/Ingram Cancer Center

Eligibility Criteria

Adults (18+) with stage IV lung cancer and limited metastases, who can handle the physical demands of the trial (ECOG 0-2). They must have tumor material for PD-L1 testing, managed brain metastases if present, and adequate organ function. Prior immunotherapy is allowed; however, they should not be pregnant or breastfeeding and must use effective contraception.

Inclusion Criteria

Able to submit written informed consent
My organs are healthy enough for treatment, as confirmed by my doctors.
I am able to get out of my bed or chair and move around.
See 9 more

Exclusion Criteria

My lung cancer is of a mixed small cell type.
I have had an organ transplant and take medication to suppress my immune system.
Concurrent enrollment in another clinical trial unless observational or within follow-up period
See 16 more

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks
1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Patients receive a combination of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. Treatment cycles repeat every 3 weeks for up to 4 cycles, followed by maintenance therapy every 21 days for up to 2 years.

Up to 2 years
Every 3 weeks for initial cycles, then every 21 days

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment completion. Follow-up visits occur at 4 weeks, 12 weeks, and then every 12 weeks for 2 years.

2 years
4 weeks, 12 weeks, then every 12 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

  • Carboplatin
  • Nab-paclitaxel
  • Pembrolizumab
  • Pemetrexed
  • Radiation Therapy
Trial OverviewThe trial tests split-course adaptive radiation therapy combined with pembrolizumab immunotherapy, with or without chemotherapy drugs like carboplatin. The treatment aims to tailor radiation precisely to patient response while enhancing immune system attack on cancer cells.
Participant Groups
11Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Group I: Arm XI (nivolumab, ipilumumab, radiation)Experimental Treatment8 Interventions
Patients receive ipilmumab every 6 weeks and nivolumab every 3 weeks for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo radiation therapy on day 1 of each cycle over 5 treatment fractions. All patients also receive fludeoxyglucose F-18 intravenously and fluorine F 18 florilglutamic acid IV and undergo PET/ CT during screening and on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples, as well as CT and MRI throughout the trial.
Group II: Arm X (cemiplimab-rwlc, radiation)Experimental Treatment7 Interventions
Patients receive cemiplimab-rwlc on day 1 of each cycle. Cycles repeat every 3 weeks for 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo radiation therapy on day 1 of each cycle over 5 treatment fractions. All patients also receive fludeoxyglucose F-18 intravenously and fluorine F 18 florilglutamic acid IV and undergo PET/ CT during screening and on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples, as well as CT and MRI throughout the trial.
Group III: Arm VIII (pembrolizumab, radiation)Experimental Treatment7 Interventions
Patients receive pembrolizumab on day 1 of each cycle. Cycles repeat every 3 weeks for 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo radiation therapy on day 1 of each cycle over 5 treatment fractions. All patients also receive fludeoxyglucose F-18 intravenously and fluorine F 18 florilglutamic acid IV and undergo PET/ CT during screening and on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples, as well as CT and MRI throughout the trial.
Group IV: Arm VII (carbo, paclitaxel, nivolumab, ipilimumab, radiation)Experimental Treatment10 Interventions
Patients receive carboplatin, paclitaxel, and cemiplimab-rwlc on day 1 of each cycle. Treatment repeats every 3 weeks for 4 up to cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo radiation therapy on day 1 of each cycle over 5 treatment fractions. Patients then receive cemiplimab-rwlc on day 1 of each cycle. Cycles repeat every 21 days for 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. All patients also receive fludeoxyglucose F-18 intravenously and fluorine F 18 florilglutamic acid IV and undergo PET/ CT during screening and on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples, as well as CT and MRI throughout the trial.
Group V: Arm VI (Carboplatin, paclitaxel, cemiplimab-rwlc, radiation)Experimental Treatment9 Interventions
Patients receive carboplatin, paclitaxel, and cemiplimab-rwlc on day 1 of each cycle. Treatment repeats every 3 weeks for 4 up to cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo radiation therapy on day 1 of each cycle over 5 treatment fractions. Patients then receive cemiplimab-rwlc on day 1 of each cycle. Cycles repeat every 21 days for 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. All patients also receive fludeoxyglucose F-18 intravenously and fluorine F 18 florilglutamic acid IV and undergo PET/ CT during screening and on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples, as well as CT and MRI throughout the trial.
Group VI: Arm V (Carboplatin, paclitaxel, pembrolizumab, radiation)Experimental Treatment9 Interventions
Patients receive carboplatin, paclitaxel, and pembrolizumab on day 1 of each cycle. Treatment repeats every 3 weeks for 4 up to cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo radiation therapy on day 1 of each cycle over 5 treatment fractions. Patients then receive pembrolizumab on day 1 of each cycle. Cycles repeat every 21 days for 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. All patients also receive fludeoxyglucose F-18 intravenously and fluorine F 18 florilglutamic acid IV and undergo PET/ CT during screening and on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples, as well as CT and MRI throughout the trial.
Group VII: Arm IX (atezolizumab, radiation)Experimental Treatment7 Interventions
Patients receive atezolizumab on day 1 of each cycle. Cycles repeat every 3 weeks for 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo radiation therapy on day 1 of each cycle over 5 treatment fractions. All patients also receive fludeoxyglucose F-18 intravenously and fluorine F 18 florilglutamic acid IV and undergo PET/ CT during screening and on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples, as well as CT and MRI throughout the trial.
Group VIII: Arm IV (Carbo, pemetrexed, nivolumab, ipilimumab, radiation)Experimental Treatment10 Interventions
Patients receive carboplatin, pemetrexed and nivolumab on day 1 of each cycle and ipilimumab on day 1 of every other cycle. Treatment repeats for up to 2 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients then continue to receive ipilmumab and nivolumab on the same schedule for up to 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo radiation therapy on day 1 of each cycle over 5 treatment fractions. All patients also receive fludeoxyglucose F-18 intravenously and fluorine F 18 florilglutamic acid IV and undergo PET/ CT during screening and on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples, as well as CT and MRI throughout the trial.
Group IX: Arm III (carboplatin, paclitaxel, cemiplimab-rwlc, radiation)Experimental Treatment9 Interventions
Patients receive carboplatin, paclitaxel and cemiplimab-rwlc on day 1 of each cycle. Treatment repeats every 3 weeks for up to 4 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients then receive pemetrexed and cemiplimab-rwlc on day 1 of each cycle. Cycles repeat every 21 days for 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo radiation therapy on day 1 of each cycle over 5 treatment fractions. All patients also receive fludeoxyglucose F-18 intravenously and fluorine F 18 florilglutamic acid IV and undergo PET/ CT during screening and on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples, as well as CT and MRI throughout the trial.
Group X: Arm II (carboplatin, pemetrexed, cemiplimab, radiation)Experimental Treatment9 Interventions
Patients receive carboplatin, pemetrexed and cemiplimab-rwlc on day 1 of each cycle. Treatment repeats every 3 weeks for up to 4 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients then receive pemetrexed and cemiplimab-rwlc on day 1 of each cycle. Cycles repeat every 21 days for 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo radiation therapy on day 1 of each cycle over 5 treatment fractions. All patients also receive fludeoxyglucose F-18 intravenously and fluorine F 18 florilglutamic acid IV and undergo PET/ CT during screening and on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples, as well as CT and MRI throughout the trial.
Group XI: Arm 1 (carboplatin, pemetrexed, pembrolizumab, radiation)Experimental Treatment9 Interventions
Patients receive carboplatin, pemetrexed, and pembrolizumab on day 1 of each cycle. Treatment repeats every 3 weeks for up to 4 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients then receive pemetrexed and pembrolizumab on day 1 of each cycle. Cycles repeat every 21 days for 2 years in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo radiation therapy on day 1 of each cycle over 5 treatment fractions. All patients also receive fludeoxyglucose F-18 intravenously and fluorine F 18 florilglutamic acid IV and undergo PET/ CT during screening and on study. Patients also undergo collection of blood samples, as well as CT and MRI throughout the trial.

Carboplatin is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:

🇺🇸
Approved in United States as Paraplatin for:
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Head and neck cancer
  • Brain cancer
🇪🇺
Approved in European Union as Carboplatin for:
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Small cell lung cancer
🇨🇦
Approved in Canada as Carboplatin for:
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Small cell lung cancer
  • Testicular cancer

Find a Clinic Near You

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials
221
Recruited
64,400+

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials
14,080
Recruited
41,180,000+

Varian Medical Systems

Industry Sponsor

Trials
63
Recruited
3,700+

Dow R. Wilson

Varian Medical Systems

Chief Executive Officer since 2012

MBA from Dartmouth's Amos Tuck School of Business, BA from Brigham Young University

Dr. Deepak Khuntia

Varian Medical Systems

Chief Medical Officer since 2020

MD from the University of Cambridge, PhD from the University of Leicester

Findings from Research

In a real-life study of 121 patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, the combination of pembrolizumab and chemotherapy resulted in a median progression-free survival of 9 months and overall survival of 20.6 months, demonstrating its efficacy as a first-line treatment.
The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with manageable side effects; however, 17.5% of patients experienced grade 3-4 adverse events, and there were two treatment-related deaths, indicating the need for careful monitoring during therapy.
Pembrolizumab plus pemetrexed-carboplatin combination in first-line treatment of advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer: a multicenter real-life study (CAP29).Renaud, E., Ricordel, C., Corre, R., et al.[2023]
In a study of 15 patients with inoperable locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the combination of paclitaxel, carboplatin, and concurrent radiation therapy resulted in a high overall response rate of 73%, with 13% achieving a complete response and 60% a partial response.
The treatment was associated with manageable toxicity, primarily grade 2 esophagitis in 40% of patients and varying degrees of leukopenia, indicating that while effective, careful monitoring for side effects is necessary.
[A phase I clinical trial of combination chemotherapy of paclitaxel with carboplatin and concurrent radiation therapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer].Zhu, Y., Zhang, H., Hu, F.[2010]
The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended dose (RD) of nab-paclitaxel plus carboplatin, combined with thoracic radiotherapy, was determined to be at level 3 (80 mg/m2 of nab-paclitaxel and 2 mg/ml/min of carboplatin), with no significant pulmonary toxicities observed.
The treatment regimen was well tolerated, with 71.4% of patients showing an objective response, indicating its potential efficacy for patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
Phase I study of nab-paclitaxel plus carboplatin and concurrent thoracic radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer.Kaira, K., Tomizawa, Y., Imai, H., et al.[2017]

References

Pembrolizumab plus pemetrexed-carboplatin combination in first-line treatment of advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer: a multicenter real-life study (CAP29). [2023]
[A phase I clinical trial of combination chemotherapy of paclitaxel with carboplatin and concurrent radiation therapy in locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer]. [2010]
Phase I study of nab-paclitaxel plus carboplatin and concurrent thoracic radiotherapy in patients with locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. [2017]
Health-Related Quality of Life With Carboplatin-Paclitaxel or nab-Paclitaxel With or Without Pembrolizumab in Patients With Metastatic Squamous Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. [2020]
Phase i study of 'dose-dense' pemetrexed plus carboplatin/radiotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma. [2021]
Recurrent and atypical immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced pneumonitis. [2023]
Neoadjuvant anti-programmed death-1 immunotherapy by pembrolizumab in resectable non-small cell lung cancer: First clinical experience. [2022]
Pembrolizumab Plus Concurrent Chemoradiation Therapy in Patients With Unresectable, Locally Advanced, Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: The Phase 2 KEYNOTE-799 Nonrandomized Trial. [2022]
Selective Personalized Radioimmunotherapy for Locally Advanced Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Trial. [2023]
Systematic evaluation of pembrolizumab dosing in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer. [2022]
Pulmonary Sarcoidosis Activation following Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab plus Chemotherapy Combination Therapy in a Patient with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Case Report. [2022]
Interstitial nephritis with pembrolizumab: A case report and review. [2021]