Dato-DXd + Pembrolizumab for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

Recruiting at 259 trial locations

Overseen By Daiichi Sankyo Contact for Clinical Trial Information

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Phase 3

Sponsor: Daiichi Sankyo

Must not be taking: Topoisomerase inhibitors, TROP2 therapies

Disqualifiers: Prior NSCLC treatment, CNS metastases, others

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

Pivotal Trial (Near Approval) This treatment is in the last trial phase before FDA approval

Prior Safety Data This treatment has passed at least one previous human trial

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: Up to 57 months

1170 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

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

The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team to get a clear answer.

What data supports the effectiveness of the drug combination Dato-DXd + Pembrolizumab for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer?

Research shows that pembrolizumab, when combined with chemotherapy drugs like carboplatin and pemetrexed, is effective as a first-line treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Pemetrexed combined with cisplatin has shown a response rate of up to 44.8% in non-small cell lung cancer, indicating that these components can be effective in treating this type of cancer. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

What safety data exists for Dato-DXd + Pembrolizumab treatment in humans?

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) has been studied for safety in non-small cell lung cancer, showing some side effects like pneumonitis (lung inflammation) in 1%-5% of patients. Pemetrexed and platinum drugs, when combined with pembrolizumab, have been associated with various side effects, including fatigue, blood and digestive issues, and skin reactions. These treatments have been generally safe but can cause serious side effects in some cases. ^{2 6 7 8 9}

What makes the drug combination of Dato-DXd and Pembrolizumab unique for treating non-small cell lung cancer?

The combination of Dato-DXd and Pembrolizumab is unique because it includes a novel antibody-drug conjugate, Dato-DXd, which targets a specific protein on cancer cells, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of Pembrolizumab, an existing immunotherapy, in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer who have high PD-L1 expression. ^{1 2 10 11 12}

What is the purpose of this trial?

This study is designed to assess the efficacy and safety of datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) in combination with pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab in combination with pemetrexed and platinum chemotherapy in participants with no prior therapy for advanced or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Research Team

Global Clinical Leader

Principal Investigator

Daiichi Sankyo

Eligibility Criteria

Adults over 18 with advanced non-squamous NSCLC who haven't had systemic cancer treatment, have specific levels of TROP2 and PD-L1 proteins, no major gene mutations treatable by approved therapies, good performance status, and no significant health issues like uncontrolled heart disease or active infections. Pregnant women and those with certain lung diseases or recent vaccinations are excluded.

Inclusion Criteria

My cancer can be measured by scans.

My tumor's PD-L1 level is below 50%.

Sign and date the Main Informed Consent Form (ICF), prior to the start of any study-specific qualification procedures.

Exclusion Criteria

I am not pregnant, breastfeeding, nor planning to become pregnant.

I do not have active or uncontrolled hepatitis B or C.

You have other health problems, heart disease, mental health issues, or use drugs or alcohol excessively.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive randomized treatment with Dato-DXd and pembrolizumab with or without platinum chemotherapy

Up to 57 months

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

Up to 57 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Carboplatin
• Cisplatin
• Datopotamab Deruxtecan
• Pembrolizumab
• Pemetrexed

Trial Overview The trial is testing the effectiveness of Dato-DXd combined with pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab with pemetrexed and platinum chemo in first-line treatment for advanced NSCLC. It aims to see which combination works better for patients who meet specific biological criteria.

Participant Groups

Group I: Dato-DXd + Pembrolizumab + Platinum Chemotherapy Experimental Treatment 4 Interventions

Participants will be randomized to receive 6.0mg/kg Dato-DXd plus 200 mg pembrolizumab plus platinum chemotherapy (cisplatin 75 mg/m\^2 or carboplatin area under the curve \[AUC) 5\]).

Group II: Dato-DXd + Pembrolizumab Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Participants will be randomized to receive 6.0mg/kg Dato-DXd plus 200 mg pembrolizumab.

Group III: Pembrolizumab + Pemetrexed + Platinum Chemotherapy Active Control 4 Interventions

Participants will be randomized to receive 200 mg pembrolizumab plus 500 mg/m\^2 pemetrexed plus platinum chemotherapy (cisplatin 75 mg/m\^2 or carboplatin area under the curve \[AUC) 5\]).

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

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Daiichi Sankyo

Lead Sponsor

Trials

443

Recruited

493,000+

Hiroyuki Okuzawa

Daiichi Sankyo

Chief Executive Officer

Degree in Social Sciences from Hitotsubashi University

Yuki Abe

Daiichi Sankyo

Chief Medical Officer since 2023

MD

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

Lead Sponsor

Trials

390

Recruited

442,000+

Yuki Abe

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

Chief Medical Officer since 2022

MD

Hiroyuki Okuzawa

Daiichi Sankyo, Inc.

Chief Executive Officer

Degree in Social Sciences from Hitotsubashi University

AstraZeneca

Industry Sponsor

Trials

4,491

Recruited

290,540,000+

Sir Pascal Soriot

AstraZeneca

Chief Executive Officer since 2012

Veterinary Medicine from École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, MBA from HEC Paris

Dr. Cristian Massacesi

AstraZeneca

Chief Medical Officer since 2021

MD from Marche Polytechnic University, Oncology training at Royal Marsden Hospital, Kaplan Comprehensive Cancer Center, and European Institute of Oncology

Pascal Soriot

AstraZeneca

Chief Executive Officer since 2012

Veterinary Medicine from École nationale vétérinaire d'Alfort, MBA from HEC Paris

Cristian Massacesi

AstraZeneca

Chief Medical Officer since 2021

MD from Marche Polytechnic University, Medical Oncology training at Royal Marsden Hospital, Kaplan Comprehensive Cancer Center, and European Institute of Oncology

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Industry Sponsor

Trials

4,096

Recruited

5,232,000+

Chirfi Guindo

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Chief Marketing Officer since 2022

Degree in Engineering from Ecole Centrale de Paris, MBA from New York University Stern School of Business

Robert M. Davis

Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Chief Executive Officer since 2021

JD from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Bachelor's in Finance from Miami University

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.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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 phase II trial involving 15 patients with resectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), neoadjuvant treatment with pembrolizumab showed a major pathologic response in 27% of patients, indicating promising antitumor activity before surgery.

The treatment was found to be feasible and safe, with only 33% of patients experiencing moderate adverse events, and no postoperative mortality, suggesting that pembrolizumab does not compromise surgical outcomes.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neoadjuvant anti-programmed death-1 immunotherapy by pembrolizumab in resectable non-small cell lung cancer: First clinical experience. Eichhorn, F., Klotz, LV., Kriegsmann, M., et al.[2022]

Pemetrexed is an effective cytotoxic agent approved for first-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in combination with cisplatin, showing promise in phase II and III trials.

The toxicity profile of pemetrexed is comparable to other NSCLC treatments, making it a safe option for patients, and its use in postinduction maintenance therapy is currently being evaluated in a phase III study.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pemetrexed as first-line therapy for non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. Ricciardi, S., Tomao, S., de Marinis, F.[2021]

Pemetrexed (Alimta) shows a response rate of 16%-23% as a single agent for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and a higher response rate of 38.9%-44.8% when combined with cisplatin, leading to a median survival of 8.9-10.9 months.

The main side effect of pemetrexed is neutropenia, but this can be mitigated with vitamin B12 and folate supplements, highlighting the importance of supportive care in enhancing treatment safety.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pemetrexed (Alimta): a new antifolate for non-small-cell lung cancer. Ettinger, DS.[2017]

In a study of 109 patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, the combination of pemetrexed and carboplatin followed by pemetrexed maintenance showed similar efficacy in elderly patients (≥70 years) compared to younger patients, with median progression-free survival of 5.2 months for the elderly versus 5.8 months for younger patients.

While elderly patients experienced more frequent grade 3/4 hematologic toxicities, these were manageable through dose adjustments, and non-hematologic toxicities were similar to those seen in younger patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pemetrexed and carboplatin combination therapy followed by pemetrexed maintenance in Japanese patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer: A subgroup analysis of elderly patients. Nogami, N., Nishio, M., Okamoto, I., et al.[2022]

Pemetrexed, an antifolate drug used for lung cancer treatment, can cause severe skin reactions like toxic epidermal necrolysis, as seen in a case involving a 58-year-old woman with a history of Sharp's syndrome.

While skin toxicity is a known side effect of pemetrexed, severe reactions are rare, highlighting the need for caution when administering this drug to patients with prior radiation therapy or existing skin conditions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Toxic epidermal necrolysis after pemetrexed and cisplatin for non-small cell lung cancer in a patient with sharp syndrome. Then, C., von Einem, JC., Müller, D., et al.[2015]

In a meta-analysis of 486 patients with advanced non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer, the pemetrexed plus carboplatin regimen at 5 mg/min•mL (PCb5) showed a significantly lower incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) compared to the 6 mg/min•mL (PCb6) regimen, including less thrombocytopenia, anemia, and fatigue.

Despite the differences in safety profiles, both PCb5 and PCb6 regimens demonstrated similar efficacy outcomes in terms of overall survival and progression-free survival, indicating that PCb5 may be a safer option without compromising treatment effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Meta-analysis of pemetrexed plus carboplatin doublet safety profile in first-line non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer studies. Okamoto, I., Schuette, WH., Stinchcombe, TE., et al.[2018]

Pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, can cause pneumonitis in 1%-5% of patients, and this case report highlights an atypical presentation of this side effect in a patient with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma.

The patient was successfully treated with steroid therapy after ruling out other potential causes, leading to complete resolution of the pneumonitis, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and managing atypical cases of checkpoint inhibitor-pneumonitis.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Recurrent and atypical immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced pneumonitis. Jeon, WJ., Nguyen, J., Castillo, DR., et al.[2023]

The combination of pemetrexed, platinum, and pembrolizumab shows manageable toxicity, with most severe adverse events occurring early in treatment and resolving within two weeks, indicating a favorable safety profile for long-term use.

While there was a slightly higher incidence of renal toxicity in patients receiving the pembrolizumab combination compared to those on pemetrexed alone, this did not increase with longer treatment durations, supporting the regimen's safety in clinical practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety of pemetrexed plus platinum in combination with pembrolizumab for metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer: A post hoc analysis of KEYNOTE-189. Garon, EB., Aerts, J., Kim, JS., et al.[2023]

The TROPION-Lung08 phase III study is investigating the combination of datopotamab deruxtecan (Dato-DXd) and pembrolizumab as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have high PD-L1 expression and no actionable genomic alterations, aiming to improve long-term disease control compared to pembrolizumab alone.

Primary endpoints of the study include progression-free survival and overall survival, with secondary endpoints assessing response rates and safety, indicating a comprehensive evaluation of the new treatment's efficacy and safety profile.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

TROPION-Lung08: phase III study of datopotamab deruxtecan plus pembrolizumab as first-line therapy for advanced NSCLC. Levy, BP., Felip, E., Reck, M., et al.[2023]

In a study involving 74 patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer, the combination of pembrolizumab with platinum-based chemotherapy showed promising antitumor activity, with objective response rates of 48% to 75% across different treatment cohorts.

The treatment was generally well-tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities reported, although 40% to 46% of patients experienced grade 3/4 adverse events, which aligns with the known side effects of platinum-based chemotherapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pembrolizumab and platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line therapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: Phase 1 cohorts from the KEYNOTE-021 study. Gadgeel, SM., Stevenson, JP., Langer, CJ., et al.[2019]

In patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) expressing PD-L1 in ≥50% of tumor cells, pembrolizumab significantly improves progression-free and overall survival compared to traditional platinum-based chemotherapy.

Combining pembrolizumab with standard chemotherapy (pemetrexed and a platinum drug) enhances survival outcomes regardless of PD-L1 expression, indicating a broader efficacy of this combination therapy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Combined Checkpoint Inhibition and Chemotherapy: New Era of 1st-Line Treatment for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. Wang, C., Kulkarni, P., Salgia, R.[2020]

References

1. China pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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]

2. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neoadjuvant anti-programmed death-1 immunotherapy by pembrolizumab in resectable non-small cell lung cancer: First clinical experience. [2022]

3. New Zealand pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pemetrexed as first-line therapy for non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer. [2021]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pemetrexed (Alimta): a new antifolate for non-small-cell lung cancer. [2017]

5. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pemetrexed and carboplatin combination therapy followed by pemetrexed maintenance in Japanese patients with non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer: A subgroup analysis of elderly patients. [2022]

6. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Toxic epidermal necrolysis after pemetrexed and cisplatin for non-small cell lung cancer in a patient with sharp syndrome. [2015]

7. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Meta-analysis of pemetrexed plus carboplatin doublet safety profile in first-line non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer studies. [2018]

8. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Recurrent and atypical immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced pneumonitis. [2023]

9. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Safety of pemetrexed plus platinum in combination with pembrolizumab for metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer: A post hoc analysis of KEYNOTE-189. [2023]

10. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

TROPION-Lung08: phase III study of datopotamab deruxtecan plus pembrolizumab as first-line therapy for advanced NSCLC. [2023]

11. Ireland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Pembrolizumab and platinum-based chemotherapy as first-line therapy for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: Phase 1 cohorts from the KEYNOTE-021 study. [2019]

12. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Combined Checkpoint Inhibition and Chemotherapy: New Era of 1st-Line Treatment for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer. [2020]