Pembrolizumab + Chemotherapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial studies the side effects of pembrolizumab with or without chemotherapy in treating patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer that has come back (recurrent) and has spread to other places in the body (advanced). Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as pemetrexed and carboplatin, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Giving pembrolizumab with or without chemotherapy may shrink the tumor in older patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What safety data exists for the combination of Pembrolizumab and Chemotherapy in treating non-small cell lung cancer?
Pembrolizumab, when combined with chemotherapy drugs like carboplatin and pemetrexed, has been studied for safety in treating non-small cell lung cancer. Some patients may experience side effects such as pneumonitis (lung inflammation) and scleroderma-like changes (skin thickening), but these are not common. Safety analyses have been conducted to monitor adverse events, including those affecting the kidneys.12345
How is the drug combination of pembrolizumab, carboplatin, and pemetrexed unique for treating non-small cell lung cancer?
This drug combination is unique because it combines pembrolizumab, an immune system booster, with chemotherapy drugs carboplatin and pemetrexed, leading to better survival rates for patients with non-small cell lung cancer compared to chemotherapy alone. It is effective regardless of PD-L1 expression, a protein that can affect how well the immune system fights cancer.12367
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug combination of pembrolizumab, carboplatin, and pemetrexed for non-small cell lung cancer?
Who Is on the Research Team?
Aminah Jatoi, MD
Principal Investigator
Mayo Clinic
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for patients aged 70 or older with advanced non-small cell lung cancer that has returned and spread. Participants must have proper organ function, no untreated brain metastases, be off corticosteroids, speak English to complete questionnaires, and not plan other cancer treatments within 3 months of joining.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive pembrolizumab with or without chemotherapy every 21 days
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Carboplatin
- Pembrolizumab
- Pemetrexed
Carboplatin is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator