Atezolizumab + Talazoparib for Small Cell Lung Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to determine if combining two treatments, atezolizumab and talazoparib, is more effective than using atezolizumab alone for individuals with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. Atezolizumab, an immunotherapy, helps the immune system fight cancer, while talazoparib prevents cancer cells from repairing themselves, potentially slowing their growth. Candidates for this trial include those who have completed specific chemotherapy treatments for small cell lung cancer and have a confirmed SLFN11-positive tumor. As a Phase 2 trial, this research measures the treatment's effectiveness in an initial, smaller group, offering participants a chance to contribute to significant advancements in cancer therapy.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that participants do not take certain medications, such as strong P-glycoprotein inhibitors, P-glycoprotein inducers, or breast cancer resistance protein inhibitors, within 7 days before starting the trial and during the trial. If you are taking these medications, you may need to stop them.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research shows that atezolizumab and talazoparib are being tested together to treat small cell lung cancer. Atezolizumab, a type of immunotherapy, helps the immune system fight cancer. Talazoparib, a PARP inhibitor, prevents cancer cells from repairing themselves when damaged.
Previous studies suggest that these two drugs together may slow cancer growth. Regarding safety, earlier research found that atezolizumab is generally well-tolerated by patients with this type of lung cancer. Some side effects have been reported, but they are often manageable.
Talazoparib has been studied before and is approved for other types of cancer, indicating it is considered safe enough for use. However, like any medication, it can cause side effects, such as tiredness or low blood cell counts, but studies show these effects can often be controlled.
Overall, researchers are carefully studying the combination of atezolizumab and talazoparib to ensure it is safe and effective for patients.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?
Researchers are excited about the combination of atezolizumab and talazoparib for small cell lung cancer because it offers a novel approach to treatment. Atezolizumab is an immunotherapy that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, while talazoparib is a PARP inhibitor that prevents cancer cells from repairing their DNA, leading to cell death. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which attacks all rapidly dividing cells, this combination specifically targets cancer cell vulnerabilities, potentially increasing effectiveness and reducing side effects. This dual-action approach could offer new hope for better outcomes in small cell lung cancer, a condition with limited treatment options.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for small cell lung cancer?
This trial will compare the effects of atezolizumab alone with the combination of atezolizumab and talazoparib for treating extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). Research has shown that combining atezolizumab and talazoparib may be promising, especially in patients with the SLFN11-positive marker. Studies have found that these treatments together can help stop the cancer from growing or spreading for a longer time, improving progression-free survival (PFS). Specifically, patients who received both atezolizumab and talazoparib had better results compared to those who only took atezolizumab. This suggests that adding talazoparib, which prevents cancer cells from repairing themselves, might enhance the immune system's attack on the cancer. Overall, early results for this combination therapy are encouraging.12456
Who Is on the Research Team?
Nagla Abdel Karim
Principal Investigator
SWOG Cancer Research Network
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) confirmed by biopsy, who have completed initial treatment without disease progression or severe immune-related side effects. They must not have mixed SCLC/NSCLC histology, active pneumonitis, uncontrolled diseases like diabetes or infections, and no prior immunotherapy for SCLC. Participants need adequate organ function and cannot be pregnant or breastfeeding.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive atezolizumab alone or in combination with talazoparib as maintenance therapy
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Long-term follow-up
Participants are monitored for overall survival
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Atezolizumab
- Talazoparib
Talazoparib is already approved in United States, European Union for the following indications:
- Deleterious or suspected deleterious germline BRCA-mutated HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer
- Monotherapy for the treatment of adult patients with germline BRCA1/2 mutations, who have HER2-negative locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Lead Sponsor