Ongoing Clinical Trials for Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Metastatic
There are currently 2 ongoing clinical trials investigating new treatment combinations for metastatic lung squamous cell carcinoma. These studies are testing immunotherapy drugs combined with chemotherapy or radiotherapy to improve treatment outcomes for patients with advanced disease.
Clinical trial locations
- France
- Germany
Study on Atezolizumab, Carboplatin, and Etoposide for Adults with Advanced Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Lung Cancer
This trial is being conducted in Germany and focuses on testing a combination treatment for large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung. The study combines an immunotherapy drug called Atezolizumab with standard chemotherapy drugs Carboplatin (or Cisplatin) and Etoposide. The medications are given directly into the bloodstream through an intravenous infusion.
Who can participate:
To join this trial, you must be at least 18 years old and have been diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma that cannot be cured with surgery. You should not have received previous systemic treatment, although you may be eligible if you had curative treatment in the past and the cancer returned at least 6 months after stopping. The trial requires that you have measurable disease and can perform daily activities reasonably well (ECOG performance status of 0 to 2). Your liver and kidney function must be adequate, with specific limits on enzyme levels. You also need sufficient blood cell counts, including neutrophils of at least 1 Gpt/l and platelets greater than 50 Gpt/l.
Who cannot participate:
You cannot join this trial if you have received any other cancer treatment within the last 4 weeks, have severe allergies to the study drugs, or have active infections requiring treatment. The study excludes patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have participated in another clinical trial recently, or have a history of another cancer type (unless in remission for at least 5 years). People with untreated or unstable brain metastases, active autoimmune diseases, or a recent history of drug or alcohol abuse are also excluded.
What the trial aims to do:
The main goal is to evaluate how well Atezolizumab works when combined with platinum-based chemotherapy and Etoposide in improving survival for patients with this type of lung cancer. Researchers will monitor how the cancer responds to treatment, including changes in tumor size and how long it takes for the cancer to start growing again. The study will also carefully track any side effects that participants experience.
Investigational drugs being tested:
Atezolizumab is an immunotherapy that helps your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells by blocking a protective mechanism cancer uses to hide. Carboplatin and Cisplatin are platinum-based chemotherapy drugs that damage cancer cell DNA to stop them from growing. Etoposide is another chemotherapy drug that interferes with cancer cell division. Together, these medications work to fight the cancer from multiple angles.
Study on the Safety and Effects of Durvalumab and Tremelimumab with Radiotherapy for Patients with Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This trial is taking place in France and investigates a treatment approach combining two immunotherapy medications with precision radiation therapy for metastatic squamous cell carcinoma. The cancer types included can occur in various locations including the head and neck, lungs, esophagus, cervix, vagina, vulva, or anus.
Who can participate:
You must be 18 years or older with a confirmed diagnosis of metastatic squamous cell carcinoma in one of the specified body areas and must have received previous treatment. Your body must have adequate organ function, including sufficient white blood cells (neutrophils at least 1500 per mm3), platelets (at least 100,000 per mm3), and hemoglobin greater than 9 g/dL. Your liver and kidney function must meet specific requirements. You need at least two tumors: one that can be treated with radiation and another that will not receive radiation, plus at least one tumor that can be biopsied before and after treatment. Your performance status should be 0-1, meaning you can perform most daily activities with minimal restrictions. You must be willing and able to use effective birth control during the study if you are able to have children.
Who cannot participate:
The trial excludes patients who have had another type of cancer (with some exceptions for certain treated skin cancers), have active infections requiring antibiotics, or have a history of severe allergic reactions to similar medications. Pregnant or breastfeeding women cannot participate. People with autoimmune diseases, recent live vaccine administration (within 30 days), serious heart conditions, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or recent drug or alcohol abuse are also excluded. You cannot participate if you are currently in another clinical trial.
What the trial aims to do:
The study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of combining Durvalumab and Tremelimumab with stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT), a precise form of radiation treatment. The trial is divided into two phases: first assessing safety, then evaluating how well the treatment works in reducing cancer outside the area that receives radiation. Researchers will monitor participants closely with imaging tests and other medical assessments to track cancer response and any side effects.
Investigational drugs being tested:
Durvalumab works by blocking the PD-L1 protein, which helps cancer cells hide from the immune system. By blocking this protein, it allows the immune system to better recognize and destroy cancer cells. Tremelimumab blocks a different protein called CTLA-4, which normally slows down immune responses. By inhibiting this protein, it enhances the immune system’s ability to attack cancer. These two immunotherapy drugs are used together with SBRT, which delivers high doses of radiation precisely to cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue nearby.
Summary
Two clinical trials are currently investigating innovative treatment approaches for metastatic lung squamous cell carcinoma and related conditions. These studies are taking place in France and Germany, reflecting European efforts to advance cancer treatment options.
Both trials focus on immunotherapy approaches, using medications that help the immune system fight cancer. The German trial tests Atezolizumab combined with traditional chemotherapy, while the French study investigates a dual immunotherapy approach (Durvalumab and Tremelimumab) combined with precision radiation therapy. This variety of approaches reflects the medical community’s ongoing search for the most effective treatment combinations.
Participants in both trials must have adequate organ function and good performance status, demonstrating the importance of overall health in tolerating these intensive treatments. The studies exclude patients with certain medical conditions that could complicate treatment or make it unsafe. Both trials carefully monitor participants for treatment response and side effects, contributing valuable information to our understanding of these treatment approaches.
