Ongoing Clinical Trials for Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma Stage III
There are currently 2 ongoing clinical trials exploring new treatment approaches for patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma stage III and related lung cancer types. These studies are investigating combinations of immunotherapy and chemotherapy drugs in Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, offering potential new options for patients with advanced disease who have exhausted standard treatment approaches.
Clinical trial locations
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Spain
Study on Atezolizumab, Carboplatin, and Etoposide for Adults with Advanced Large-Cell Neuroendocrine Lung Cancer
This trial, conducted in Germany, is investigating a combination treatment for patients with large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung, an aggressive type of lung cancer. The study tests whether adding atezolizumab, an immunotherapy drug, to standard chemotherapy can improve survival outcomes.
Main inclusion criteria:
- Diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung that cannot be cured with surgery or radiation
- If the cancer has mixed types, at least 50% must be large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma
- Have not received previous systemic therapy, or if previous curative treatment was given, the cancer must have returned at least 6 months after stopping treatment
- Planning to receive treatment with carboplatin or cisplatin and etoposide
- At least 18 years old
- Able to perform daily activities with an ECOG performance status of 0 to 2
- Have measurable disease that can be tracked using imaging
- Adequate organ function, including proper liver, kidney, and blood cell counts
Main exclusion criteria:
- Received any other cancer treatment within the last 4 weeks
- History of severe allergic reactions to the study drugs
- Active infections requiring treatment
- Other serious medical conditions that could interfere with the study
- Pregnant or breastfeeding
- Participated in another clinical trial within the last 4 weeks
- History of another type of cancer, unless it has been in remission for at least 5 years
- Brain metastases, unless they have been treated and are stable
- Active autoimmune diseases, unless they are in a stable condition
- History of drug or alcohol abuse within the last 12 months
Focus and goals: The main goal is to evaluate whether combining atezolizumab with platinum-based chemotherapy and etoposide can improve overall survival and delay disease progression in patients with this aggressive form 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 trial will also carefully track any side effects participants experience.
Investigational drugs: The study uses three main medications administered through intravenous infusion. Atezolizumab is an immunotherapy drug that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells by blocking a protein that allows cancer to hide. Platinum drugs (carboplatin or cisplatin) are chemotherapy agents that damage cancer cell DNA to stop them from growing and dividing. Etoposide is another chemotherapy medication that interferes with cancer cell DNA to prevent their growth and division.
Study on the Effect of Ivonescimab, Pemetrexed, and Carboplatin in Patients with Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with EGFR Mutation After Previous Treatment
This international trial, taking place in France, Italy, and Spain, is designed for patients with non-small cell lung cancer that has specific genetic changes called EGFR mutations. The study is specifically for patients whose cancer has continued to grow despite previous treatment with EGFR-targeted medications.
Main inclusion criteria:
- Performance status of 0 or 1, meaning you are fully active or have some symptoms but can still do light work
- Life expectancy of at least 3 months
- Locally advanced or metastatic non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer that cannot be treated with surgery, radiation, or standard chemotherapy
- Confirmed presence of EGFR activating mutations by laboratory testing
- Previously received treatment with EGFR-TKI medications that did not work
- At least one measurable tumor outside the brain
- Major organs functioning well enough to tolerate treatment
- If of childbearing potential, must agree to use effective contraception during the study
Main exclusion criteria:
- Do not have EGFR-mutant non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer that has spread or is locally advanced
- Have not previously been treated with EGFR-TKI therapy
- Not within the specified age range for the study
- Part of a vulnerable population requiring special protection or care
Focus and goals: The trial aims to evaluate whether adding the experimental drug ivonescimab to standard chemotherapy (pemetrexed and carboplatin) can improve survival and slow disease progression compared to chemotherapy alone. This is a double-blind study, meaning neither patients nor researchers know who receives the experimental drug or placebo, helping ensure unbiased results. The study will assess overall survival, progression-free survival, and monitor for side effects and the body’s immune response to the treatment.
Investigational drugs: The study uses a combination of medications given through intravenous infusion. Ivonescimab (also known as AK112 or SMT112) is an experimental medication being tested to see if it can help patients whose cancer has continued growing after EGFR-targeted therapy. Pemetrexed is a chemotherapy drug that stops cancer cell growth by interfering with their ability to make and repair DNA. Carboplatin is a chemotherapy medication that damages cancer cell DNA to prevent them from dividing and growing. These drugs are used in combination to potentially enhance treatment effectiveness.
Summary
Currently, two clinical trials are available for patients with advanced lung cancer types related to lung squamous cell carcinoma stage III. These studies are geographically distributed across Europe, with one trial in Germany focusing on large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, and another multi-country trial in France, Italy, and Spain addressing EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer.
Both trials share a common approach of combining immunotherapy or experimental targeted therapy with platinum-based chemotherapy, reflecting current research directions in lung cancer treatment. The German trial uses atezolizumab, an approved immunotherapy drug, while the multi-country trial tests the experimental drug ivonescimab. Both studies target patients with advanced disease who have limited remaining treatment options, emphasizing the need for new therapeutic approaches in this patient population.
Patients interested in these trials should discuss eligibility requirements with their oncologist, as each study has specific criteria related to previous treatments, disease characteristics, and overall health status. The trials offer access to potentially promising treatment combinations while contributing to medical knowledge about managing these challenging forms of lung cancer.
