Phase Ib/II trial of the combination of atezolizumab with dendritic cell vaccination as maintenance treatment in patients with extensive stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) after induction treatment.
This research study is for people with extensive small cell lung cancer who have completed their first course of treatment. The study is testing a new combination of treatments: a drug called Tecentriq (atezolizumab) and a special vaccine made from your own cells and cancer samples. This vaccine aims to help your immune system fight the cancer. We want to see if this combined treatment, given after initial therapy, can keep the cancer from growing for longer. Researchers will be carefully monitoring how well the treatment works and its effects on patients' health and quality of life. This is a Phase 1b/2 study, meaning it's still in relatively early stages, looking at both safety and how effective the treatment is.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is exploring a new approach to help people with advanced small cell lung cancer. Small cell lung cancer can be aggressive, and after initial treatments like chemotherapy, there's a need for ways to keep the cancer from coming back or growing. This research focuses on 'maintenance treatment', which means giving treatment after the initial intensive therapy to try and keep the cancer under control for longer.
The study combines two types of treatment: a well-known immunotherapy drug called atezolizumab (brand name Tecentriq) and a unique vaccine. Atezolizumab works by helping your body's immune system recognise and fight cancer cells. The vaccine is special because it's made using your own cells and samples from your tumour. The idea behind this personalised vaccine is to 'teach' your immune system to target your specific cancer cells more effectively. Researchers hope that by giving these two treatments together, they can boost the body's natural defences against the cancer.
The main goal of this study is to see how many people stay alive and free from their cancer growing for at least six months after starting this maintenance treatment. Researchers will also look at how long people live overall, how long they benefit from the treatment, and how their cancer responds. This information will help doctors understand if this new combination could be a useful option for future patients.
Key takeaways
- This study explores a new treatment combination for advanced small cell lung cancer.
- It combines an immunotherapy drug (Tecentriq) with a personalised vaccine made from your own cells.
- The goal is to stop cancer growth for longer after initial treatment.
- It's a research study, so the benefits and risks are not fully known yet.
- Adults with extensive small cell lung cancer who have responded to initial treatment may be eligible.
Who may be eligible?
This study is designed for adults, aged 18 and older, diagnosed with extensive small cell lung cancer. Extensive means the cancer has spread beyond one lung or to other parts of the body.
To be considered for this study, you must have finished your initial treatments for the cancer, such as chemotherapy, and your cancer needs to be stable or have responded well to those treatments. This study is specifically for people whose cancer is under some control after their first course of therapy, as it’s looking at maintenance treatment to keep it that way.
There will also be other specific medical requirements that your doctors will check, such as your overall health, how well your organs are working, and whether you have other medical conditions that might affect your safety in the study. Both men and women are welcome to participate.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Do you have extensive small cell lung cancer?
- Have you finished your initial cancer treatment (like chemotherapy)?
- Did your cancer respond to or stabilise after your initial treatment?
- Are you well enough to participate in a clinical study? (Your doctor will check this).
What does participation involve?
If you decide to join this study, you will receive the study treatments: atezolizumab and the personalised vaccine. You will have regular appointments and tests to monitor your health and how the treatment is working. This will likely involve blood tests, scans (like CT scans), and physical examinations at scheduled times throughout the study period. You will also be asked about any side effects you experience.
The vaccine component is made specifically for you, which requires a sample of your cancer tissue. The study will carefully track various measures to see if the treatment is preventing the cancer from growing and if it's improving how long patients live. The total duration of your participation will depend on how you respond to the treatment and the study's follow-up schedule, which can be several months or longer.
Potential risks and benefits
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Common questions
What is small cell lung cancer?
It's a type of lung cancer that tends to grow and spread quite quickly.
What is 'maintenance treatment'?
It's treatment given after initial therapy to try and keep the cancer under control for a longer time.
What is atezolizumab (Tecentriq)?
It's a medication that helps your body's immune system fight cancer cells.
How is the 'dendritic cell vaccine' made?
It's a special vaccine made using your own cells and samples from your cancer, designed to train your immune system.
What does a 'Phase Ib/II' study mean?
It means the study is looking at both the safety of the treatments and how well they work, usually after early-stage testing.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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