A phase 1b study of an autologous dendritic cell immunotherapy in combination with anti-programmed death-1 treatment in patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer (DARE-LUNG)
This study, called DARE-LUNG, is for people with lung cancer that has spread (metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer). Doctors are trying out a new treatment that uses your own immune cells to create a special vaccine. This vaccine is then given alongside a standard type of cancer medicine called an anti-programmed death-1 treatment. The main goal is to find out if this new combination is safe and what side effects it might have. Researchers will also look at how well it helps control the cancer and improve quality of life. This is an early-stage study, which means it’s one of the first times this new combination is being tested in people.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study, known as DARE-LUNG, is exploring a new way to treat a type of lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. This specific type is called metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. The research is focusing on a new treatment that involves creating a special vaccine using cells from your own body. This vaccine is designed to help your immune system fight the cancer more effectively. Importantly, this vaccine is given together with another cancer medicine that is already used for lung cancer.
The main purpose of this study is to check the safety of this new combination treatment. The doctors want to understand what side effects people might experience and how well the body tolerates the treatment. This is a very early stage of research, so it's about making sure the treatment is safe before moving on to larger studies. They will also be looking to see if the treatment helps to shrink the cancer or stop it from growing, and how it impacts people's general well-being.
By combining a personalized vaccine with an existing treatment, researchers hope to find a more effective way to help people with this kind of lung cancer. The information gathered from this study will be used to understand if this new approach has the potential to become a future treatment option.
Key takeaways
- It's an early-stage study for advanced lung cancer.
- Combines a special vaccine (made from your own cells) with an existing medicine.
- Main focus is to check treatment safety and side effects.
- Researchers will also look at how effective it is and its impact on quality of life.
- Open to adults aged 18 and over, both men and women.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, people need to be at least 18 years old. There is no upper age limit, meaning older adults can also be considered.
The study is open to both men and women, regardless of their gender. Other specific health requirements, which a doctor will explain, will also need to be met to ensure it's safe for you to take part.
- Are you at least 18 years old?
- Do you have non-small-cell lung cancer that has spread?
- Are you able to attend regular hospital visits?
- Are you willing to have blood samples taken for the vaccine?
- Are you prepared to answer questions about your quality of life?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will receive two types of treatment: a personalised vaccine and an existing cancer medicine. The first step involves a procedure to collect some of your blood cells, which will then be used to create your special vaccine. You will have regular visits to the hospital for your treatments and to have check-ups.
During these visits, doctors and nurses will monitor your health closely, ask about any symptoms or side effects you might be having, and carry out tests like blood tests and scans. These assessments are important to make sure the treatment is safe for you and to see how well it's working. The side effects will be monitored from the start of your treatment until three months after your last vaccine dose. You will also be asked to fill out questionnaires about your quality of life.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- —Belgium
Common questions
What kind of cancer is this study for?
This study is for people with non-small-cell lung cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
What is the main goal of the study?
The main goal is to check how safe this new combination treatment is and what side effects people might experience.
What is a 'personalized vaccine' in this study?
It's a special vaccine made using your own immune cells, designed to help your body fight the cancer.
How long will the side effects be checked?
Side effects will be carefully watched from when you start treatment until three months after your last vaccine dose.
Will I have to fill out questionnaires?
Yes, you'll be asked to complete questionnaires about your quality of life before and during the treatment part of the study.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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