Pembrolizumab With or Without Maintenance Sacituzumab Tirumotecan (Sac-TMT; MK-2870) in Metastatic Squamous Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) [MK-2870-023]

This study is specifically for adults aged 18 or older who have been diagnosed with squamous non-small cell lung cancer that has spread (stage IV).

To be considered, your doctors must be able to measure your cancer, and you should generally feel well enough to take part, with a good quality of life expected for at least three months. You'll also need to provide a sample of your cancer tissue. The study has specific health requirements, for example, your organs like your kidneys and liver need to be working properly.

If you have conditions like HIV, Hepatitis B, or Hepatitis C, you might still be able to join if these conditions are well-managed with treatment. Also, any side effects from previous cancer treatments should have mostly improved before you start the study. For those continuing into the second part of the study, your cancer should not have grown during the initial treatment phase.

Taking part in this study involves a few stages. First, everyone will receive an initial treatment for about 12 weeks. This involves an IV drip of Pembrolizumab, Carboplatin, and either Paclitaxel or Nab-paclitaxel, given every three weeks. During this time, you will have regular clinic visits, blood tests, and scans to check on your health and how the treatment is working. You'll also need to provide a sample of your cancer tissue.

After these first 12 weeks, if your cancer hasn't progressed, you will then be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. One group will continue with Pembrolizumab alone, and the other will receive Pembrolizumab plus sac-TMT. Both drugs are given by IV drip. You’ll have ongoing visits, tests, and scans to monitor your health and the treatment's effect. The total duration of your participation will depend on how you respond to the treatment and for how long the treatment benefits you.