A phase II trial of Atezolizumab plus induction chemotherapy (CT) plus chemo-radiotherapy and Atezolizumab maintenance therapy in non-resectable stage IIIA-IIIB-IIIC non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients (APOLO)
This clinical trial is for people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (stages IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) that doctors cannot remove with surgery. The study is investigating a treatment plan that involves a drug called Tecentriq (also known as Atezolizumab). Patients will first receive Tecentriq along with chemotherapy, followed by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. After this, they will continue to receive Tecentriq on its own for a period of time. Researchers want to see if this combination helps keep the cancer from growing or spreading for longer than usual, and how safe and manageable these treatments are together. This is a Phase II trial, meaning it's still an early stage of testing.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This clinical trial, called APOLO, is looking for a better way to treat a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer, specifically when it's in more advanced stages (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and doctors can't operate to remove it. Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common kind of lung cancer.
The study combines several treatments. Participants will first receive a drug called Atezolizumab (brand name Tecentriq) along with standard chemotherapy, which uses strong drugs to kill cancer cells. After this initial phase, they will continue with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Finally, for a period, they will receive Atezolizumab on its own as a 'maintenance' treatment.
The main goal is to see if this combined treatment can keep the cancer from growing or spreading for at least 12 months. This is known as 'progression-free survival'. The researchers also want to understand how many people respond to the treatment, how long people live overall, and to identify any side effects or problems that might occur with this treatment combination. This is an important step in finding more effective ways to manage this type of lung cancer.
Key takeaways
- This study is for advanced non-small cell lung cancer that cannot be surgically removed.
- It combines an immunotherapy drug (Tecentriq) with chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- The main goal is to see if this treatment can keep the cancer from growing for at least 12 months.
- Researchers will also monitor safety and overall survival.
- Participation involves regular hospital visits for treatment and monitoring.
- All participants must be 18 years or older.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adult volunteers, aged 18 years or older, regardless of their gender. Everyone taking part should have been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer that is in stages IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and their doctors should have decided that surgery is not an option to remove the cancer.
To make sure the study results are clear and safe, there are often other specific health requirements or conditions that mean someone might not be able to join. For example, your general health, other medical conditions you might have, or previous treatments could affect whether you are suitable. These details would be discussed with you by the study doctor.
Since this is for advanced cancer that can't be removed by surgery, it's important that your cancer meets these specific criteria. The research team will do tests to confirm you fit all the requirements.
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?
- Have you been diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer?
- Is your lung cancer in stage IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC?
- Has your doctor told you the cancer cannot be removed with surgery?
- Are you generally well enough to undergo cancer treatments?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will receive a combination of treatments. This includes the drug Tecentriq (Atezolizumab) given through an infusion (into your vein), along with chemotherapy, and then chemotherapy combined with radiotherapy. After these initial treatments, you will continue to receive Tecentriq on its own as a long-term treatment meant to keep the cancer under control. You will have regular hospital visits for your treatments and to have check-ups, scans, and blood tests to monitor your health, how the treatment is working, and to look for any side effects. The exact number of visits and the full duration of your participation, including follow-up appointments after treatment ends, will be explained in detail by the study team.
Potential risks and benefits
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Common questions
What is Atezolizumab (Tecentriq)?
Atezolizumab is a type of immunotherapy drug that helps your body's immune system fight cancer cells using your natural defences.
What does 'non-resectable' mean?
It means the cancer is in a place or has spread in a way that doctors can't remove it completely with surgery.
What is Progression-Free Survival (PFS)?
PFS means how long a person lives with the disease without it getting worse or spreading. The study aims to see if the treatment can keep the cancer stable for at least 12 months.
Is this a new treatment plan?
Yes, this study is testing a specific combination of treatments (Tecentriq, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy) to see if it works better than current approaches for this type of lung cancer.
What is a 'Phase II' trial?
Phase II trials are an early stage where researchers test if a new treatment is effective and safe in a larger group of people than a Phase I trial. If successful, it might move to a larger Phase III trial.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
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