NCT07405086 · OHSU Knight Cancer Institute
Morning Versus Afternoon Administration of Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors, The Knight SHIFT Study
What this study is about
This phase IV trial is evaluating whether morning versus afternoon administration of the usual treatment immunotherapy impacts its effectiveness in treating patients with solid tumors that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced) or that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic). Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies may help the body's immune system attack the cancer and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Circadian rhythm refers to the internal biological clock in which various processes in the body, including immune cell activity, are controlled by the time of day. Exactly how this works is not fully understood, and the researchers want to see if circadian rhythm control of the immune system can influence response to immunotherapy based on whether it is given in the morning (before 11:00 am) or afternoon (12:00pm). The time of day that immunotherapy is given (morning versus afternoon) may impact the effectiveness in treating patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors.
View original scientific description
This phase IV trial is evaluating whether morning versus afternoon administration of standard of care immunotherapy impacts its effectiveness in treating patients with solid tumors that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced) or that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic). Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies may help the body's immune system attack the cancer and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Circadian rhythm refers to the internal biological clock in which various processes in the body, including immune cell activity, are controlled by the time of day. Exactly how this works is not fully understood, and the researchers want to see if circadian rhythm control of the immune system can influence response to immunotherapy based on whether it is given in the morning (before 11:00 am) or afternoon (12:00pm). The time of day that immunotherapy is given (morning versus afternoon) may impact the effectiveness in treating patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Must provide written informed consent before any study-specific procedures or interventions are performed
- Aged ≥ 18 years
- Histologically confirmed advanced/metastatic solid tumor as follows:
- Non small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) (driver-negative, immune checkpoint inhibitor \[ICI\]-eligible)
- Recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) (platinum-eligible),
- Renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
- Biliary-tract cancer (BTC)
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
- Planned to receive a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved immune check point inhibitor (e.g., anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, anti-CTLA4) regimen for the treatment of their malignancy
- Measurable disease per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1
Exclusion criteria
- Prior ICI-based regimen for treatment of cancer
- Current or prior use of immunosuppressive medication within 28 days before planned standard-of-care immunotherapy infusion, with the exception of intranasal and inhaled corticosteroids or systemic corticosteroids at physiological doses not exceeding 10 mg/day of prednisone (or equivalent corticosteroid)
- Uncontrolled autoimmune disease requiring immunosuppression
- Active, uncontrolled central nervous system (CNS) metastases
Where
- Portland, Oregon
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jun 12, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations