NCT07140315 · Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
DK222 Study at Hopkins
What this study is about
This Phase 1 clinical trial will test a new drug called \[18F\]DK222 in people with cancer. The goal is to see if the drug is safe, how it spreads through the body, how long it stays in the body, and how much radiation it gives off. \[18F\]DK222 is designed to attach strongly and specifically to a protein called PD-L1, which helps cancer hide from the immune system.
View original scientific description
This Phase 1 clinical trial will test a new drug called \[18F\]DK222 in people with cancer. The goal is to see if the drug is safe, how it spreads through the body, how long it stays in the body, and how much radiation it gives off. \[18F\]DK222 is designed to attach strongly and specifically to a protein called PD-L1, which helps cancer hide from the immune system. This is a first in human study to collect preliminary safety and toxicity data of \[18F\]DK222.
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
- Subjects must sign informed consent prior to inclusion in this trial.
- Subjects must be ≥18 years of age and competent to give informed consent.
- Subjects must be diagnosed with histologically confirmed NSCLC or UC and eligible for anti-PD(L)-1 therapy.
- PD-L1 immunohistochemistry result using a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) assay must be available or if not available then sufficient tissue must be available to perform PD-L1 testing.
- Subjects must score at least 0 to 2 on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status.
- Subjects must have adequate organ function as defined by the following laboratory values (determined within 28 days prior to randomization/registration) or as deemed not clinically significant by physician on record:
- White blood cells (WBC) ≥ 2000 /μL
- Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1500 /μL
- Platelets ≥ 100 x103 /μL
- Hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dL or ≥ 5.6 mmol/L
- Serum creatinine ≤ 1.5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) or creatinine clearance greater than or equal to 60 ml/min (using the Cockcroft-Gault formula)
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 3 times ULN
- Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 times ULN (Except patients with the Gilbert Syndrome, for whom a maximum of ≤ 3.0 mg/dL is acceptable)
- Women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) should have a negative serum pregnancy test within 24 hours prior to receiving the first administration \[18F\]DK222. Women with non-childbearing potential may be included if either surgically sterile or have been postmenopausal for ≥ 1 year.
- WOCBP and men who are sexually active with WOCBP must agree to use appropriate method(s) of contraception.
Exclusion criteria
- Prior treatment, in either de novo disease or during this recurrence, with an anti-PD-L1 or anti-PD-L2 antibody. A minimum of 4 month washout period is required for patients treated with anti-PD-L1 or anti-PD-L2 therapy. Patients with disease that was previously treated with anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, anti-PD-L2 antibody, or any other antibody or drug specifically targeting T-cell co-stimulation or immune checkpoint pathways, but now have a new recurrence, would be eligible.
- Subjects who have not recovered to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0 Grade 1 or better from the adverse events due to previous cancer therapy.
- Treatment with corticosteroids in an increasing dosage in the 7 days prior to the first administration of anti-PD1. (A stable or decreasing dosage of ≤ 10 mg dexamethasone or equivalent is allowed. In addition, inhaled or topical steroids and adrenal replacement doses are permitted in the absence of active autoimmune disease.)
- A severe hypersensitivity reaction to prior treatment with a monoclonal antibody, or known hypersensitivity to study drugs components.
- Any serious or uncontrolled medical disorder or active infection that, in the opinion of the investigator, may increase the risk associated with study participation, study drug administration, or would impair the ability of the patients to receive protocol therapy.
- Women of childbearing potential with a positive serum or urine pregnancy test (minimum sensitivity 10 IU/L or equivalent units of HCG) within 24 hours prior to the start of imaging.
- Breastfeeding women.
- Inability to comply with other requirements of the protocol.
Where
- Baltimore, Maryland
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 May 22, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations