NCT06364917 · University of Alabama at Birmingham
DISCERN: Dual Versus Single ICB in PDL-1 Negative NSCLC
What this study is about
The purpose of this study, known as DISCERN, is to compare two different treatments for a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that does not show a marker known as PD-L1. This study will help us understand if using two types of immune therapy together with chemotherapy is better than using one type of immune therapy with chemotherapy.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study, known as DISCERN, is to compare two different treatments for a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that does not show a marker known as PD-L1. This study will help us understand if using two types of immune therapy together with chemotherapy is better than using one type of immune therapy with chemotherapy. We're doing this by looking at changes in the subject's cancer's DNA in the blood after starting treatment.
Interventions
DRUG
Pembrolizumab
The dosing regimens for Pembrolizumab (200 mg Q3W), are based on established FDA-approved dosages for the treatment of NSCLC, ensuring a balance between efficacy and tolerability. These doses are selected based on extensive clinical experience indicating optimal response rates with manageable safety profiles in the target population. The route of administration (intravenous) is chosen for its direct delivery into the bloodstream, ensuring maximum bioavailability and consistency of dosing.
DRUG
Carboplatin
The combination therapy dosages for Carboplatin are aligned with standard chemotherapy protocols for NSCLC, tailored to minimize toxicity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. This dosing strategy is justified by previous phase 3 trials demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of these regimens in advanced NSCLC patients.
DRUG
Paclitaxel
The combination therapy dosages for Paclitaxel are aligned with standard chemotherapy protocols for NSCLC, tailored to minimize toxicity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. This dosing strategy is justified by previous phase 3 trials demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of these regimens in advanced NSCLC patients.
DRUG
Pemetrexed
The combination therapy dosages for Pemetrexed are aligned with standard chemotherapy protocols for NSCLC, tailored to minimize toxicity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. This dosing strategy is justified by previous phase 3 trials demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of these regimens in advanced NSCLC patients.
DRUG
Nivolumab
The dosing regimens for Nivolumab (360 mg Q3W) are based on established FDA-approved dosages for the treatment of NSCLC, ensuring a balance between efficacy and tolerability. These doses are selected based on extensive clinical experience indicating optimal response rates with manageable safety profiles in the target population. The route of administration (intravenous) is chosen for its direct delivery into the bloodstream, ensuring maximum bioavailability and consistency of dosing.
DRUG
Ipilimumab
The dosing regimens for Ipilimumab (1 mg/kg Q6W) are based on established FDA-approved dosages for the treatment of NSCLC, ensuring a balance between efficacy and tolerability. These doses are selected based on extensive clinical experience indicating optimal response rates with manageable safety profiles in the target population. The route of administration (intravenous) is chosen for its direct delivery into the bloodstream, ensuring maximum bioavailability and consistency of dosing.
Primary outcome measures
Rate of Molecular Response in Patients with PD-L1 Negative Advanced NSCLC Treated with Dual vs. Single ICB Plus CT Regimens
Time frame: Baseline to 64 days (C4D1)
To assess and quantify the rate of molecular response, defined as the complete disappearance of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from baseline levels, by Cycle 4 Day 1 (C4D1). This study compares patients with PD-L1 negative advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are treated with a dual immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) plus chemotherapy (CT) strategy against those receiving a single ICB plus CT regimen. The objective explores whether the addition of a second ICB enhances the molecular response when integrated into standard chemoimmunotherapy protocols in this specific patient population.
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
- Provision of signed and dated informed consent form.
- Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study.
- Male or female aged 18 years or older.
- Participants must have histologically or cytologically confirmed non-small cell lung cancer which is stage IV
- Participants should not have a known sensitizing mutation for which an FDA-approved. targeted therapy for NSCLC exists in first line (e.g., EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, RET, NTRK, and MET sensitizing mutations
- Participants should not have received prior systemic anticancer therapy for advanced or metastatic disease. For patients who are recently diagnosed and received one cycle of chemotherapy while awaiting NGS/PDL-1 testing are allowed on study after discussion with medical monitor.
- Participants should have measurable disease based on RECIST 1.1 as determined by the local site investigator/radiology assessment. Target lesions situated in a previously irradiated area are considered measurable if progression has been demonstrated in such lesions.
- Participants should have a life expectancy of at least 3 months.
- Participants should have a performance status of 0, 1 or 2 on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status
- Participants should have provided tumor tissue from locations not radiated prior to biopsy; fresh formalin fixed specimens or archival samples which have been determined as PD-L1 status \<1% or negative prior to randomization.
- Participants should have been evaluated for circulating tumor DNA at baseline which has been determined to be detected, present or positive.
- Participants with CNS metastases are eligible if all metastases have been treated and have remained stable without growth for at least 2 weeks post-treatment, the participant's neurological status has returned to baseline or remained stable for at least 2 weeks, and any use of corticosteroids for CNS metastases is at a dose of ≤10 mg daily prednisone (or an equivalent dose of another corticosteroid) and has been stable for at least 2 weeks before enrollment.
- Participants should have adequate organ function to be able to safely receive the approved standard of care regimens per the current FDA approved package insert, treating investigators discretion and institutional guidelines.
- For females of reproductive potential: Negative urine and serum pregnancy test within 72 hours prior to receiving the first dose of study medication. If the urine test is positive or cannot be confirmed as negative, serum pregnancy test will be required. Participants should be willing to use an adequate method of contraception for the course of the study through 120 days after last dose of study medication or through 180 days after last dose of chemotherapeutic agents. Abstinence is acceptable if this is the usual lifestyle and preferred contraception for the subject.
- For males of reproductive potential: use of condoms or other methods to ensure effective contraception with partner. Abstinence is acceptable if this is the usual lifestyle and preferred contraception for the subject.
Exclusion criteria
- Is currently participating and receiving study therapy or has participated in a study of an investigational agent and received study therapy within 4 weeks prior to administration of study regimen.
- Has received a live-virus vaccination within 30 days of planned treatment start. Seasonal flu vaccines that do not contain live virus are permitted.
- Has clinically active diverticulitis, intra-abdominal abscess, GI obstruction, abdominal carcinomatosis.
- Prior treatment or history of allergy/hypersensitivity with anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, anti-PD-L2, anti-CTLA-4, or other specific T-cell co-stimulation or checkpoint targeting drugs.
- Has a known sensitivity to any component of cisplatin, carboplatin, paclitaxel or pemetrexed
- Participants with carcinomatous meningitis
- Participants with active or suspected autoimmune diseases are excluded, with the following exceptions allowed: vitiligo, well-controlled type I diabetes mellitus, residual hypothyroidism due to autoimmune condition requiring hormone replacement, psoriasis not requiring systemic treatment, or conditions not expected to recur in the absence of an external trigger.
- Individuals who have received systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications within the last 14 days prior to enrollment are excluded. Exceptions are made for topical, inhaled, nasal, ophthalmic steroids, or systemic corticosteroids at physiological doses not to exceed 10 mg/day of prednisone or an equivalent corticosteroid.
- Participants with a history of ILD, or those who are suspected of having symptomatic ILD, or those with pneumonitis.
- Individuals with a positive test for HIV, Hep B or Hep C are excluded unless it is well-controlled with no increased risk of immunosuppression and with no potential drug interactions with current antiviral therapy.
- Participants with a history of other malignancies are excluded, except for those with basal cell carcinoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, carcinoma in situ of the breast, or any cancer in situ that has been treated curatively, and the participant has been in complete remission for more than two years with any cancer prior to the start of the study.
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
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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 15, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations