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NCT06385262 · Duke University

TOP 2301: Neoadjuvant Chemo for NSCLC

What this study is about

This study was originally opened on 10/22/2024 as an where both patients and doctors know the treatment given, two-treatment group$1, randomly assigned phase 2 clinical trial, patients with clinical stage 1B-3A non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy and cemiplimab every 3 weeks for 3 cycles with or without alirocumab every 4 weeks prior to surgery.

View original scientific description

This study was originally opened on 10/22/2024 as an open-label, two-arm, randomized phase 2 clinical trial, patients with clinical stage 1B-3A non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy and cemiplimab every 3 weeks for 3 cycles with or without alirocumab every 4 weeks prior to surgery. As of 7/20/2026, the study was amended to a single arm receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy, cemiplimab every 3 weeks for 3 cycles and alirocumab every 4 weeks prior to surgery. The study hypothesis is that the addition of alirocumab to neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy will make tumor cells more immunogenic to cytotoxic T cells, resulting in an increase in complete pathologic responses in surgically resected tumor.

Interventions

DRUG

Alirocumab

300 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks prior to surgery

DRUG

Cemiplimab

350mg IV every 3 weeks prior to surgery

DRUG

Chemotherapy

Treating provider's choice of FDA approved platinum doublet chemotherapy IV every 3 weeks prior to surgery

Primary outcome measures

Evaluate the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate for neoadjuvant chemotherapy plus cemiplimab with alirocumab.

Time frame: 2 years

Pathologic complete response (pCR) is defined as a lack of all signs of cancer in tissue samples removed during surgery or biopsy after neoadjuvant therapy.

Determine the safety, and tolerability of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and cemiplimab with alirocumab in early-stage non-small cell lung cancer

Time frame: 2 years

Safety will be determined by evaluating the severe adverse events rate for the experimental therapy.

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

  • Age ≥ 18 years.
  • Histological/cytological diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Patient is eligible to enroll in the study based on clinical suspicion of NSCLC but are required to have a histological diagnosis of NSCLC in order to be eligible to receive treatment on study.
  • Clinical stage IB, IIA/IIB, or III (N0-2) amenable to surgical resection.
  • Agrees to research blood collections for study.
  • Deemed a surgical candidate.
  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1.
  • No prior chemotherapy, radiation therapy or biologic/targeted therapy for current diagnosis of lung cancer.
  • Measurable disease per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumours (RECIST) 1.1.
  • No active invasive malignancy in the past 2 years other than non-melanoma skin cancer. Cancers that are in-situ are not considered invasive.
  • Signed written informed consent including Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) according to institutional guidelines.
  • Sexually active males and females of reproductive potential must agree to use an appropriate contraceptive method during the study and for 120 days following the last dose of study drug.
  • Females of childbearing potential must test negative for pregnancy within 48 hours prior to any initial study procedure based on a serum pregnancy test. (If subject uses appropriate contraceptive methods from the time of the initial serum pregnancy test, then the subsequent pregnancy test can be done within 72 hours prior to start of study treatment. If appropriate contraceptive measures are not begun immediately with the first serum pregnancy test, then subsequent serum pregnancy tests must be done within 48 hours prior to the start of study treatment.)
  • Adequate organ function defined as:
  • Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1500 per uL
  • Platelets ≥ 100,000 per uL
  • Hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dL or ≥ 5.6 mmol/L without transfusion or growth factor dependency (within 7 days of assessment)
  • Serum creatinine ≤ 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) OR creatinine clearance (CrCl) or glomerular filtration rate (GFR) ≥ 60 mL/min for subject with creatinine levels \> 1.5 x ULN
  • Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x ULN OR direct bilirubin ≤ ULN for subjects with total bilirubin levels \> 1.5 ULN
  • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) \[serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT)\] and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) \[glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT)\]≤ 2.5 x ULN
  • Albumin ≥ 2.5 mg/dL
  • International Normalized Ratio (INR) or Prothrombin Time (PT) ≤ 1.5 x ULN unless subject is receiving anticoagulant therapy and within therapeutic range of intended use of anticoagulants
  • Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) ≤1.5 x ULN unless subject is receiving anticoagulant therapy and within therapeutic range of intended use of anticoagulants

Exclusion criteria

  • Currently participating and receiving study therapy or has participated in a study of an investigational agent and received study therapy or used an investigational device within 4 weeks of the first dose of study treatment.
  • Participants with known EGFR mutations, ALK translocation, or ROS1 translocation. If testing is done, an FDA-approved assay should be used.
  • Known history of active TB (Bacillus Tuberculosis).
  • Hypersensitivity to alirocumab or any of its excipients.
  • Concurrent administration of any other anti-tumor therapy.
  • Prior therapy with an anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L-1, or anti-PD-L2 agent.
  • Therapy with an anti-PCSK9 agent within 90 days of study entry.
  • Known active Hepatitis B (e.g., HBsAg reactive) or Hepatitis C (e.g., HCV RNA \[qualitative\] is detected).
  • Inability to comply with protocol or study procedures.
  • Active infection requiring antibiotics, antifungal or antiviral agents, that in the opinion of the investigator would compromise the patient's ability to tolerate therapy.
  • Known history of, or any evidence of active, non-infectious pneumonitis.
  • Uncontrolled infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) or HCV infection; or diagnosis of immunodeficiency. Exceptions:
  • Patients with HIV who have controlled infection (undetectable viral load and CD4 count above 350 either spontaneously or on a stable antiviral regimen) are permitted.
  • Patients with HBV (hepatitis B surface antigen positive) who have controlled infection (serum hepatitis B virus DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that is below the limit of detection AND receiving anti-viral therapy for hepatitis B) are permitted.
  • Patients who are HCV antibody positive (HCV Ab +) who have controlled infection (undetectable HCV RNA by PCR either spontaneously or in response to a successful prior course of anti-HCV therapy) are permitted.
  • Active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in the past 2 years (i.e. with use of disease modifying agents, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs). Replacement therapy (e.g. thyroxine, insulin or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency etc.) is not considered a form of systemic treatment. Patients with a history of inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease, are excluded from this study, as are patients with a history of symptomatic disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic progressive sclerosis \[scleroderma\], systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune vasculitis \[e.g. Wegener's Granulomatosis\]); motor neuropathy considered of autoimmune origin (e.g. Guillain-Barre Syndrome and Myasthenia Gravis).
  • Diagnosis of immunodeficiency or is receiving systemic steroid therapy or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to the first dose of study treatment.
  • Known additional invasive malignancy that is progressing or requires active treatment. Exceptions include basal cell carcinoma of the skin or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin that has undergone potentially curative therapy in situ cervical cancer.
  • Pregnant or breastfeeding, or expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the trial, starting with the pre-screening or screening visit through 120 days after the last dose of study treatment.
  • Major surgery (other than definitive lung cancer surgery) within two weeks of study or other serious concomitant disorders that in the opinion of the investigator would compromise the safety of the patient or compromise the patient's ability to complete the study.
  • Any non-oncology, live vaccine therapy used for prevention of infectious diseases within 30 days prior to start of study treatment. Note: Seasonal influenza vaccines for injection are generally inactivated flu vaccines and are allowed; however, intranasal influenza vaccines (e.g., Flu-Mist®) are live attenuated vaccines and are not allowed. Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines are also allowed.
  • Myocardial infarction having occurred less than 6 months prior to study enrollment, any known uncontrolled arrhythmia, symptomatic angina pectoris, active ischemia, or cardiac failure not controlled by medications. Patients with coronary artery disease treated with surgery and/or stent \> 6 months ago, if stable without symptomatic angina pectoris, active ischemia are eligible.
  • Known psychiatric or substance abuse disorders that would interfere with cooperation with the requirements of the trial.
  • Prisoners or subjects who are compulsorily detained (involuntarily incarcerated) for treatment of either psychiatric or physical (e.g., infectious) illness.

Where

  • Durham, North Carolina

Collaborators

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals

Related conditions & keywords

Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

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 Oct 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

📊
1 of 63 participants interested
2% interest

See if this study fits

A short prescreen based on this study's listed criteria. A coordinator confirms eligibility — this is not a medical assessment.

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Study locations

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RECRUITING

Durham

North Carolina

Location available

Express your interest

Share your contact details and a study coordinator can follow up about screening.

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Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

What participation can include

  • Study-related care provided by the research team
  • Close monitoring by medical professionals
  • Possible compensation for time and travel*
  • The option to withdraw at any time
  • Contributing to medical research that may help future patients

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Typical next steps

  1. 1.Submit this form
  2. 2.Phone screening
  3. 3.In-person assessment if eligible
  4. 4.Begin participation

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Looking for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment in Durham?

Join others in North Carolina exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Non Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment Options in Durham, North Carolina

If you're searching for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer treatment in Durham, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Durham and surrounding areas.

Clinical trials offer participants the opportunity to receive cutting-edge treatments while contributing to medical research that may help future patients with Non Small Cell Lung Cancer. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
1 locations in North Carolina
Now Enrolling
Up to 63 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer?

Potential Benefits

  • ✓Access to new treatment approaches before public availability
  • ✓Close monitoring by experienced medical professionals
  • ✓Study-related care provided at no cost
  • ✓Contribute to medical research for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer

What to Expect

  • →Initial screening to determine eligibility
  • →Regular check-ups and monitoring visits
  • →Possible compensation for time and travel
  • →You can withdraw at any time

Frequently Asked Questions About This Non Small Cell Lung Cancer Study

Important Clinical Trial Information

This information is provided for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Clinical trial participation involves potential risks and benefits. Eligibility requirements apply and will be assessed during the screening process.

Study identifier: NCT06385262. For complete study details, visit ClinicalTrials.gov. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making decisions about your medical care or participating in clinical research.