NCT04297605 · University of Rochester
Study of Pembrolizumab and Single Agent Chemotherapy as First Line Treatment for Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-small Cell Lung Cancer With Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status of 2
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to understand if treatment with one chemotherapy medication combined with immune therapy (pembrolizumab) is tolerable and effective for patients with lung cancer and performance status of 2 (PS2), which means you have limitations in carrying out certain activities or spend up to half of your day resting.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to understand if treatment with one chemotherapy medication combined with immune therapy (pembrolizumab) is tolerable and effective for patients with lung cancer and performance status of 2 (PS2), which means you have limitations in carrying out certain activities or spend up to half of your day resting.
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
- Participants must be \>18 years old at time of diagnosis
- Histologically confirmed non-small cell lung cancer
- Clinical staging of IIIc or IV disease. 4A. For patients with stage IIIc disease, patients are ineligible for or refuse standard treatment with platinum-double chemotherapy and radiation. 4B. For patients with stage IV disease, platinum doublet chemotherapy is not appropriate, deemed unsafe by the treating physician, or declined by the patient 4C. Screening lab work must meet the following parameters: 4Ca. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥1000/mm3 4Cb. Platelet count ≥100,000/mm3 4Cc. CrCl\>50 (if pemetrexed is to be offered) 4Cd. AST and ALT ≤ 2.5 x ULN 4D. Patients with small, asymptomatic brain metastases are eligible 4E. Women of childbearing potential must be negative for pregnancy testing (urine or blood) and agree to use effective contraception. Viable contraception should be used after trial screening, before initiation of chemotherapy, and throughout the duration of active treatment in the study. Non-childbearing potential is defined as (by other than medical reasons): -Amenorrheic \>2 years
- Amenorrheic for \<2 years and a follicle-stimulating hormone value in the postmenopausal range upon pre-study (screening) evaluation
- Post hysterectomy, oophorectomy or tubal ligation. Otherwise the patient must be willing to use 2 adequate barrier methods throughout the study, starting with the screening visit through 120 days after the last dose of study drug 4F.Participants must read or be read and explained the purposes of the study and sign a statement of informed consent prior to participation. Those who do not read or understand English are eligible and may be consented according to institutional regulations.
Exclusion criteria
- Patients with history of autoimmune conditions with the following exceptions, which are allowed: alopecia, vitiligo, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis
- Patients on immunosuppressive medication, including steroids (if doses exceed equivalent of prednisone 10 mg daily). Short courses of steroids which are discontinued prior to start of treatment are acceptable.
- Patients with cardiovascular, hepatic, or renal systemic diseases that would preclude use of chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy per the treating investigator.
- The patient must not be on any clinical trials involving other experimental therapies during study treatment
- Women who are currently pregnant or breast-feeding
- Patients with any other concurrent medical or psychiatric condition that were deemed inappropriate for entry into the study per the investigator.
- Symptomatic, untreated brain metastases. Patients with treated brain metastases may be considered eligible after completion of radiation if steroids have been tapered to less than equivalent of 10 mg of prednisone.
- Active infection requiring IV antibiotics
Where
- Rochester, New York
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 4, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations