Patients are searching for this trial right now

This page is already ranking on Google. Activate it to start receiving pre-qualified patient leads directly in your inbox.

14-day free trial · $44/mo after · Cancel anytime · Money-back guarantee

NCT05068232 · University of Chicago

Durvalumab and Ablative Radiation in Small Cell Lung Cancer (DARES)

What this study is about

This this study is for individuals who have treatment-naïve extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (small cell lung cancer that wont respond to treatment).

View original scientific description

This this study is for individuals who have treatment-naïve extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (small cell lung cancer that wont respond to treatment). Doctors leading this study hope to learn if combining durvalumab, carboplatin and etoposide with hyofractionated ablative radiation therapy (radiation focused on certain parts of the body) will help treat your cancer and improve how long you can live with extensive-stage small cell cancer without it getting worse (progression-free survival).

Interventions

RADIATION

Ablative Radiation

Ablative radiation therapy is a highly focused radiation treatment that gives an intense dose of radiation concentrated on a tumor or very specific area of the body, while limiting the radiation that affects surrounding organs.

DRUG

Durvalumab

Durvalumab is an immunotherapy drug -- a drug used to help boost your immune response to fight cancer.

DRUG

Etoposide

Etoposide is a chemotherapy drug approved for different kinds of cancer, including small cell lung cancer.

DRUG

Carboplatin

Carboplatin is a chemotherapy drug approved for different kinds of cancer, including small cell lung cancer.

Primary outcome measures

Progression-Free Survival of Participant Until Disease Progression or Death

Time frame: 48 months

The progression-free survival (PFS) of subjects with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer treated with durvalumab, carboplatin and etoposide with hypofractionated ablative radiation therapy. Progression-free survival will be defined as the time from start of treatment until disease progression per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECISTv1.1) or death from any cause.

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

  • For inclusion in the study patients must fulfill all of the following criteria:
  • Capable of giving signed informed consent which includes compliance with the requirements and restrictions listed in the informed consent form (ICF) and in the study protocol.
  • Age \> 18 years at time of study entry.
  • Have a histologic/clinically confirmed diagnosis of small cell lung cancer with known metastatic disease.
  • Patient is suitable to receive a platinum-based chemotherapy regimen as first line treatment for extensive stage small cell lung cancer.
  • Brain metastases must be asymptomatic or treated and stable off steroids and anti-convulsant for at least 2 weeks prior to study treatment.
  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0, 1, or 2
  • Life expectancy of at least 12 weeks
  • Body weight \>30 kg
  • Adequate normal organ and marrow function as defined by lab values the study doctor will review.
  • Patient is willing and able to comply with the protocol for the duration of the study including undergoing treatment and scheduled visits and examinations including follow up.
  • Have measurable disease based on Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (RECIST 1.1) including at least ONE lesion that meets criteria for ablative radiation, including 0.25 cc to 65 cc of viable tumor (i.e. primary disease or metastases) approximately 5cm in maximal dimension. Tumors larger than 65 cc can be partially treated.
  • Female subject of childbearing potential should have a negative urine or serum pregnancy within 24 hours prior to receiving the first dose of study medication. If the urine test is positive or cannot be confirmed as negative, a serum pregnancy test will be required.
  • Female subjects of childbearing potential should be willing to use 2 methods of birth control or be surgically sterile, or abstain from heterosexual activity for the course of the study through 120 days after the last dose of study medication. Subjects of childbearing potential are those who have not been surgically sterilized or have not been free from menses for \> 1 year.
  • Male subjects should agree to use an adequate method of contraception starting with the first dose of study therapy through 120 days after the last dose of study therapy.

Exclusion criteria

  • Patients should not enter the study if any of the following exclusion criteria are fulfilled:
  • Participation in another clinical study with an investigational product during the last 2 weeks.
  • Concurrent enrollment in another clinical study, unless it is an observational (non-interventional) clinical study or during the follow-up period of an interventional study
  • Any unresolved toxicity NCI CTCAE Grade ≥2 from previous anticancer therapy with the exception of alopecia, vitiligo, and the laboratory values defined in the inclusion criteria:
  • Patients with Grade ≥2 neuropathy will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis after consultation with the Study Physician.
  • Patients with irreversible toxicity not reasonably expected to be exacerbated by treatment with durvalumab may be included only after consultation with the Study Physician.
  • Any concurrent chemotherapy, investigational product (IP), biologic, or hormonal therapy for cancer treatment, outside of those specified as part of this clinical trial. Concurrent use of hormonal therapy for non-cancer-related conditions (e.g., hormone replacement therapy) is acceptable.
  • Radiotherapy treatment to more than 30% of the bone marrow or with a wide field of radiation within 4 weeks of the first dose of study drug
  • Major surgical procedure (as defined by the Investigator) within 28 days prior to the first dose of IP. Note: Local surgery of isolated lesions for palliative intent is acceptable.
  • History of allogenic organ transplantation.
  • Active or prior documented autoimmune or inflammatory disorders (including inflammatory bowel disease \[e.g., colitis or Crohn's disease\], diverticulitis \[with the exception of diverticulosis\], systemic lupus erythematosus, Sarcoidosis syndrome, or Wegener syndrome \[granulomatosis with polyangiitis, Graves' disease, rheumatoid arthritis, hypophysitis, uveitis, etc\]). The following are exceptions to this criterion:
  • Patients with vitiligo or alopecia
  • Patients with hypothyroidism (e.g., following Hashimoto syndrome) stable on hormone replacement
  • Any chronic skin condition that does not require systemic therapy
  • Patients without active disease in the last 5 years may be included but only after consultation with the study physician
  • Patients with celiac disease controlled by diet alone
  • Uncontrolled intercurrent illness, including but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, uncontrolled hypertension, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, interstitial lung disease, serious chronic gastrointestinal conditions associated with diarrhea, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirement, substantially increase risk of incurring AEs or compromise the ability of the patient to give written informed consent
  • History of another primary malignancy except for
  • Malignancy treated with curative intent and with no known active disease ≥5 years before the first dose of IP and of low potential risk for recurrence
  • Adequately treated non-melanoma skin cancer or lentigo maligna without evidence of disease
  • Adequately treated carcinoma in situ without evidence of disease
  • History of leptomeningeal carcinomatosis
  • Has a paraneoplastic syndrome (PNS) of autoimmune nature, requiring systemic treatment (systemic steroids or immunosuppressive agents) or has a clinical symptomatology suggesting worsening of PNS.
  • All patients at screening should have an MRI (preferred) or CT each preferably with IV contrast of the brain prior to study entry. Patients whose brain metastases have been treated may participate provided they show radiographic stability (defined as 2 brain images, both of which are obtained after treatment to the brain metastases. These imaging scans should both be obtained at least two weeks apart and show no evidence of intracranial progression). In addition, any neurologic symptoms that developed either as a result of the brain metastases or their treatment must have resolved or be stable either, without the use of steroids, or are stable on a steroid dose of ≤10mg/day of prednisone or its equivalent for at least 14 days prior to the start of treatment. Brain metastases will not be recorded as RECIST Target Lesions at baseline.
  • History of active primary immunodeficiency
  • Active infection including tuberculosis (clinical evaluation that includes clinical history, physical examination and radiographic findings, and tuberculosis (TB) testing in line with local practice), hepatitis B (known positive HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) result), hepatitis C, or HIV. Patients with a past or resolved HBV infection (defined as the presence of hepatitis B core antibody \[anti-HBc\] and absence of HBsAg) are eligible. Patients positive for hepatitis C (HCV) antibody are eligible only if polymerase chain reaction is negative for hepatitis C (HCV) ribonucleic acid (RNA).
  • Current or prior use of immunosuppressive medication within 14 days before the first dose of durvalumab. The following are exceptions to this criterion:
  • Intranasal, inhaled, topical steroids, or local steroid injections (e.g., intra articular injection)
  • Systemic corticosteroids at physiologic doses not to exceed 10 mg/day of prednisone or its equivalent
  • Steroids as premedication for hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., CT scan premedication)
  • Receipt of live attenuated vaccine within 30 days prior to the first dose of IP. Note: Patients, if enrolled, should not receive live vaccine whilst receiving IP and up to 30 days after the last dose of IP.
  • Female patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding or male or female patients of reproductive potential who are not willing to employ effective birth control from screening to 90 days after the last dose of durvalumab monotherapy.
  • Known allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the study drugs or any of the study drug excipients.
  • Prior randomisation or treatment in a previous durvalumab clinical study regardless of treatment arm assignment.
  • Has received prior chemotherapy, immunotherapy or thoracic radiation for small cell lung cancer.
  • Has prior exposure to anti-PD (Programmed death-ligand 1) 1/PD-L1 or anti- cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen (CTLA4) therapy.
  • Has had prior radiation therapy (defined as \>10% of prior prescription dose) to the area planning to be treated with trial RT. Procedures for withdrawal of incorrectly enrolled patients are presented in Section 4.3

Where

  • Chicago, Illinois
  • Madison, Wisconsin

Related conditions & keywords

Small-cell Lung CancerExtensive-stage Small-cell Lung CancerLung Cancersmall cell lung cancerextensive small 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 Mar 4, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations

📊
1 of 49 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.

Preparing your pre-screening questions…

Study locations

Choose your preferred location, or select flexible during enrollment.

RECRUITING

Chicago

Illinois

Location available
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Madison

Wisconsin

Location available

Express your interest

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

Secure & Confidential

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

Find More Lung Cancer Trials by City

Browse all lung cancer clinical trials in these cities — not just this study.

Looking for Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment in Chicago?

Join others in Illinois exploring innovative treatment options through clinical research

Small Cell Lung Cancer Treatment Options in Chicago, Illinois

If you're searching for Small Cell Lung Cancer treatment in Chicago, participating in a clinical research study may provide access to innovative approaches under expert medical supervision. This study is actively recruiting participants in Chicago, Madison 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 Small Cell Lung Cancer. All study-related care is provided at no cost to participants.

Local Sites
2 locations in Illinois
Now Enrolling
Up to 49 participants
Quick Start
Screening available now

Why Consider a Clinical Trial for 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 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 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: NCT05068232. 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.