Study of Alternating Chemotherapy and Pembrolizumab Immunotherapy for Advanced Lung and Head & Neck Cancers

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a new schedule of alternating cycles of chemoimmunotherapy chemotherapy plus pembrolizumab and immunotherapy pembrolizumab alone as the first treatment for patients with advanced lung or head and neck cancers. This phase II study aims to see if less frequent chemotherapy during the induction phase can effectively control the cancer while preserving quality of life. The trial also monitors safety and response rates over time. The study has three groups based on cancer type. Each group receives alternating cycles combination chemoimmunotherapy cycles consisting of drugs like carboplatin, paclitaxel, pemetrexed, or 5-fluorouracil with pembrolizumab, followed by cycles of pembrolizumab alone. The number of cycles varies by group, with up to four or six cycles during induction. After induction, maintenance therapy with pembrolizumab alone or combined with pemetrexed continues for up to two years. Participants will have regular assessments including imaging and laboratory tests before and during treatment to measure tumor response and monitor side effects. Researchers will track how many patients complete the induction therapy cycles and evaluate overall response rates at 6 weeks. Safety is monitored throughout the study, which can last up to three years for progression and adverse event follow-up. Patients will provide informed consent and be closely monitored during the trial.

ATATcH Alternating Treatment Plans for Advanced Cancer