Durvalumab for Early Stage Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

This trial aims to determine if durvalumab, an immunotherapy, can reduce the recurrence of early-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Researchers will assess whether the number of cancer cells in the blood decreases after treatment with durvalumab, particularly in those who still show signs of cancer in their blood after standard treatments. This trial suits individuals who have had non-small cell lung cancer, completed initial treatments, and currently show no signs of cancer but have a blood test indicating possible lingering cancer cells. As a Phase 2 trial, this research focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of durvalumab in an initial, smaller group of participants, offering them a chance to contribute to significant findings.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot be on ongoing chronic treatment with systemic immunosuppressive medication, except for certain low-dose or specific types like inhaled corticosteroids.

Research has shown that durvalumab is generally well-tolerated by people with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In past studies, many patients did not experience severe side effects. The most common side effects were mild, such as fatigue and cough. Serious side effects were less common but included lung infections and inflammation.

Durvalumab is unique because it offers a targeted immune-boosting approach for treating early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Unlike traditional chemotherapy or radiation, which directly attack cancer cells, durvalumab is a type of immunotherapy that works by blocking the PD-L1 protein, helping the immune system identify and destroy cancer cells more effectively. Researchers are excited because this could enhance progression-free survival and overall survival rates for patients with minimal residual disease, offering a promising alternative to standard treatments.

This trial will evaluate the effectiveness of durvalumab for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Studies have shown that durvalumab effectively treats NSCLC, helping to prevent the cancer from worsening after initial treatments. In patients with advanced NSCLC, durvalumab has been shown to shrink tumors and extend survival. Early findings also suggest that it works well when administered after other treatments, without causing unexpected side effects. Overall, durvalumab has shown promise in controlling cancer and improving survival rates. Participants in this trial will be divided into two cohorts: those with minimal residual disease positive (MRD+) will receive durvalumab, while those with minimal residual disease negative (MRD-) will receive standard care without durvalumab.¹⁴⁵⁶⁷