TTFields + Pembrolizumab + Chemotherapy for Lung Cancer

(LUNAR-2 Trial)

This trial investigates a new treatment combination for individuals with advanced non-small cell lung cancer that has metastasized. The study tests whether adding TTFields (an electrical field therapy delivered by a device) to pembrolizumab (an immune therapy) and chemotherapy can extend patient survival and delay cancer progression. Participants are divided into two groups: one receives all three treatments, while the other receives only pembrolizumab and chemotherapy. This trial targets those who have not yet undergone treatment for their metastatic lung cancer. As a Phase 3 trial, it represents the final step before FDA approval, providing patients an opportunity to access potentially groundbreaking treatment.

The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot participate if you are expected to need other cancer treatments while in the study or if you are on certain immunosuppressive therapies.

Research has shown that the NovoTTF-200T device, which uses Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), is generally easy for patients to handle. Studies have found that it does not typically cause side effects affecting the whole body, making it a promising addition to lung cancer treatments.

Pembrolizumab, a type of immune therapy, also has a good safety record. It has been used for various cancers and already has FDA approval for other conditions. Most people tolerate it well, although some may experience side effects like tiredness or a rash.

Platinum-based chemotherapy, another part of the treatment, is commonly used and well-studied. It is known to cause side effects like nausea or hair loss, but these can usually be managed with supportive care.

Researchers are excited about these treatments because they combine innovative technology with established cancer therapies to tackle lung cancer. Unlike the standard treatment of pembrolizumab and platinum-based chemotherapy, one treatment arm includes Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) using the NovoTTF-200T device. TTFields is a novel approach that uses electric fields to disrupt cancer cell division, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of existing therapies. By integrating TTFields with pembrolizumab and chemotherapy, researchers hope to improve outcomes for patients by targeting cancer cells through multiple mechanisms.

Research has shown that adding TTFields therapy to pembrolizumab and platinum-based chemotherapy can improve treatment outcomes for non-small cell lung cancer. In this trial, participants in Arm 1 will receive TTFields using the NovoTTF-200T device alongside pembrolizumab and platinum-based chemotherapy. TTFields use electric fields to target cancer cells. One study found that patients lived longer when TTFields were added to pembrolizumab compared to using pembrolizumab alone. Another report noted that this combination extended patients' lives by an additional 1.67 years and improved their quality of life compared to using pembrolizumab without TTFields. Additionally, the LUNAR study found a significant improvement in overall survival when TTFields were included. Overall, this combination appears promising for extending life and improving outcomes in patients with advanced lung cancer. Participants in Arm 2 will receive pembrolizumab and platinum-based chemotherapy without TTFields.²³⁴⁶⁷