Investigators reported results from two HCRN studies during poster sessions at the 2019 World Conference on Lung Cancer, September 7-9 in Barcelona, Spain.

Study authors, led by Greg Durm, MD (pictured left), of the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, reported results of the LUN14-179 study, in a poster titled “ChemoXRT w/ Consolidation Pembrolizumab in Unresectable Stage III NSCLC: Long-Term Survival Update and Analysis of Post-Progression Therapy.” (See abstract.)

LUN13-175 study authors, led by Ryan Gentzler, MD, of the University of Virginia, presented a poster titled “Ph I/II Carboplatin, Nab-Paclitaxel and Pembrolizumab for Advanced NSCLC (HCRN LUN13-175): Outcomes by Nab-Paclitaxel Dose.” (See abstract.)

LUN14-179 is a phase II, single-arm, multi-center trial of consolidation pembrolizumab 200mg IV every 3 weeks for up to a year following concurrent chemoradiation in patients with unresectable stage III NSCLC. The analysis provides the first-ever report of 3-year overall survival (OS) estimates with consolidation PD-1. In addition, treatment details for patients who experienced progression of disease on or after consolidation pembrolizumab were described. The authors concluded: “The 3-year OS estimate indicates that nearly half of all patients treated with consolidation pembrolizumab may be long-term survivors. For patients with disease progression after consolidation pembrolizumab, response rates with chemotherapy are similar to what is expected in the 2nd line setting with 38% experiencing disease control for a period of time. Only 1 of 6 patients re-challenged with a checkpoint inhibitor responded, but this patient has maintained a durable response lasting 13+ cycles.”

In LUN13-175, patients with treatment-naïve, stage IIIB/IV NSCLC AJCC 7 (all histology), any PD-L1, no EGFR or ALK, ECOG 0-1, received carboplatin AUC 6 day 1, nab-paclitaxel 100 mg/m2 days 1, 8, 15, and pembrolizumab 200 mg day 1 q21 days for 4 cycles followed by maintenance pembrolizumab every 3 weeks. Co-primary endpoints were progression-free survival (PFS) and response rate (RR). PD-L1 was assessed prior to treatment and from biopsies obtained after cycle 4. The authors concluded: “Although the study did not meet its pre-specified endpoints of PFS 9 months and RR of 50%, results were similar to previously reported phase III Keynote 407 (squamous histology). Despite hematologic toxicity, the combination could safely be administered, and outcomes were similar for those receiving moderate doses of nab-paclitaxel compared to those with an average of at least 200 mg/m2 per cycle.”

About Hoosier Cancer Research Network:

Hoosier Cancer Research Network (formerly known as Hoosier Oncology Group) conducts innovative cancer research in collaboration with academic and community physicians and scientists across the United States. The organization provides comprehensive clinical trial management and support, from conception through publication. Created in 1984 as a program of the Walther Cancer Institute, Hoosier Cancer Research Network became an independent nonprofit clinical research organization in 2007. Since its founding, Hoosier Cancer Research Network has conducted more than 210 trials in a variety of cancer types and supportive care, resulting in more than 350 publications. More than 8,500 subjects have participated in Hoosier Cancer Research Network clinical trials.