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Non Small Cell Lung CancerPhase 2NCT06364917

DISCERN: Dual Versus Single ICB in PDL-1 Negative NSCLC

A Phase 2 study testing Pembrolizumab, Carboplatin and Paclitaxel in people with Non Small Cell Lung Cancer, run by University of Alabama at Birmingham at 1 site in United States.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

The purpose of this study, known as DISCERN, is to compare two different treatments for a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that does not show a marker known as PD-L1. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 89 years
Conditions the study is for
Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
What is being tested?
Pembrolizumab, Carboplatin and Paclitaxel
Type of treatment
Injection or infusion
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
24 participants
Where
1 siteUnited States
Study dates
30 May 2025to Sep 2027
Phase
Phase 2
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 89 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Adult, Older adult

Who may be able to join

  • Provision of signed and dated informed consent form.
  • Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study.
  • Male or female aged 18 years or older.
  • Participants must have histologically or cytologically confirmed non-small cell lung cancer which is stage IV
  • Participants should not have a known sensitizing mutation for which an FDA-approved.
  • targeted therapy for NSCLC exists in first line (e.g., EGFR, ALK, ROS1, BRAF, RET, NTRK, and MET sensitizing mutations
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  • Participants should not have received prior systemic anticancer therapy for advanced or metastatic disease. For patients who are recently diagnosed and received one cycle of chemotherapy while awaiting NGS/PDL-1 testing are allowed on study after discussion with medical monitor.
  • Participants should have measurable disease based on RECIST 1.1 as determined by the local site investigator/radiology assessment. Target lesions situated in a previously irradiated area are considered measurable if progression has been demonstrated in such lesions.
  • Participants should have a life expectancy of at least 3 months.
  • Participants should have a performance status of 0, 1 or 2 on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status
  • Participants should have provided tumor tissue from locations not radiated prior to biopsy; fresh formalin fixed specimens or archival samples which have been determined as PD-L1 status <1% or negative prior to randomization.
  • Participants should have been evaluated for circulating tumor DNA at baseline which has been determined to be detected, present or positive.
  • Participants with CNS metastases are eligible if all metastases have been treated and have remained stable without growth for at least 2 weeks post-treatment, the participant's neurological status has returned to baseline or remained stable for at least 2 weeks, and any use of corticosteroids for CNS metastases is at a dose of ≤10 mg daily prednisone (or an equivalent dose of another corticosteroid) and has been stable for at least 2 weeks before enrollment.
  • Participants should have adequate organ function to be able to safely receive the approved standard of care regimens per the current FDA approved package insert, treating investigators discretion and institutional guidelines.
  • For females of reproductive potential: Negative urine and serum pregnancy test within 72 hours prior to receiving the first dose of study medication. If the urine test is positive or cannot be confirmed as negative, serum pregnancy test will be required. Participants should be willing to use an adequate method of contraception for the course of the study through 120 days after last dose of study medication or through 180 days after last dose of chemotherapeutic agents. Abstinence is acceptable if this is the usual lifestyle and preferred contraception for the subject.
  • For males of reproductive potential: use of condoms or other methods to ensure effective contraception with partner. Abstinence is acceptable if this is the usual lifestyle and preferred contraception for the subject.

Who cannot join

  • Is currently participating and receiving study therapy or has participated in a study of an investigational agent and received study therapy within 4 weeks prior to administration of study regimen.
  • Has received a live-virus vaccination within 30 days of planned treatment start. Seasonal flu vaccines that do not contain live virus are permitted.
  • Has clinically active diverticulitis, intra-abdominal abscess, GI obstruction, abdominal carcinomatosis.
  • Prior treatment or history of allergy/hypersensitivity with anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, anti-PD-L2, anti-CTLA-4, or other specific T-cell co-stimulation or checkpoint targeting drugs.
  • Has a known sensitivity to any component of cisplatin, carboplatin, paclitaxel or pemetrexed
  • Participants with carcinomatous meningitis
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  • Participants with active or suspected autoimmune diseases are excluded, with the following exceptions allowed: vitiligo, well-controlled type I diabetes mellitus, residual hypothyroidism due to autoimmune condition requiring hormone replacement, psoriasis not requiring systemic treatment, or conditions not expected to recur in the absence of an external trigger.
  • Individuals who have received systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications within the last 14 days prior to enrollment are excluded. Exceptions are made for topical, inhaled, nasal, ophthalmic steroids, or systemic corticosteroids at physiological doses not to exceed 10 mg/day of prednisone or an equivalent corticosteroid.
  • Participants with a history of ILD, or those who are suspected of having symptomatic ILD, or those with pneumonitis.
  • Individuals with a positive test for HIV, Hep B or Hep C are excluded unless it is well-controlled with no increased risk of immunosuppression and with no potential drug interactions with current antiviral therapy.
  • Participants with a history of other malignancies are excluded, except for those with basal cell carcinoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin, carcinoma in situ of the cervix, carcinoma in situ of the breast, or any cancer in situ that has been treated curatively, and the participant has been in complete remission for more than two years with any cancer prior to the start of the study.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Aakash Desai, MD, MPH contact

(205) 934-3411

aakashdesai@uabmc.edu

Margaret Thomas, MPH contact

margaretannthomas@uabmc.edu

United States1 site, 1 recruiting
  • University of Alabama at Birmingham

    Birmingham, Alabama, 35294

    Margaret Thomas, MPH, margaretannthomas@uabmc.edu

    Aakash Desai, MD

    Recruiting

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: DISCERN: Dual Immune Strategy Versus Single Checkpoint Inhibition Efficacy Response in PDL-1 Negative Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

The purpose of this study, known as DISCERN, is to compare two different treatments for a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that does not show a marker known as PD-L1. This study will help us understand if using two types of immune therapy together with chemotherapy is better than using one type of immune therapy with chemotherapy. We're doing this by looking at changes in the subject's cancer's DNA in the blood after starting treatment.

Medical subject headings
Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • PembrolizumabDrug

    The dosing regimens for Pembrolizumab (200 mg Q3W), are based on established FDA-approved dosages for the treatment of NSCLC, ensuring a balance between efficacy and tolerability. These doses are selected based on extensive clinical experience indicating optimal response rates with manageable safety profiles in the target population. The route of administration (intravenous) is chosen for its direct delivery into the bloodstream, ensuring maximum bioavailability and consistency of dosing.

  • CarboplatinDrug

    The combination therapy dosages for Carboplatin are aligned with standard chemotherapy protocols for NSCLC, tailored to minimize toxicity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. This dosing strategy is justified by previous phase 3 trials demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of these regimens in advanced NSCLC patients.

  • PaclitaxelDrug

    The combination therapy dosages for Paclitaxel are aligned with standard chemotherapy protocols for NSCLC, tailored to minimize toxicity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. This dosing strategy is justified by previous phase 3 trials demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of these regimens in advanced NSCLC patients.

  • PemetrexedDrug

    The combination therapy dosages for Pemetrexed are aligned with standard chemotherapy protocols for NSCLC, tailored to minimize toxicity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. This dosing strategy is justified by previous phase 3 trials demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of these regimens in advanced NSCLC patients.

  • NivolumabDrug

    The dosing regimens for Nivolumab (360 mg Q3W) are based on established FDA-approved dosages for the treatment of NSCLC, ensuring a balance between efficacy and tolerability. These doses are selected based on extensive clinical experience indicating optimal response rates with manageable safety profiles in the target population. The route of administration (intravenous) is chosen for its direct delivery into the bloodstream, ensuring maximum bioavailability and consistency of dosing.

  • IpilimumabDrug

    The dosing regimens for Ipilimumab (1 mg/kg Q6W) are based on established FDA-approved dosages for the treatment of NSCLC, ensuring a balance between efficacy and tolerability. These doses are selected based on extensive clinical experience indicating optimal response rates with manageable safety profiles in the target population. The route of administration (intravenous) is chosen for its direct delivery into the bloodstream, ensuring maximum bioavailability and consistency of dosing.

Study groups in NCT06364917
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
single agent immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) + chemotherapy (CT)Experimental200 mg of Pembrolizumab will be administered intravenously (IV) every 3 weeks (Q3W) for 4 cycles. Combination chemotherapy: For squamous NSCLC: Carboplatin (dose according to area under the curve (AUC) 6) + paclitaxel 200 mg/m². For non-squamous NSCLC: Carboplatin (AUC 5) + pemetrexed 500 mg/m². Maintenance Therapy for Non-Squamous NSCLC: Pembrolizumab 200 mg + pemetrexed 500 mg/m² Q3W for up to 2 years.
Receives: Drug: Pembrolizumab; Drug: Carboplatin; Drug: Paclitaxel; Drug: Pemetrexed
dual agent immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) + chemotherapy (CT)ExperimentalDrug 1: 360 mg of Nivolumab will be administered intravenously (IV) every 3 weeks (Q3W). Drug 2: 1 mg/kg of Ipilimumab will be administered intravenously (IV) every 6 weeks (Q6W) for 2 cycles. Combination Chemotherapy: For squamous NSCLC: Carboplatin (AUC 6) + paclitaxel 200 mg/m². For non-squamous NSCLC: Carboplatin (AUC 5) + pemetrexed 500 mg/m². Maintenance Therapy for Non-Squamous NSCLC: Nivolumab 360 mg Q3W + Ipilimumab 1mg/kg Q6W for up to 2 years.
Receives: Drug: Carboplatin; Drug: Paclitaxel; Drug: Pemetrexed; Drug: Nivolumab; Drug: Ipilimumab

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Rate of Molecular Response in Patients with PD-L1 Negative Advanced NSCLC Treated with Dual vs. Single ICB Plus CT Regimens

    To assess and quantify the rate of molecular response, defined as the complete disappearance of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from baseline levels, by Cycle 4 Day 1 (C4D1). This study compares patients with PD-L1 negative advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who are treated with a dual immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) plus chemotherapy (CT) strategy against those receiving a single ICB plus CT regimen. The objective explores whether the addition of a second ICB enhances the molecular response when integrated into standard chemoimmunotherapy protocols in this specific patient population.

    Measured: Baseline to 64 days (C4D1)

Secondary outcomes (2)
  1. Efficacy Evaluation

    To determine the Overall Response Rate (ORR) in patients receiving dual immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) plus chemotherapy (CT) and those receiving single ICB plus CT. The ORR will be assessed using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1.

    Measured: Baseline up to 24 months

  2. Correlation Analysis

    To investigate the correlation between ctDNA responses at Cycle 4 Day 1 (C4D1) and traditional RECIST v1.1 criteria in patients receiving dual versus single ICB plus CT. The analysis aims to validate ctDNA as a predictive biomarker for treatment response.

    Measured: Baseline up to 24 months

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted15 Apr 2024
  2. Study start30 May 2025
  3. Primary completion27 Apr 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completionSep 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase 2
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Single group
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
24 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT06364917
Sponsor's protocol ID
IRB-300012781 (UAB2432)
Other IDs
Robert Award
Status last verified
Jun 2026
First submitted
10 Apr 2024
Last updated
15 Jun 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
Yes
FDA-regulated device
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A Phase 2 study testing Pembrolizumab, Carboplatin and Paclitaxel in people with Non Small Cell Lung Cancer, run by University of Alabama at Birmingham at 1 site in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 16 inclusion and 11 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 15 Jun 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

What does this phase mean?

Phase 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.

Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Aakash Desai, MD, MPH ((205) 934-3411, aakashdesai@uabmc.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Rate of Molecular Response in Patients with PD-L1 Negative Advanced NSCLC Treated with Dual vs. Single ICB Plus CT Regimens (time frame: Baseline to 64 days (C4D1)). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 15 Jun 2026.

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