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Dual Immune Strategy (Nivolumab and Ipilimumab) versus Single Checkpoint Blockade (Pembrolizumab) in Combination with Chemotherapy for the Treatment of PD-L1 Negative Stage IV Non-small Cell Lung Cancer, DISCERN Trial

Trial Status: active

This phase II trial compares the effect of two types of immune therapies (dual immune strategy) with nivolumab and ipilimumab to single immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) with pembrolizumab in combination chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel, carboplatin, and pemetrexed in treating patients with PD-L1 negative stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as nivolumab, ipilimumab and pembrolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the tumor, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Paclitaxel is in a class of medications called antimicrotubule agents. It stops tumor cells from growing and dividing and may kill them. Carboplatin is in a class of medications known as platinum-containing compounds. It works in a way similar to the anticancer drug cisplatin, but may be better tolerated than cisplatin. Carboplatin works by killing, stopping or slowing the growth of tumor cells. Pemetrexed is in a class of medications called antifolate antineoplastic agents. It works by stopping cells from using folic acid to make deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and may kill tumor cells. Giving two types of immune therapies, nivolumab and ipilimumab, together with chemotherapy may be more effective than one immunotherapy, pembrolizumab, with chemotherapy in treating patients with PD-L1 negative stage IV NSCLC. In addition, this clinical trial evaluates the impact of treatment on circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA). Tumors often release DNA into the blood, ctDNA, which is different from normal DNA and can show changes or mutations. Recent studies have shown that a decrease in ctDNA levels are associated with improved tumor responses and patient outcomes. In fact, a response in ctDNA after treatment has been shown to increase progression-free survival as well as overall survival. Monitoring ctDNA response may be an effective tool to predict response to treatment and patient outcomes.