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Atezolizumab and Pirfenidone for the Treatment of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

Trial Status: active

This phase I/II trial finds out the best dose of pirfenidone when given together with atezolizumab and studies the effect of the combination of atezolizumab and pirfenidone in treating patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Pirfenidone in an anti-inflammatory drug that may slow tumor cell growth. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as atezolizumab, may help the body’s immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. The body’s immune system functions to defend against “foreign” cells such as cancer, by making special cells known as T-cells. T-cells are a type of white blood cell that work to protect the body from any infections and tumor cells that might pose as a threat. The T-cells in the body recognize tumor cells as “foreign” and work to get rid of them, but in time tumor cells develop and find ways to hide or camouflage themselves from the immune system so that they cannot be detected. The tumor cells can also produce chemicals that decreases the function of T cells. Giving pirfenidone may help reduce the production of chemicals that decreases the function of T cells and by doing so, increase the activity of atezolizumab and prevent tumor cells from resisting the immune systems detection and get rid of them.