Adding diclofenac to single-agent immunotherapy for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
Phase II Study of Diclofenac Salvage in Patients Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer With Early Signs of Progression on Single Agent PD(L)-1 Blockade
This trial tests if adding the NSAID diclofenac to single‑agent PD‑1/PD‑L1 immunotherapy can help people with metastatic non‑small cell lung cancer who are showing early signs of progression.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Emory University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, nivolumab, cemiplimab, bevacizumab, immunotherapy |
| Locations | 2 sites (Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06731270 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This phase II study gives oral diclofenac potassium twice daily to patients already receiving a single‑agent PD‑1/PD‑L1 immunotherapy (pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, nivolumab, or cemiplimab) who have had at least 12 weeks of therapy and show radiographic signs of early progression. Patients continue their standard immunotherapy on 21‑ or 28‑day cycles while taking diclofenac until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. The primary endpoint is clinical benefit rate, with secondary endpoints focused on safety, tolerability, and measures of efficacy. Exploratory analyses will profile circulating CD8 and CD4 T cells, B cells, PD‑L1 expression, serum lactic acid, and tumor microenvironment features to understand immune changes related to diclofenac exposure.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) with stage III or IV pathologically confirmed NSCLC who have been on a single‑agent PD‑1/PD‑L1 inhibitor for at least 12 weeks and have radiographic signs of progression but do not require an immediate change of therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with rapidly progressing disease that requires immediate treatment change, those not receiving single‑agent PD‑1/PD‑L1 therapy, or those with contraindications to NSAIDs (for example active GI bleeding or severe renal impairment) may not receive benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, adding diclofenac could boost immune response and slow tumor growth, potentially extending the time patients benefit from immunotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical data and small early clinical reports suggest NSAIDs can alter anti‑tumor immunity, but adding diclofenac to checkpoint inhibitors remains experimental and lacks definitive late‑phase clinical proof.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Capable of signing informed consent * Age ≥ 18 years at time of study entry * Stage III or IV pathologically proven NSCLC with advanced or metastatic disease, currently on treatment with an Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved single agent monoclonal antibody inhibiting the PD(L)-1 pathway (pembrolizumab, atezolizumab, nivolumab, or cemiplimab) for a minimum of 12 weeks * May include frontline single agent immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), maintenance single agent ICI after chemo-ICI, or subsequent line therapy * Radiographic evidence of clinical progression as determined by the treating physician, not warranting immediate change of therapy. Progressive disease by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria is not required. This can include mixed response, will need at least one growing lesion. Exposure to PD1 inhibitor for at least 12 weeks will minimize the risk of pseudo-progression * Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-2 * Life expectancy of ≥ 26 weeks * Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1,000 cell/mm\^3 * Platelets ≥ 100,000 cells/mm\^3 * Hemoglobin ≥ 8 gm/dL * Creatinine clearance ≥ 45 ml/ml * Bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x institutional upper limit of normal * Bilirubin must be ≤ 3 x institutional upper limit of normal in patients with documented Gilbert's syndrome * Serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) / serum gluatmic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) ≤ 2.5 x institutional upper limit of normal * Ability to take oral medications * Willingness and able to comply with the protocol for the duration of the study including undergoing treatment and scheduled visits and examinations including follow up Exclusion Criteria: * Concurrent enrollment in another clinical study, unless it is non-therapeutic * Prophylactic or therapeutic anticoagulation therapy including but not limited to: warfarin, heparin, low molecular weight heparin, or direct oral anticoagulants, including: dabigatran (Pradaxa), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), apixaban (Eliquis), edoxaban (Savaysa), and betrixaban (Bevyxxa) * Treatment within the previous 6 weeks or planned initiation of bevacizumab * Abnormal markers of coagulation as measured by international normalized ratio (INR) \> 2 * Contraindication for NSAID therapy including: chronic aspirin therapy for coronary artery disease (CAD), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), or other indication, uncontrolled gastrointestinal ulcerative disease, known bleeding diathesis, known allergy or hypersensitivity to NSAIDS, advanced renal disease, uncontrolled hypertension, known seizure disorder or others * Female of childbearing potential unwilling or unable to use 2 methods of contraception, detailed in protocol * Uncontrolled intercurrent illness * History of another primary malignancy with exceptions noted in protocol * History of active primary immunodeficiency or active infection including tuberculosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C * Current or prior use of immunosuppressive medication within 14 days before the first dose of diclofenac. There are exceptions to this criterion * Receipt of live attenuated vaccine within 30 days prior to the first dose of study medications * Judgment by the investigator that the patient is unsuitable to participate in the study and the patient is unlikely to comply with study procedures, restrictions and requirements
Where this trial is running
Atlanta, Georgia and 1 other locations
- Emory University Hospital Midtown — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
- Emory University Hospital/Winship Cancer Institute — Atlanta, Georgia, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Jennifer W Carlisle — Emory University Hospital/Winship Cancer Institute
- Study coordinator: Kajona McCall
- Email: kajohna.mccall@emory.edu
- Phone: 404-778-5087
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.