Combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with radiotherapy for cancer treatment

Clinical Benefit and Biomarker Analysis of Combination of PD-1/PD-L1 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors and Radiotherapy in NSCLC, HNSCC and Other Solid Tumors

Observational University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School · NCT04892849

This study is testing if combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with radiotherapy can improve treatment for patients with certain types of cancer, like head and neck and lung cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Erlangen, Bavaria)
Trial IDNCT04892849 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the effectiveness of combining PD-1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors with radiotherapy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and other solid tumors. The study aims to validate predictive biomarkers derived from previous trials to enhance treatment algorithms. Patients will receive conventional therapy according to clinical standards, and their immune responses will be monitored to assess the potential benefits of this combination approach.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with treatable HNSCC, NSCLC, or other solid tumors who are eligible for PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor therapy.

Not a fit: Patients with melanoma or those unable to comply with the study protocol may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve treatment outcomes for patients with advanced cancers by optimizing the use of immunotherapy and radiotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous exploratory trials have shown promising results for similar combinations of immunotherapy and radiotherapy, indicating potential for success in this study.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients treatable for HNSCC (palliative), NSCLC (separately palliative and adjuvant) or "other solid tumour"
* Indication for system therapy with a PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor according to clinical standards
* Patients without or with radiation of one or more metastases
* Age at least 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Melanoma patients
* Fertile patients who refuse effective contraception during study treatment
* Persistent drug and/or alcohol abuse
* Patients not able or willing to behave according to study protocol
* Patients in care
* Patients that are not able to speak German
* Patients which are imprisoned according to legal or governmental order

Both gender are included into the study, a maximum age was not defined.

Where this trial is running

Erlangen, Bavaria

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions HNSCCNSCLCEsophageal CancerUrothelial CarcinomaRenal Cell CarcinomaSquamous Cell Carcinoma of the SkinSmall Cell Bronchial CarcinomasImmunotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.