Combining two drugs to treat advanced lung cancer that hasn't responded to previous treatments

A Phase II Study of PCSK9 Inhibitor Alirocumab and PD-1 Inhibitor Cemiplimab in Patients With Metastatic, Refractory To Prior Anti PD-1 Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: TOP2201

Phase 2 Interventional Duke University · NCT05553834

This study is testing if combining two drugs, alirocumab and cemiplimab, can help people with advanced lung cancer who haven't responded to previous treatments.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorDuke University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, alirocumab, cemiplimab
Locations2 sites (Tampa, Florida and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05553834 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of combining the anti-PCSK9 antibody alirocumab with the anti-PD-1 antibody cemiplimab in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) who have not responded to prior PD-1 therapy. The study aims to determine if this combination can enhance anti-tumor activity and lead to clinical responses in this challenging patient population. Participants must have measurable disease and meet specific eligibility criteria, including prior treatment history and performance status.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with recurrent or metastatic NSCLC who have progressed after prior PD-1 directed therapy.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously been treated with PCSK9 inhibitors or have significant cardiac issues may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a new treatment option for patients with advanced lung cancer who have limited alternatives.

How similar studies have performed: While the combination of these specific agents is novel, previous studies have shown promise in targeting immune checkpoint resistance in cancer treatment.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically documented recurrent and/or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
* Progression after prior PD-1 directed therapy (as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy and/or anti-CTLA4, or anti-VEGF agents) - defined as investigator assessed progression from prior treatment
* If molecularly altered NSCLC including EGFR, ALK, ROS1, MET exon 14, RET, BRAF, NTRK, progression on prior targeted therapy is required
* Measurable disease by RECIST 1.1
* ECOG Performance Status 0 or 1
* Signed written informed consent
* Minimum of 4 weeks from any other experimental anti-cancer therapies or prior PD-1 treatment
* Meet all the laboratory criteria per protocol

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior treatment with PCSK9 inhibitors
* Cardiac issues including MI, uncontrolled arrhythmia, symptomatic angina pectoris, active ischemia, or cardiac failure not controlled by medications.
* Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, defined as HbA1c \> 10
* Major surgery less than 4 weeks prior to study enrollment
* Another malignant condition diagnosed within 3 years of study enrollment
* Intolerance to prior PD-1/L1 treatment including discontinuation for severe or recurrent severe toxicity (including myocarditis or other myocardiotoxity, encephalitis, colitis, diarrhea, pancreatitis, hypo/hyperthyroidism, hypopituitarism, adrenal insufficiency, rash, autonomic neuropathy, myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre, myositis/polymyositis, hepatitis, Type 1 Diabetes, thrombocytopenia) or developed an immune checkpoint blockade related immune adverse event that was refractory to steroids and required additional systemic immunosuppressive medication.
* Known history of HIV seropositivity or known acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
* Additional exclusion criterion as per listed in the protocol

Where this trial is running

Tampa, Florida and 1 other locations

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 Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
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.