Comparing how often to give nivolumab or pembrolizumab for advanced cancers

A Randomized Study Investigating the Pharmacokinetics of Standard Interval Dosing Compared to Extended Interval Dosing of Nivolumab or Pembrolizumab in Locally Advanced or Metastatic Cancers

PHASE1 · University of Chicago · NCT04295863

This study is testing if giving nivolumab or pembrolizumab less often can still help people with advanced cancers just as well as the usual schedule.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment264 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Chicago (other)
Drugs / interventionsnivolumab, pembrolizumab, ipilimumab, axitinib, chemotherapy
Locations2 sites (Chicago, Illinois and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04295863 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial is a randomized study that evaluates the effectiveness of nivolumab and pembrolizumab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancers. It aims to determine if these drugs can be administered less frequently than the currently approved dosing schedule, based on previous studies suggesting this may be possible. Participants will be assigned to receive either standard or extended dosing intervals, and blood samples will be analyzed to compare drug levels. The goal is to optimize treatment regimens for better patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with locally advanced or metastatic cancer who are eligible for treatment with nivolumab or pembrolizumab.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously received immune checkpoint inhibitors or are planned to receive certain combinations of therapies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective and convenient treatment schedules for patients with advanced cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in optimizing dosing schedules for immunotherapies, suggesting this approach may yield beneficial results.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with locally advandced or metastatic cancer whose physician has determined they are candidates for treatment with nivolumab or pembrolizumab
* 18 years old or older
* Measurable disease per RECIST criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients who have previously received immune checkpoint inhibitors or investigational monoclonal antibody therapy.
* Patients whose treatment plan is to receive ipilimumab or other anti-CTLA4 monoclonal antibody in combination with either nivolumab or pembrolizumab.

  * Ipilimumab and nivolumab combination are not eligible for this trial.
  * (Note: Patients whose planned treatment is the combination of anti-PD-1 and tyrosine kinase inhibitor such as pembrolizumab-axitinib or the combination of traditional cytotoxic chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 are eligible)

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois 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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Metastatic Cancer

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.