Evaluating nivolumab and ipilimumab for treating advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma in Chinese patients

A Phase II, Randomized, Open-label Trial of Nivolumab in Combination With Ipilimumab Versus Pemetrexed With Cisplatin or Carboplatin as First-line Therapy for Unresectable Pleural Mesothelioma in Chinese Participants

PHASE2 · Bristol-Myers Squibb · NCT05136677

This study is testing if a combination of nivolumab and ipilimumab can help people with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma feel better and live longer compared to standard chemotherapy.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorBristol-Myers Squibb (industry)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, nivolumab, ipilimumab
Locations26 sites (Beijing, Beijing and 25 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05136677 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nivolumab combined with ipilimumab compared to standard chemotherapy with pemetrexed and either cisplatin or carboplatin in patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma. Participants must have a confirmed diagnosis and measurable disease, and the study will focus on those with advanced disease that cannot be treated with curative intent. The trial will assess outcomes such as tumor response and overall survival in this specific patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are Chinese patients with histologically confirmed malignant pleural mesothelioma who have unresectable disease and an ECOG performance status of 0 to 1.

Not a fit: Patients with primitive peritoneal, pericardial, testis or tunica vaginalis mesothelioma, or those with brain metastasis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment combination could offer a new therapeutic option for patients with advanced malignant pleural mesothelioma.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results with similar immunotherapy combinations in various cancers, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically proven diagnosis of Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) with determination of epithelioid vs non-epithelioid histology
* Must have advanced unresectable disease that is not amenable to therapy with curative intent (surgery with or without chemotherapy)
* Available tumor samples for centralized testing
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status of 0 to 1
* Measurable disease

Exclusion Criteria:

* Primitive peritoneal, pericardial, testis or tunica vaginalis mesothelioma
* Brain metastasis, except if surgically resected or treated with stereotaxic radiotherapy
* Prior therapy for MPM (including chemotherapy, radical pleuropneumonectomy and non-palliative radiotherapy)

Other protocol-defined inclusion/exclusion criteria apply

Where this trial is running

Beijing, Beijing and 25 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: Mesothelioma, Malignant, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma, Nivolumab, Ipilimumab

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.