Monitoring drug levels of pembrolizumab in lung cancer patients

Drug Concentration Monitoring of Pembrolizumab in Treatment-naive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients

Observational Oslo University Hospital · NCT04557007

This study looks at how the levels of the lung cancer drug pembrolizumab in the blood affect the health outcomes of patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer who are just starting treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorOslo University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionspembrolizumab, chemotherapy, immunotherapy
Locations1 site (Trondheim)
Trial IDNCT04557007 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the relationship between drug trough-levels of pembrolizumab and clinical outcomes in patients with Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). It will involve collecting blood samples from 250 treatment-naïve patients receiving pembrolizumab, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy, during their first-line treatment. The study will also monitor T-cell responses and anti-drug antibodies to correlate these findings with patient outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are treatment-naïve adults over 18 years old with advanced NSCLC who are starting immunotherapy with pembrolizumab.

Not a fit: Patients who have received any anti-cancer therapy within the last six months will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help optimize pembrolizumab treatment by identifying the ideal drug levels associated with better clinical outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of monitoring drug levels in relation to outcomes is common, this specific study's focus on pembrolizumab in NSCLC is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Subjects must be \> 18 years and must voluntary sign an informed consent
* Treatment-naïve patients with advanced NSCLC receiving immunotherapy alone (pembrolizumab) or combined with chemotherapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any anti-cancer therapy \< 6 months prior to inclusion

Where this trial is running

Trondheim

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 NSCLC
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.