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Prognostic Value of Combined Approach Based on KEAP1/NFE2L2 Mutations and Pre-therapeutic FDG-PET/CT Radiomic Analysis in Advanced Non-small-cell Lung Cancer PDL1 ≥ 50% Treated With Pembrolizumab (PEMBROMIC)

Recruiting
Conditions
Lung Cancer Stage III
Lung Cancer Stage IV
Registration Number
NCT05996263
Lead Sponsor
University Hospital, Brest
Brief Summary

Pembrolizumab has been approved for first-line locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with a tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥50% for PDL1, based on the results of KEYNOTE-024.

However, even with a positive PDL1 status, only a fraction of patients respond to immunotherapy. In the KEYNOTE-024 study evaluating pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy in first-line advanced NSCLC with PDL1 TPS ≥50%, the response rate in the pembrolizumab arm alone was 45%. NFE2L2 is a transcription factor that directs the expression of free radical defense genes that may interfere with radiation-induced DNA damage. KEAP1 is an adaptor protein that targets NFE2L2 for ubiquitination and proteasomal destruction as part of normal homeostasis. These new biomarkers are of clinical interest, as KEAP1/NFE2L2 mutations predict radiation resistance in patients with localized NSCLC treated with radiotherapy but not surgery. Some data also suggest a role for the KEAP1/NFE2L2 axis in response to immunotherapy.

Establishing a predictive model for the presence of the KEAP1/NFE2L2 mutation would provide a tool for predicting survival (progression-free and overall), even before the patient starts immunotherapy.

Detailed Description

Pembrolizumab has been approved for first-line locally advanced or metastatic NSCLC with a tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥50% for PDL1, based on the results of KEYNOTE-024.

However, even with a positive PDL1 status, only a fraction of patients respond to immunotherapy. In the KEYNOTE-024 study evaluating pembrolizumab versus chemotherapy in first-line advanced NSCLC with PDL1 TPS ≥50%, the response rate in the pembrolizumab arm alone was 45%. This result led to the approval of pembrolizumab for first-line advanced NSCLC with PDL1 TPS ≥ 50%, which nevertheless represents only 22% of patients with stage IIIB/IV NSCLC.

Early identification of biomarkers for patients unlikely to benefit from first-line pembrolizumab is therefore a crucial step in selecting suitable candidates.

Furthermore, in cancer, genomic alterations in NFE2L2, KEAP1 and CUL3 result in constitutive activation of NRF2-dependent gene transcription, which promotes cellular resistance to oxidative stress, xenobiotic efflux, proliferation and metabolic reprogramming. Somatic mutations in NFE2L2 and KEAP1 are found in 3.5-15% and 12-17% of NSCLC patients respectively. NFE2L2 is a transcription factor that directs the expression of free radical defense genes that may interfere with radiation-induced DNA damage. KEAP1 is an adaptor protein that targets NFE2L2 for ubiquitination and proteasomal destruction as part of normal homeostasis. These new biomarkers are of clinical interest, as KEAP1/NFE2L2 mutations predict radiation resistance in patients with localized NSCLC treated with radiotherapy but not surgery. Some data also suggest a role for the KEAP1/NFE2L2 axis in response to immunotherapy.

Establishing a predictive model for the presence of the KEAP1/NFE2L2 mutation would provide a tool for predicting survival (progression-free and overall), even before the patient starts immunotherapy.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
RECRUITING
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
75
Inclusion Criteria
  • Age ≥ 18 years
  • Histologically or cytologically proven non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
  • Stage IV NSCLC. Stage III NSCLC unresectable and not amenable to radiotherapy
  • PD-L1 expression ≥ 50%.
  • No previous systemic treatment for NSCLC.
  • Patients treated for 1st-line metastatic disease with immunotherapy alone (pembrolizumab)
  • No opposition expressed
  • Patient affiliated to a social security scheme
Exclusion Criteria
  • PD-L1 expression <50
  • Neuroendocrine tumors
  • Secondarily metastatic patients
  • Previous treatments
  • Opposition formulated
  • Patient under legal protection (guardianship, curatorship, etc.)

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Progression-Free survival (PFS)through study completion, an average of 1 year

PFS is defined as the time elapsed between initiation of treatment and tumor progression or death from any cause.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Overall Survival (OS)through study completion, an average of 1 year

OS is defined as the time elapsed between initiation of treatment and death, whatever the cause.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Chu Brest

🇫🇷

Brest, France

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