Could clearing lung bacteria boost cancer treatment?
NCT ID NCT05777603
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 24, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This early-phase trial tests whether adding two inhaled antibiotics (aztreonam and vancomycin) to the standard cancer drug pembrolizumab can help treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The idea is that harmful bacteria in the lungs may help tumors grow, so clearing them might make the cancer treatment work better. About 23 adults with NSCLC that has returned or progressed will take the antibiotics at home for three 21-day cycles while receiving pembrolizumab at the clinic.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- aerosolized aztreonam, aerosolized vancomycin, and pembrolizumab
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a way to make standard cancer treatment more effective by also treating lung bacteria.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 23 people, so it is primarily testing safety and dosing. It may not improve outcomes, and the antibiotics can cause side effects like cough or allergic reactions.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
RECRUITINGBethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
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