New drug cocktail targets Hard-to-Treat lung cancer

NCT ID NCT02393625

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-stage trial tests whether combining two drugs, ceritinib and nivolumab, is safe and effective for people with a specific genetic subtype of advanced lung cancer called ALK-positive NSCLC. About 57 adults with stage IIIB or IV disease will receive the combination. The main goals are to find the best dose and see if tumors shrink.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: ceritinib and nivolumab
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a new combination treatment option for people with ALK-positive lung cancer that may work better than current therapies.
What could go wrong: This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 57 participants, so safety and effectiveness are not yet proven. The combination may cause serious side effects or fail to improve outcomes.

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.

non-small cell lung carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ALK-POSITIVE NSCLC

Contacts and locations

Locations

Fox Chase Cancer Center

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19111, United States
Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
Massachusetts General Hospital Thoracic Oncolgoy

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
Mayo Clinic - Arizona

Scottsdale, Arizona, 85259, United States
Novartis Investigative Site

Heidelberg, Victoria, 3084, Australia
Novartis Investigative Site

Leuven, Vlaams Brabant, 3000, Belgium
Novartis Investigative Site

Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada
Novartis Investigative Site

Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong
Novartis Investigative Site

Milan, MI, 20133, Italy
Novartis Investigative Site

Modena, MO, 41124, Italy
Novartis Investigative Site

Singapore, 168583, Singapore
Novartis Investigative Site

Barcelona, 08035, Spain

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