Could a cholesterol drug boost lung cancer treatment before surgery?

NCT ID NCT06385262

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: Duke University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether adding the cholesterol-lowering drug alirocumab to standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy (cemiplimab) before surgery helps eliminate more cancer in people with stage 1B-3A non-small cell lung cancer. About 126 participants will be randomly assigned to receive either chemo plus cemiplimab or the same combination with alirocumab. The main goal is to see if the three-drug combo leads to a complete disappearance of cancer in the removed tissue.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Alirocumab (a cholesterol-lowering drug) and cemiplimab (an immunotherapy) combined with standard chemotherapy
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a more effective pre-surgery treatment for early-stage lung cancer, potentially increasing the chance of eliminating all cancer before surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial that is currently suspended, so results may not be conclusive. Adding alirocumab may not improve outcomes and could increase side effects.

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.

NON-SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Duke University

Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States

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