New cocktail of drugs targets Tough-to-Treat lung cancer

NCT ID NCT05353439

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This early-phase trial tests a combination of three drugs—tazemetostat, topotecan, and pembrolizumab—in 18 adults with small cell lung cancer that has returned after initial treatment. The goal is to find the safest dose and see if the combination can shrink or stabilize the cancer. Participants will also undergo biopsies and blood draws to help researchers understand how the drugs work.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: tazemetostat, topotecan, and pembrolizumab
What this could lead to: If this combination proves safe and effective, it could offer a new treatment option for patients with recurrent small cell lung cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a very early Phase I trial with only 18 participants, so it is primarily testing safety and dosing. The combination may not shrink tumors or improve survival, and side effects could be significant.

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.

small cell lung carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

EXTENSIVE STAGE LUNG SMALL CELL CARCINOMA LIMITED STAGE LUNG SMALL CELL CARCINOMA PLATINUM-RESISTANT LUNG SMALL CELL CARCINOMA PLATINUM-SENSITIVE LUNG SMALL CELL CARCINOMA RECURRENT EXTENSIVE STAGE LUNG SMALL CELL CARCINOMA RECURRENT LUNG SMALL CELL CARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Johns Hopkins University/Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center

Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States
Keck Medicine of USC Koreatown

Los Angeles, California, 90020, United States
Los Angeles General Medical Center

Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States
MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20007, United States
Montefiore Medical Center - Moses Campus

The Bronx, New York, 10467, United States
Montefiore Medical Center-Einstein Campus

The Bronx, New York, 10461, United States
NCI - Center for Cancer Research

Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
Northwestern University

Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
USC / Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center

Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States
USC Norris Oncology/Hematology-Newport Beach

Newport Beach, California, 92663, United States
UT Southwestern/Simmons Cancer Center-Dallas

Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States
University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sacramento, California, 95817, United States
University of Kentucky/Markey Cancer Center

Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, United States
Wake Forest University Health Sciences

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States
Wake Forest University at Clemmons

Clemmons, North Carolina, 27012, United States

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