Background: According to the results of the KEYNOTE-407 trial, pembrolizumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy is the standard of care for patients with previously untreated advanced squamous non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Ubenimex, a potent aminopeptidase inhibitor, is an oral drug with immunostimulatory and antitumor activities. We aim to assess the safety and efficacy of ubenimex in combination with pembrolizumab, nab-paclitaxel, and carboplatin in patients with previously untreated advanced squamous NSCLC.
Patients and methods: This prospective, single-arm, multicenter, phase II clinical trial is conducted to confirm the tolerability and efficacy of the tested drugs. Patients with previously untreated advanced squamous NSCLC will receive a predetermined daily dose of ubenimex orally plus 4 cycles of pembrolizumab, nab-paclitaxel, and carboplatin, followed by continuous administration of ubenimex and pembrolizumab for a maximum of 2 years. To confirm tolerability, the daily dose of ubenimex will begin at level 1 (30 mg), which will be increased to levels 2 (60 mg) and 3 (120 mg) according to the escalation criteria, with a standard 3 + 3 design for achieving the target dose-limiting toxicity rate of 33%. The efficacy, safety, and tolerability of ubenimex at the determined dose level will be analyzed. The primary endpoint of the efficacy evaluation will be the objective response rate assessed by an independent review committee.
Conclusions: This is the first study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ubenimex combined with pembrolizumab, nab-paclitaxel, and carboplatin in patients with previously untreated advanced squamous NSCLC. The results will help devise future treatment strategies.
Keywords: Carboplatin; Nab-paclitaxel; Pembrolizumab; Squamous non-small cell lung cancer; Ubenimex.
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