Testing inhaled antibiotics combined with immunotherapy for advanced lung cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT05777603 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

This is an early-stage study testing whether combining two inhaled antibiotics with —an immunotherapy medication—can safely treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer that has stopped responding to standard treatment. The trial is based on new research suggesting that changes in lung bacteria may affect how well the immune system fights cancer. Researchers want to see if restoring a healthier bacterial balance in the lungs, combined with immunotherapy, could help your body fight the cancer more effectively.

Many patients with advanced lung cancer have an imbalance in the bacteria living in their lungs, which may make it harder for immunotherapy to work. This medication aims to address that imbalance and improve the effectiveness of treatment for patients whose cancer has already progressed despite standard therapies.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with advanced non-small cell lung cancer that cannot be treated with surgery
your cancer has gotten worse after receiving standard first-line chemotherapy or immunotherapy
your tumor shows a specific marker (PD-L1) that suggests you may benefit from immunotherapy
you are 18 years or older with an overall health status that allows you to tolerate treatment
your blood counts and organ function (liver, kidneys) are adequate, as shown by recent blood tests

You likely don't qualify if…

you are currently enrolled in another research trial testing an investigational treatment
you have untreated or rapidly growing brain tumors that require immediate intervention
you have active, untreated HIV or hepatitis infections (though controlled infections may be eligible)
you are unwilling or unable to use reliable birth control during the study and for 4 months after treatment ends
you are pregnant or breastfeeding

What participation looks like

You will receive six cycles of treatment, with each cycle lasting three weeks. On the first day of each cycle, you will receive as an intravenous infusion at the clinic. During cycles 1, 3, and 5, you will also self-administer the two inhaled antibiotics at home three times daily (one medication) or twice daily (the other medication) from day 2 through day 21 of those cycles. The study team will closely monitor your health with blood tests and scans to ensure the combination is safe and to see if your cancer is responding.

Testing inhaled antibiotics combined with immunotherapy for advanced lung cancer

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(1 site)