Low-dose chemotherapy combined with immune therapy after initial lung cancer treatment

Plain-English translation of NCT07744698 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 4 — The treatment has already been approved. Researchers are tracking how it works in a large number of people over time.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing metronomic oral paclitaxel — a low-dose form of chemotherapy taken by mouth three times per week — combined with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (a medication that helps your immune system fight cancer) as a maintenance treatment. You would be eligible if you have advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer or extensive-stage small cell lung cancer and have already completed four cycles of standard chemotherapy and immunotherapy without your cancer getting worse.

Many patients whose cancer responds well to initial treatment experience their cancer coming back shortly after they stop chemotherapy. Doctors are looking for better maintenance strategies to keep the cancer controlled longer, and this medication may work by using lower, repeated doses of chemotherapy in a way that enhances the immune system's ability to fight remaining cancer cells.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 18 and 75 years old
you have been diagnosed with advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (stage IIIB or IV) or extensive-stage small cell lung cancer
you have completed four cycles of standard first-line chemotherapy and immunotherapy without your cancer getting worse
you started the study treatment within 28 days of finishing your initial chemotherapy
you have adequate organ and bone marrow function (your doctor will check this with blood tests)

You likely don't qualify if…

you have shown signs of disease progression after your initial four cycles of treatment
you are unable to take medications by mouth
you have severe organ dysfunction or very low blood cell counts
you have a genetic mutation in your cancer that makes you eligible for targeted therapy instead

What participation looks like

You would take the oral chemotherapy medication three times per week at home, while continuing to receive an immune checkpoint inhibitor injection every 3 weeks at the clinic. You would have tumor assessments (imaging scans) approximately every 6 weeks and safety blood tests approximately every 3 weeks to monitor how well the treatment is working and for any side effects. Treatment continues until your cancer progresses, you experience unacceptable side effects, or you decide to stop.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 4, 2026 · Not medical advice

Low-dose chemotherapy combined with immune therapy after initial lung cancer treatment

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations