Oral Decitabine and Tetrahydrouridine as Epigenetic Priming for Pembrolizumab-Mediated Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Patients With Inoperable, or Unresectable Locally Advanced or Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancers and Esophageal Carcinomas

Plain-language summary

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the United States. Most people with lung cancer are already in the advanced stages of the disease by the time they see a doctor. Researchers want to see if combining an approved drug with two new drugs can help. Objective: To study if tetrahydrouridine-decitabine (THU-DAC) with pembrolizumab is safe and effective in people with non-small cell lung cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. Eligibility: People 18 years and older who have NSCLC that cannot be removed by surgery Design: Participants will be screened with * Medical history * Physical exam * Blood and urine tests * Tests of heart and lung function They may have a small tumor sample taken (biopsy). They may have tumor scans. Before starting treatment, participants will repeat the screening tests. They will also give a stool sample. The study will be done in 3-week cycles for up to 6 cycles. * Participants will take the 2 study drugs by mouth 3-5 days a week. * Participants will get pembrolizumab in a vein for 30 minutes 1 day each cycle. Participants will keep a study medication diary. During cycle 1, participants will have blood taken multiple times on days 1 and 2. Every 3 cycles, participants will repeat screening tests. Participants will have a mandatory tumor biopsy. When they finish treatment, participants will have a physical exam and blood tests.

Who can participate

What they're measuring

Trial details