ACHILES Does immunotherapy improve survival in patients with small cell lung cancer with limited disease who have received chemotherapy and radiotherapy?
Summary
The aim of the study is to investigate whether the survival of patients with small cell lung cancer without metastases, i.e. limited disease, can be improved by immunotherapy with atezolizumab following combined radio-chemotherapy. Some patients are cured after the current standard treatment (combined radio-chemotherapy), but in many the disease returns. The study is investigating whether the risk of relapse can be reduced by additional immunotherapy with atezolizumab. Several studies have already shown that immunotherapy (including atezolizumab) is effective in metastatic small cell lung cancer. Atezolizumab works by supporting the immune system in its defense against the cancer. However, atezolizumab can also cause the immune system to attack the body's own organs and tissues and impair their function, which can cause side effects.