In this article
MPDL3280A (Atezolizumab) and Chemotherapy Study Design
MPDL3280A, which retains the PD-L2 / PD-1 interaction, potentially reduces autoimmune lung toxicity, and has a good effect on advanced NSCLC. Platinum-based chemotherapy is still the standard first-line treatment for non-small cell lung cancer, with a historical overall effective rate of about 30%. Preclinical data indicate that chemotherapy may promote the release of tumor antigens and enhance MPDL3280A activity. Therefore, we study MPDL3280A + chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer patients without chemotherapy.
Research methods:
The study evaluated MPDL3280A in combination with carboplatin + paclitaxel (ARM C), pemetrexed (ARM D), or weekly paclitaxel (Arm E) to treat locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer without chemotherapy.
The patient received intravenous MPDL3280A 15 mg / kg once every three weeks and the standard chemotherapy dose was 4-6 times. MPDL3280A was used for maintenance therapy until disease progression. The unproven effective remission rate was evaluated on June 29, 2014 (data as of September 29, 2014).
PD-L1 expression was detected using SP142 antibody immunohistochemistry. Results: Safety assessment of 37 patients
Trial Results: Efficacy, Safety, and PD-L1 Independence
Divided into three groups:
Group C: Atezolizumab + carboplatin + paclitaxel, 8 patients;
Group D: Atezolizumab + carboplatin + pemetrexed, 14 patients;
Group E: Atezolizumab + carboplatin + protein-binding paclitaxel, 15 patients.
54% of the crossover group were men, with a median age of 65 years (range, 40-82 years). 81% of patients are non-squamous cell carcinoma, and 19% are patients with squamous cell carcinoma. The patient received Atezolizumab 15mg / kg and standard chemotherapy for 4-6 cycles, and then continued MPDL3280A single drug until disease progression.
The average follow-up time was 154 days (range, 1-346 days).
The most common side effects associated with chemotherapy in the crossover group, such as nausea (CD group, 50%; group E, 73%)), fatigue (group C, 38%; group D, 36%; group E, 73%), constipation (Group C, 25%; Group D, 71%; Group E, 27%).
Common side effects of MPDL3280A: anemia (D & E group, 7%), neutropenia (C group, 13%; D group, 7%), thrombocytopenia (D & E group, 7%). No patient developed pneumonia.
As a result of the increase in neutropenia, a patient in group D developed MPDL3280A-associated G5 symptoms of candidaemia.
Finally, the effect of 30 patients was evaluated: the total ORR was 67%, 60% in group C, 75% in group D, and 62% in group E. The good news is that the treatment effect has nothing to do with the expression of PDL1.
The previously announced treatment effect of MPDL3280A on NSCLC requires patients to have PDL1 expression, and ORR increases as PD-L1 expression increases.
Therefore, the results of this trial are very meaningful for most NSCLC patients, meaning that most patients with advanced NSCLC can be treated by this method.
How CancerFax Helps
CancerFax is a specialist cancer access and patient-navigation platform. We help patients and families understand their options, organise medical records, coordinate hospital communication, and support cross-border treatment planning where appropriate.
We help collect and organise reports, scans, pathology, biomarker results, and treatment history for structured case review.
We communicate with hospitals or trial teams to assess whether a case may be suitable for further screening.
We support appointment coordination, document submission, translation, and direct communication with international departments.
For international patients, we help with practical coordination — travel planning, hospital admission guidance, and local support.
If this option is not suitable, we help explore other relevant treatments, clinical trials, or advanced care pathways.
From inquiry through to follow-up, our coordinators provide a single point of contact for the family.
CancerFax does not guarantee treatment access, eligibility, or clinical outcome. Our role is to help patients access accurate information, structured review, and appropriate specialist pathways.
About Dr. Nishant Mittal
Dr. Nishant Mittal is a highly accomplished researcher with over 13 years of experience in the fields of cardiovascular biology and cancer research. Significant contributions to stem cell biology, developmental biology, and innovative research techniques mark his career. Research Highlights Dr. Mittal's research has focused on several key areas: 1) Cardio…
✓ Reviewed for medical accuracy by the CancerFax review panel.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified oncology specialist. Every patient's case is different. Treatment decisions should always be made after a review of complete medical records by the treating medical team.
Treatment availability, eligibility, timelines, and access can change. Any clinical trial participation depends on detailed review and approval by the trial hospital or investigator.