DISCERN: A Randomized Pilot Study Comparing Dual Versus Single Immune Checkpoint Blockade Plus Chemotherapy in PD-L1 Negative Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have improved outcomes in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), but benefit in tumors lacking PD-L1 expression remains limited. Dual checkpoint blockade may enhance antitumor immunity by overcoming an immunologically "cold" tumor microenvironment. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is an emerging early response biomarker.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

The DISCERN study (UAB 2432) is a single-center, randomized, open-label pilot trial comparing dual immune checkpoint blockade (nivolumab + ipilimumab) plus chemotherapy (Arm A) versus single ICI (pembrolizumab) plus chemotherapy (Arm B) in patients with PD-L1-negative, stage IV NSCLC. The study plans to enroll 24 patients. ctDNA positivity is required at baseline. ctDNA response is evaluated at Cycle 3 Day 1 using Guardant Infinity NGS platform. Primary endpoint is ctDNA molecular response. Secondary endpoints include RECIST-based response rates, progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS).

CONCLUSION

DISCERN will provide novel insight into the comparative impact of dual versus single ICI regimens in PD-L1-negative NSCLC and the potential role of ctDNA clearance as an early marker of treatment efficacy in this subset of NSCLC.