Marshall Health Network enrolling patients in lung cancer clinical trial evaluating personalized immunotherapy approach 

lungllulungHUNTINGTON, W.Va. – The Edwards Cancer Institute at Marshall Health Network (MHN) is enrolling eligible patients in a clinical trial evaluating whether a personalized immunotherapy approach can enhance the effectiveness of treatment following lung cancer surgery. 

The study is investigating the use of an individualized therapy designed with a tumor’s unique biology from a surgical sample to help the immune system better recognize and attack cancer cells when used alongside the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab.  Researchers at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and MHN are studying whether the combination improves outcomes compared with immunotherapy alone in patients who have undergone surgery for non-small cell lung cancer. 

The investigational therapy is created using genetic information from a patient’s tumor to individualize treatment specifically for each patient. Scientists analyze the tumor to identify unique markers and design a therapy intended to help the immune system recognize and target those specific cancer cells. 

By pairing this individualized therapy with pembrolizumab, an established immunotherapy medication developed by Merck, researchers hope to strengthen the body’s immune response and potentially reduce the risk of cancer returning after surgery. 

The clinical trial is part of a multicenter study sponsored by Merck evaluating the personalized therapy in combination with pembrolizumab. The trial is currently accepting participants at Edwards Cancer Institute and other sites through August 31, 2026. 

The clinical trial is open to certain patients who have recently undergone surgery for stage II or certain stage III non-small cell lung cancer and are receiving or have completed standard treatment. Participation begins with an evaluation by the Marshall research team to determine eligibility and may include regular follow-up visits during treatment. 

“This study reflects the growing role of precision medicine in cancer care,” said John M. Varlotto, M.D., a radiation oncologist at MHN and professor of oncology at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, who serves as the principal investigator on this study. “By tailoring therapy to the unique biology of each patient’s tumor, we hope to better support the immune system’s ability to recognize and fight cancer.” 

This study is being conducted at the Edwards Cancer Institute at Marshall Health Network under IRB #SSU00289241 as approved by the Advarra Institutional Review Board. Individuals who would like to learn more about eligibility or enrolling in the trial may contact Keshia Bowen at 304-399-6521 or keshia.bowen@mhnetwork.org and Hannah LeMaster at 304-399-6616 or hannah.lemaster@mhnetwork.org. More information can also be found by searching NCT06077760 at ClinicalTrials.gov.