Tarlatamab for Small Cell Lung Cancer

(DeLLphi-315 Trial)

This trial tests a new method of administering tarlatamab, a potential drug, to individuals with small cell lung cancer that has recurred after chemotherapy. The goal is to determine if administering the treatment as a subcutaneous injection is as effective as intravenous delivery. The trial seeks participants whose lung cancer has returned after one round of platinum-based chemotherapy and who can perform everyday activities without major issues. As a Phase 3 trial, this study represents the final step before FDA approval, offering participants the opportunity to contribute to a potentially groundbreaking treatment.

A previous study showed that tarlatamab, administered as an injection under the skin, had a good safety record. Patients with advanced small cell lung cancer tolerated it well, with only 13% experiencing severe side effects related to the treatment. Dosing interruptions were few, and no deaths occurred.

In contrast, earlier studies found safety concerns with tarlatamab given through an IV. Specifically, 57% of patients experienced cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a condition where the immune system releases too many proteins into the blood too quickly. This can be serious, so monitoring for symptoms is crucial.

Tarlatamab is unique because it targets small cell lung cancer cells by connecting them with the body's T-cells to help destroy the cancer, a mechanism known as a bispecific antibody approach. Most current treatments for small cell lung cancer, like chemotherapy, attack all rapidly dividing cells, which can also harm healthy cells and cause significant side effects. Tarlatamab is being tested in two forms: a subcutaneous (SC) injection and an intravenous (IV) infusion, offering flexibility in how patients receive the treatment. Researchers are excited because this targeted method could mean fewer side effects and improved effectiveness compared to traditional therapies.

Research has shown that Tarlatamab effectively fights tumors and improves survival rates in patients with small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Studies have found that it increases survival by about 10% at both two and three years. In this trial, participants will receive Tarlatamab either via subcutaneous (SC) injection or intravenous (IV) infusion. Tarlatamab is commonly used as a second option when the first treatment fails. When combined with other treatments, it has a 71% success rate in reducing or eliminating cancer. The FDA has approved Tarlatamab, confirming its effectiveness for certain conditions.²⁶⁷⁸⁹