Skip to content
Clinical Trials – home

Rare diseases

Investigational molecules

Locations

Our offerNewsroom

Not recruiting

Study of MK-7684A, Etoposide, and Platinum Drugs for Patients with Extensive-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer

Verified siteRegistered drug
Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

What is this trial about?

A plain-language summary of the goals, design and what participants do

This clinical trial is focused on studying treatments for extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), a type of lung cancer that has spread widely throughout the body. The study is comparing two different treatment combinations to see which one is more effective in helping patients live longer. One treatment involves a combination of a medication called MK-7684A with chemotherapy drugs etoposide and platinum, followed by continued treatment with MK-7684A. The other treatment involves a medication called atezolizumab combined with the same chemotherapy drugs, followed by continued treatment with atezolizumab.

The purpose of the study is to compare the overall survival of patients receiving these treatments. Participants will receive their assigned treatment through an intravenous infusion, which means the medication is given directly into a vein. The study will take place over several months, with regular visits to monitor the participants' health and response to the treatment. The study will also look at other factors, such as how long the cancer stays under control and the quality of life of the participants during the treatment.

Throughout the study, some participants will receive a saline placebo as part of the treatment process. This is a standard practice in clinical trials to help researchers understand the effects of the actual medications being tested. The trial aims to provide valuable information that could lead to better treatment options for people with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer in the future.

The research process

The trial runs in 6 steps – from screening to follow-up. Each step says what happens and what the team monitors.

  1. Step 1

    Initial assessment

    Upon joining the study, an initial assessment is conducted to confirm eligibility. This includes reviewing medical history and current health status.

    A diagnosis of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer is required, and the condition must be at a specific stage as defined by medical guidelines.

  2. Step 2

    Treatment group assignment

    Participants are randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups. This process is double-blind, meaning neither the participant nor the researchers know which group the participant is in.

    One group receives MK-7684A in combination with etoposide and platinum followed by MK-7684A. The other group receives atezolizumab in combination with etoposide and platinum followed by atezolizumab.

  3. Step 3

    Treatment administration

    The medications are administered through an intravenous infusion, which means they are given directly into a vein.

    The specific dosage, frequency, and duration of administration are determined by the study protocol and will be explained by the healthcare team.

  4. Step 4

    Regular monitoring

    Participants undergo regular monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and to check for any side effects.

    This includes physical examinations, imaging tests, and laboratory tests as needed.

  5. Step 5

    Quality of life assessments

    Participants complete questionnaires to evaluate their quality of life during the study. These assessments help understand the impact of the treatment on daily living.

    The questionnaires cover various aspects such as physical functioning, pain, and overall health status.

  6. Step 6

    End of treatment

    At the end of the treatment period, a final assessment is conducted to evaluate the overall response to the therapy.

    Participants may be asked to continue follow-up visits to monitor long-term effects and overall survival.

Who can join the trial?

6 criteria

  • The patient has a confirmed diagnosis of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC), which means the cancer has spread widely in the body.
  • The patient has ES-SCLC that is classified as Stage IV or has large tumors in the lungs that cannot be treated with radiation.
  • Males must agree to use contraception, not donate sperm, and avoid sexual intercourse with women.
  • Females must not be pregnant or breastfeeding. If they can have children, they must use a highly effective birth control method or avoid sexual intercourse with men.
  • The patient has a disease that can be measured according to specific medical guidelines called RECIST 1.1.
  • The patient is expected to live for more than 3 months.

Who cannot join the trial?

10 criteria

  • Patients with any other type of cancer besides extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer cannot participate.
  • Patients who have had a different cancer treatment recently may not be eligible.
  • Patients with serious heart problems or uncontrolled high blood pressure cannot participate.
  • Patients with active infections, including HIV or hepatitis, are not eligible.
  • Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding cannot participate.
  • Patients with a history of severe allergic reactions to similar drugs cannot participate.
  • Patients with certain autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks the body, may not be eligible.
  • Patients who have had a major surgery recently may not be eligible.
  • Patients who are currently participating in another clinical trial cannot participate.
  • Patients with a history of drug or alcohol abuse may not be eligible.
Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

Tell us about your condition – we search every trial in Europe and connect you with the right site.

We usually reply within a few days

Verified sites

All sites with verified contact details – recruitment status may not be available; ask directly

Trial locations

Where you can join this trial

Countries are shaded by recruitment status. Click a recruiting country to ask about joining there.

Not recruiting
Not finding your country?

Not sure what to do next?

Joining a clinical trial can seem overwhelming. We guide you step by step, so you know exactly what to expect and how we support you through the process.

See the full process and FAQ

Investigated drugs

  • MK-7684A

    is an experimental medication being tested in this clinical trial. It is being studied to see if it can help treat extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. This medication is used in combination with other cancer treatments to see if it can improve the overall survival of patients. It is given to patients after they receive a combination of other cancer drugs, and researchers are trying to find out if it works better than another medication called atezolizumab.

  • Etoposide

    is a medication used in this trial as part of a combination treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. It works by interfering with the growth of cancer cells, which are eventually destroyed. Etoposide is often used with other cancer drugs to enhance its effectiveness in treating cancer.

  • Platinum

    refers to a group of chemotherapy drugs that contain the metal platinum. In this trial, a platinum-based drug is used alongside etoposide and other medications to treat extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. These drugs work by damaging the DNA of cancer cells, which helps to stop their growth and spread.

  • Atezolizumab

    is another medication being tested in this trial. It is an immunotherapy drug that helps the body's immune system fight cancer. Atezolizumab is used in combination with etoposide and a platinum-based drug to treat extensive-stage small cell lung cancer. The trial aims to compare the effectiveness of atezolizumab with the experimental drug MK-7684A in improving patient survival.

What is already known about the treatment

  • MK-7684A

    This medication is administered intravenously, meaning it is given through a vein, typically in a hospital or clinical setting. It is currently being studied in clinical trials for its effectiveness in treating extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer, a type of lung cancer that spreads quickly. MK-7684A works by helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. It belongs to a class of drugs known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, which are designed to boost the body's natural defenses against cancer.

  • Atezolizumab

    Atezolizumab is also administered intravenously and is used in the treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer. It is an established medication in the field of oncology and is well-documented in medical literature. Atezolizumab functions by blocking a protein that prevents the immune system from attacking cancer cells, thereby enhancing the body's ability to fight the cancer. It is classified as an immune checkpoint inhibitor, similar to MK-7684A, and is used to improve the immune response against cancer cells.

Investigated diseases

Extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer – This is a type of lung cancer characterized by the rapid growth and spread of small cancerous cells in the lungs. It is called "extensive-stage" when the cancer has spread beyond the lungs to other parts of the body. The disease progresses quickly, often involving the lymph nodes and other organs. Symptoms may include coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue. As the cancer advances, it can lead to more severe respiratory issues and systemic symptoms. The progression is typically aggressive, requiring prompt medical attention.
Trial detailsLast updated 7 Oct 2026
Age18+ yearsPhasePhase IIITrial ID2023-503517-30-00Protocol codeMK-7684A-008Estimated enrolment450 patientsSponsorMerck Sharp & Dohme LLC

sourced from the EU Clinical Trials Register and site verification

Want to learn more about this trial or check if you can participate?

Clinical Trials Concierge

Prefer not to search? Our Concierge searches the trials for you.

Tell us about your condition – we search every trial in Europe and connect you with the right site.