Clinical Trial Summary (S1934)

Adding the Immunotherapy Drug Atezolizumab to the Usual Treatment for Superior Sulcus Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

What is the purpose of this clinical trial?

Superior sulcus non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a rare type of lung cancer. The cancer starts in the upper part of the lung and can be difficult to treat.

Usual treatment for superior sulcus NSCLC involves radiation and chemotherapy, then surgery. This study tests adding an immunotherapy drug, called atezolizumab, to the usual treatment. Researchers hope to learn if adding the drug lowers the chance of superior sulcus NSCLC growing or spreading.

This trial is set up to find out:

  • If using the study drug with usual treatment for superior sulcus NSCLC lowers the chance that the cancer will spread or get worse.  
  • How patients with superior sulcus NSCLC respond to treatment with the study drug
  • What side effects patients with superior sulcus NSCLC have when they receive the study drug along with usual treatment
  • How safe it is to add the study drug to usual treatment for superior sulcus NSCLC

Why is this trial important?

Superior sulcus NSCLC can be difficult to treat, and doctors want to improve treatment for it. The study drug, atezolizumab, is Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved to treat other types of cancer, and research shows that it can shrink some lung cancers. This trial is a chance to learn if the drug can also help people with superior sulcus NSCLC.

Who can be in this trial?

This trial is for adults, age 18 or older, who have superior sulcus non-small cell lung cancer that can be treated by surgery.

This trial may be for people who:

  • Have no signs that the cancer has spread outside of the lungs
  • Are able to have radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgery

This trial is not for people who:

  • Have already been treated for superior sulcus NSCLC
  • Have a major infection or autoimmune disease
  • Have a history of certain heart, lung, liver, or kidney problems
  • Are pregnant

What treatments will I get?

A computer will randomly assign you to one of 2 study groups.

Group 1:

  • Usual treatment of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery
Group 2:
  • Usual treatment of chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery
  • Study drug before and after surgery

Your doctor will not have control over which group you will be assigned to. This helps make sure the study results are fair and reliable.

How long will I be in the trial?

Group 1: Usual treatment for superior sulcus NSCLC may last 3 to 6 months. 

Group 2: For patients receiving usual treatment plus the study drug, treatment may last up to one and a half years. 

After treatment, all patients will have regular follow-up and health checks for 5 years.

Are there costs? Will I get paid?

The study drug is provided free to you. Check with your health care provider and insurance provider to find out what other costs will and won’t be covered in this study. You will not be paid for joining the study.

Where can I find more information about this trial?

Key Information

Information your doctor or trial navigator may need to help you.

Protocol Number
S1934
NCT Number
04989283
Full Trial Title
NASSIST (Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation +/- Immunotherapy Before Surgery for Superior Sulcus Tumors): A Randomized Phase II Trial of Trimodality +/- Atezolizumab in Resectable Superior Sulcus Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Trial Sponsors
SWOG Cancer Research Network
Publication Date