MemorialCare Cancer Institute at Orange Coast Medical Center is one of only two sites in California, and the only one in Southern California, that offers the Pacific-8 Global Trial, a phase 3 clinical trial for treating non-small cell lung cancer.
The Pacific-8 Global Trial's innovative approach signifies a shift towards personalized, more effective cancer care. It focuses on immunotherapy to improve patient outcomes. Specifically, the trial examines the effectiveness of combining FDA-approved durvalumab (IMFINZI®) with omvanalimab (still investigational) in extending survival without worsening in stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer patients, compared to using durvalumab alone. This combination is given before or after standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation.
Immunotherapy is a cancer treatment method that boosts the immune system's fight against cancer. It enhances the immune system's ability to work harder or smarter in attacking cancer cells or supplies it with components, such as manufactured immune system proteins.
In the Pacific-8 Global Trial, the immunotherapy blocks a signal that prevents the immune system from recognizing cancer cells. Making the cancer visible to the immune system enables the patient's body to attack the cancer. There is hope that the results will demonstrate that the secondary drug can aid the primary drug in fighting and slowing down cancer cells.
Non-small cell lung cancer represents the most prevalent form of lung cancer, making up about 85% of all lung cancer cases. Within that 85%, approximately 20 to 35% are people diagnosed with Stage 3 non-small cell lung cancer – this stage signifies the cancer has spread within the lung and chest and cannot be surgically removed. Treatment typically involves surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, highlighting the need for more effective therapies for better patient outcomes.
The study is double-blind and placebo-controlled, meaning treatment is randomly assigned, and trial physicians do not know who is receiving the treatment and who is receiving the placebo to ensure there is no bias. The study is currently open until February 6, 2026.
MemorialCare Cancer Institute champions a collaborative and compassionate approach from diagnosis to treatment and offers access to leading-edge treatment options, including clinical trials. The integrated care team collaborates with each patient to develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to their needs. This care team includes a dedicated nurse navigator who assists patients in the coordination of their cancer journey from diagnosis to surgery and treatment.
Accredited by the Association of Human Research Protections Programs, joining 248 entities worldwide, MemorialCare upholds stringent standards in conducting scientifically robust research, advancing ethical and professional standards in research, aiming for the highest levels of quality data, incorporating extensive safeguards at every research level, and ensuring continuous quality improvement. MemorialCare's research program engages in over 300 ongoing research projects at any given time. We are dedicated to a sustained investment in clinical research to enhance the quality of life for our community.
Want to learn about the Pacific-8 Global Trial? Visit memorialcare.org/pac-8.