Trial Outcomes & Findings for Nivolumab for the Reversal of Squamous Dysplasia in High Risk Current and Former Smokers (NCT NCT03347838)

NCT ID: NCT03347838

Last Updated: 2025-12-12

Results Overview

The primary endpoint is the dichotomous endpoint of whether a subject responds to PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibition using nivolumab. Response will be based on the 6-month change (difference between 6-month score and baseline score) in worst (i.e., maximum) histologic classification score, using the 2004 World Health Organization (WHO) classification scale for pre-invasive squamous lesions of the bronchus. The histologic classification consists of: normal (grade 1.0), reserve cell hyperplasia (grade 2.0), squamous metaplasia (grade 3.0), mild dysplasia (grade 4.0), moderate dysplasia (grade 5.0), severe dysplasia (grade 6.0), carcinoma in situ (grade 7.0) and invasive cancer (grade 8.0).

Recruitment status

ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Study phase

PHASE2

Target enrollment

19 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

6 months

Results posted on

2025-12-12

Participant Flow

Participants for this trial were recruited from pulmonary, oncology and nodule clinics from the Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMR VAMC) and the University of Colorado Hospital (UCHealth). The recruitment period for this study was January 2019 through January 2023. The trial included a sputum cytology pre-screening arm to screen for mild or worse sputum atypia, and an option for direct enrollment to full-study with a history of bronchial dysplasia.

All participants who enrolled onto the full-study underwent a baseline bronchoscopy; if biopsy results showed either mild, moderate or severe bronchial dysplasia at least one biopsy site, participants were eligible to move forward to full-study registration. If all biopsy sites did not reveal at least mild dysplasia, or if at least one site showed persistent carcinoma in situ or invasive carcinoma, this rendered participants ineligible for full-study registration.

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Nivolumab Injection [Opdivo]
240 mg IV every 2 weeks for 4 doses
Overall Study
STARTED
19
Overall Study
COMPLETED
19
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
0

Reasons for withdrawal

Withdrawal data not reported

Baseline Characteristics

Nivolumab for the Reversal of Squamous Dysplasia in High Risk Current and Former Smokers

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Nivolumab Injection [Opdivo]
n=19 Participants
240 mg IV every 2 weeks for 4 doses
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants
n=26 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
7 Participants
n=26 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
12 Participants
n=26 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
3 Participants
n=26 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
16 Participants
n=26 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
2 Participants
n=26 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
17 Participants
n=26 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=26 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants
n=26 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants
n=26 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
n=26 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
0 Participants
n=26 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
19 Participants
n=26 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants
n=26 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=26 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: 6 months

The primary endpoint is the dichotomous endpoint of whether a subject responds to PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibition using nivolumab. Response will be based on the 6-month change (difference between 6-month score and baseline score) in worst (i.e., maximum) histologic classification score, using the 2004 World Health Organization (WHO) classification scale for pre-invasive squamous lesions of the bronchus. The histologic classification consists of: normal (grade 1.0), reserve cell hyperplasia (grade 2.0), squamous metaplasia (grade 3.0), mild dysplasia (grade 4.0), moderate dysplasia (grade 5.0), severe dysplasia (grade 6.0), carcinoma in situ (grade 7.0) and invasive cancer (grade 8.0).

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Nivolumab Injection [Opdivo]
n=19 Participants
240 mg IV every 2 weeks for 4 doses
Improvement in Endobronchial Histology
10 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Every 2 weeks through 3 months, then every 3 months through 1 year

Patients will be evaluated every 2 weeks to determine whether they have any immune-related adverse events (irAEs) using the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). In particular, patients will be monitored closely for evidence of dermatological, gastrointestinal, endocrine, renal, and pulmonary irAEs. Complete blood count, comprehensive metabolic profile, and thyroid function tests will be obtained at baseline and every 3 months for 1 year. A comprehensive metabolic profile will also be checked every 2 weeks. Subjects will be followed for a total of 1 year to monitor for development of irAEs after discontinuation of the study drug.

Outcome measures

Outcome data not reported

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: 2 months and 6 months

1. Two-month change (difference between 2-month score and baseline score) in worst (i.e., maximum) histologic classification score 2. Using all dysplastic (i.e., histology score ≥ 4.0) baseline biopsy pairs, the change in average histology and dysplasia index 3. Using all matched biopsies, the change in worst histology, average histology, and dysplasia index 4. Using all matched biopsies from reference sites, the change in worst histology, average histology, and dysplasia index 5. Response to treatment of completers, based on worst histology

Outcome measures

Outcome data not reported

OTHER_PRE_SPECIFIED outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 2 months, and 6 months

The proportion of T lymphocytes that express programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) in pre- and post-treatment biopsies will be compared by immunofluorescence staining of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections

Outcome measures

Outcome data not reported

OTHER_PRE_SPECIFIED outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 2 months, and 6 months

The proportion of macrophages that express programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) in pre- and post-treatment biopsies will be compared by immunofluorescence staining of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue sections

Outcome measures

Outcome data not reported

OTHER_PRE_SPECIFIED outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 2 months, and 6 months

Pre- and post-treatment biopsies will be stained by immunofluorescence for Th1, Th2, and Treg CD4+ T lymphocytes

Outcome measures

Outcome data not reported

OTHER_PRE_SPECIFIED outcome

Timeframe: Baseline, 2 months, and 6 months

Pre- and post-treatment biopsies will be stained by immunofluorescence for CD68, HLA-DRA, and CD206. The ratio of M1 (CD68/HLA-DRA) to M2 (CD68/CD206) macrophages will be determined.

Outcome measures

Outcome data not reported

OTHER_PRE_SPECIFIED outcome

Timeframe: Baseline

The number of non-synonymous mutations in bronchial dysplastic lesions will be determined by whole exome sequencing

Outcome measures

Outcome data not reported

Adverse Events

Nivolumab Injection [Opdivo]

Serious events: 6 serious events
Other events: 19 other events
Deaths: 1 deaths

Serious adverse events

Serious adverse events
Measure
Nivolumab Injection [Opdivo]
n=19 participants at risk
240 mg IV every 2 weeks for 4 doses
Gastrointestinal disorders
Colitis
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Arthralgia
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Infections and infestations
Bronchial infection
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
COPD Exacerbation
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Hepatobiliary disorders
Cholecystitis
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Investigations
Weight Loss
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Investigations
Weight Loss/Severe Protein Calorie Malnutrition
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Renal and urinary disorders
Acute Kidney Injury
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Nervous system disorders
Encephalopathy
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Infections and infestations
Sepsis
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Skin and subcutaneous disorders - other
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
Nivolumab Injection [Opdivo]
n=19 participants at risk
240 mg IV every 2 weeks for 4 doses
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Dry skin
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Gastrointestinal disorders
Dyspepsia
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Nervous system disorders
Dysphagia
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Dyspnea
15.8%
3/19 • Number of events 3 • 6 years
General disorders
Edema limbs
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Nervous system disorders
Encephalopathy
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Erythema multiforme
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
General disorders
Fatigue
63.2%
12/19 • Number of events 12 • 6 years
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gastrointestinal disorders - other, specify; Early satiety
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Nervous system disorders
Headache
47.4%
9/19 • Number of events 9 • 6 years
Endocrine disorders
Hyperthyroidism
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hypokalemia
10.5%
2/19 • Number of events 2 • 6 years
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hypophosphatemia
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Endocrine disorders
Hypothyroidism
26.3%
5/19 • Number of events 5 • 6 years
Infections and infestations
Infections and infestations - other, specify; COVID-19+
26.3%
5/19 • Number of events 5 • 6 years
Psychiatric disorders
Insomnia
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Nervous system disorders
Intracranial hemorrhage
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Laryngeal inflammation
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Lung infection
21.1%
4/19 • Number of events 4 • 6 years
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea
10.5%
2/19 • Number of events 2 • 6 years
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Neck pain
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
General disorders
Non-cardiac chest pain
10.5%
2/19 • Number of events 2 • 6 years
Infections and infestations
Otitis externa
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Infections and infestations
Otitis media
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Pain in extremity
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Gastrointestinal disorders
Pancreatitis
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Nervous system disorders
Peripheral sensory neuropathy
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Pneumonitis
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Pruritus
10.5%
2/19 • Number of events 2 • 6 years
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rash maculo-papular
10.5%
2/19 • Number of events 2 • 6 years
Renal and urinary disorders
Renal and urinary disorders - other, specify: Overactive bladder
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Reproductive system and breast disorders
Reproductive system and breast disorders - other, specify: uteral muscle spasm
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders - other, specify: COPD Excacerbation
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Infections and infestations
Shingles
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Infections and infestations
Sinusitis
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders - other, specify: skin patch
10.5%
2/19 • Number of events 2 • 6 years
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Sleep apnea
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Sore throat
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Nervous system disorders
Tremor
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Infections and infestations
Upper respiratory infection
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Infections and infestations
Urinary tract infection
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Vertigo
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Gastrointestinal disorders
Abdominal pain
10.5%
2/19 • Number of events 2 • 6 years
Investigations
Alanine aminotransferase increased
10.5%
2/19 • Number of events 2 • 6 years
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Arthralgia
15.8%
3/19 • Number of events 3 • 6 years
Investigations
Aspartate aminotransferase increased
10.5%
2/19 • Number of events 2 • 6 years
Immune system disorders
Autoimmune disorder (thyroiditis)
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Back pain
10.5%
2/19 • Number of events 2 • 6 years
Eye disorders
Blurred vision
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Gastrointestinal disorders
Colitis
10.5%
2/19 • Number of events 2 • 6 years
Infections and infestations
Conjunctivitis
5.3%
1/19 • Number of events 1 • 6 years
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Cough
15.8%
3/19 • Number of events 3 • 6 years
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhea
36.8%
7/19 • Number of events 7 • 6 years
Gastrointestinal disorders
Dry mouth
10.5%
2/19 • Number of events 2 • 6 years

Additional Information

Robert Keith, MD

Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center / University of Colorado School of Medicine

Phone: 720-857-5120

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place