Open Clinical Trials at Missouri Cancer Associates

At Missouri Cancer Associates, we are committed to advancing cancer care through access to cutting-edge clinical research. Our clinical trials give patients the opportunity to receive innovative treatments that are not yet widely available, while helping to shape the future of oncology. Below you’ll find a list of our current open studies, including eligibility information and how to get started.
Our team of dedicated research professionals is here to guide you every step of the way—answering questions, coordinating care, and ensuring your safety and comfort throughout the process.

Now Enrolling: TIGOS-LS Clinical Trial

A Study for Patients with Limited-Stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (LS-SCLC)

We are currently enrolling participants for the TIGOS-LS clinical trial, a research study for patients with limited-stage small cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) whose cancer has not progressed following chemotherapy and radiation.
This trial is investigating whether a new combination of immunotherapy drugs—atigotatug and nivolumab—may provide better outcomes than current standard treatment alone.The TIGOS-LS trial features two key therapeutic agents: Nivolumab and Atigotatug, each playing a crucial role in our multi-pronged approach to fighting cancer.
This important study is evaluating a promising new combination of immunotherapy drugs that may enhance your body’s ability to fight cancer.

What is This Study About?

The trial is comparing a new experimental drug combination—atigotatug with nivolumab—to the current standard treatment. The goal is to see if this combination can offer better outcomes for patients whose cancer has not progressed after initial therapy.

Who is Eligible?

You may qualify if:

• You’ve already received at least 3 cycles of chemotherapy and radiation for LS-SCLC
• Your cancer hasn’t worsened following treatment
• You may have received preventive brain radiation (PCI)—but it’s not required

How the Treatment Works

Nivolumab: Unleashing Your Immune System

Nivolumab is a well-established immunotherapy drug designed to empower your body’s natural defenses against cancer. It functions by targeting and blocking the PD-1 protein, a ‘checkpoint’ that normally suppresses the immune system’s T-cells. By inhibiting PD-1, Nivolumab effectively ‘takes the brakes off’ your immune response, allowing your T-cells to more effectively recognize and attack cancer cells. This mechanism is similar to that of durvalumab, another immunotherapy drug. Nivolumab is already approved by the FDA for treating various types of cancer, underscoring its proven efficacy and safety profile in oncology.

Atigotatug: A Novel Approach to Immune Activation

Atigotatug represents a cutting-edge experimental drug that focuses on another critical immune checkpoint: the TIGIT protein. TIGIT, found on immune cells, typically acts as a ‘gatekeeper,’ preventing these cells from launching a full-scale assault on cancerous growths. By blocking TIGIT, atigotatug aims to activate immune cells, making them more aggressive and effective in their fight against cancer. When combined with Nivolumab, Atigotatug is hypothesized to create a synergistic effect, significantly enhancing the overall immune response. This combination therapy holds the potential to be more potent and effective than using either immunotherapy agent alone, offering a new frontier in cancer treatment.Together, these therapies aim to “take the brakes off” your immune system and help it fight cancer more effectively.

What to Expect

Treatment Cycles: A Structured Approach

Once enrolled, your treatment will follow a structured cycle, with each cycle lasting 28 days. You will visit the clinic on Day 1 of each cycle for treatment administration and essential tests, occurring approximately once every four weeks. To ensure your comfort and safety, our team will conduct a follow-up call on Day 15 of Cycle 1 to check for any side effects and review your current medications. We are committed to continuous monitoring and support throughout your treatment.

Managing Side Effects: Your Health is Our Priority

We understand that side effects can be a concern during any treatment. Our dedicated study staff is available to you at all times. Should you experience any side effects, no matter how minor, we urge you to contact us immediately. Prompt communication allows us to provide timely support and adjust your care as needed.

Treatment Duration: When the Study Concludes

Your treatment within the TIGOS-LS study will continue for up to two years, or until one of the following conditions is met: your doctor advises discontinuation, you choose to stop participation, pregnancy occurs, the study officially closes, your cancer progresses, or side effects become too severe to continue. We will ensure a smooth transition and provide all necessary support as your participation concludes.

End-of-Treatment & Follow-Up: Continued Care

Upon completion of your treatment, you will have an End-of-Treatment Visit to review your progress and discuss next steps. This is followed by a 30-day Safety Follow-Up, which includes an in-clinic check, and a 100-day Safety Follow-Up conducted via phone call. For patients whose cancer has not worsened, extended follow-up calls will occur every 2-3 months. Additionally, a survival follow-up will be conducted every three months for up to three years, ensuring long-term monitoring of your health.

Routine Checkups and Tests: Comprehensive Monitoring

Throughout your participation, you will undergo routine checkups and tests, either every cycle or as needed, to monitor your health and the effectiveness of the treatment. These include measurements of height, weight, and vital signs, an ECG (heart check), blood and urine tests, and pregnancy tests (if applicable). We will also conduct scans to measure disease progression in your chest, abdomen, brain, and bones, and regularly review your medications and any side effects you may be experiencing.

Study Treatment Administration: What to Expect

Study medications will be administered intravenously (IV) and typically take between 30 to 60 minutes. In the event of any reactions during treatment, additional medication may be provided before your next dose to help prevent future occurrences. Our medical team is highly trained to ensure your comfort and safety during each administration.

Treatment Cycles:

• Each cycle is 28 days
• IV infusions at the clinic on Day 1 of each cycle (every 4 weeks)
• A phone check-in on Day 15 of Cycle 1
• Regular tests and close monitoring throughout the study

Follow-Up:

• End-of-treatment visit
• 30- and 100-day safety follow-ups
• Ongoing monitoring every 2–3 months if the cancer has not progressed
• Long-term survival follow-up for up to 3 years

Duration:

Your participation in the TIGOS-LS study is designed to be comprehensive yet flexible, with a maximum duration of up to two years. The study will conclude earlier if your doctor determines that continued participation is no longer in your best interest, or if certain events occur, such as pregnancy, study closure, cancer progression, or the development of severe side effects. Your well-being is our utmost priority, and you always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time.Treatment may continue for up to 2 years or until:

• You choose to stop
• Your doctor recommends stopping
• The study ends
• Your cancer progresses
• Side effects become too severe
• Pregnancy occurs

Risks & Benefits

Deciding to join a clinical trial is a significant choice. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits against the possible risks. While there is a chance of experiencing side effects from the study drugs, and no guarantee of individual success, your participation comes with close medical supervision and the opportunity to contribute to vital cancer research. The treatment may also prove to be beneficial for your condition. A comprehensive overview of all potential risks is detailed in the Informed Consent Form, which we will review with you thoroughly.

Potential Benefits:

• The treatment might help control or improve your cancer
• You’ll receive close medical monitoring
• You’ll contribute to important cancer research

Potential Risks:

• Possible side effects from study drugs
• Unknown effectiveness for your individual case (Full details are provided in the Informed Consent Form)

Costs

Participation in the TIGOS-LS clinical trial means that the costs of the experimental drugs and study-related procedures are covered. However, routine cancer tests and any standard medical care will be the responsibility of you or your insurance provider. We are committed to transparency and will discuss all costs with you before you decide to enroll.

Next Steps

We understand that you may have questions about the TIGOS-LS clinical trial. Our dedicated team is here to provide you with the information and support you need. Please do not hesitate to reach out.
If you’re interested in seeing whether you qualify for this study, please fill out our prequalification form. Our Clinical Research Coordinator, Crystal Johnson, will follow up with you directly.
Button (Prequalification Form) this goes to Jotform

Button to PDF (Download Brochure) Insert PDF-26Feb2025 LUN 567 patient information sheet v1.0 final clean Stamped.pdf

For additional questions, feel free to contact:

Crystal Johnson

Clinical Trial Research Coordinator
(573) 874-7800 ext. 3311
[email protected]

We are located at:

1705 E Broadway, Suite 100
Columbia, MO 65201
Phone: (573) 874-7800 We look forward to hearing from you and discussing how you can become a part of this important research.