A Phase 0 Study of CIMAvax-EGF Vaccine in Patients Who Are at High Risk for Lung Cancer and Lung Cancer Survivors at Risk for Recurrence
This early phase I trial studies the side effects of a vaccine called CIMAvax-EGF and to see how well it works in preventing lung cancer from developing in patients at high risk for lung cancer or coming back (recurrence) in stage IB-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer survivors. In many cancers such as lung cancer, there is a protein receptor called EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) that is overexpressed within these cancers. Activation of EGFR has shown to lead to tumor growth and development. Previous studies have indicated that EGFR activation is present in the airways of cancer-free subjects as well. CIMAvax-EGF vaccine works by causing the body to make antibodies against EGF that is being produced that could be possibly driving the risk for developing cancer.
• Confirmed no evidence of cancer on computed tomography (CT) scan within 6 months prior to starting treatment
• Have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of =\< 2
• Patients must have platelets \>= 100 x 10\^9/L
• Participants of child-bearing potential must agree to use adequate contraceptive methods (e.g., hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry
‣ Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while she or her partner is participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately
• Participant must understand the investigational nature of this study and sign an Independent Ethics Committee/Institutional Review Board approved written informed consent form prior to receiving any study related procedure
• PATIENTS AT HIGH-RISK FOR LUNG CANCER COHORT ONLY (COHORT A)
• Must have documented at least one risk factor for lung cancer which includes:
‣ Moderate to severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) defined as FEV1/FVC ratio \<=75%
⁃ Positive family history of lung cancer defined as a first degree relative
⁃ Low body mass index (BMI)
⁃ History of pneumonia within the last 5 years prior to enrollment
⁃ Occupational exposure such as asbestos, radon and any other that investigator would deem high risk
• Must have quit smoking =\< 15 years ago or be a current smoker
• Must have at least 30 pack year smoking history
• Must have documented pulmonary function test within the last 3 years prior to enrollment. If a patient cannot tolerate a pulmonary function test, an incentive spirometry will be acceptable in place of a pulmonary function test
• LUNG CANCER SURVIVOR COHORT ONLY (COHORT B)
• 1\. If patient received surgery or any adjuvant therapy for initial diagnosis of lung cancer, it must have been completed at least 3 months prior to enrollment. Prior surgery or any therapy is not required for eligibility
• Confirmed non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) stage IA through 3A at initial diagnosis