Neoadjuvant MPDL3280A, Nab-paclitaxel and Carboplatin (MAC) in NSCLC

MPDL3280A is a human, Fc optimized, monoclonal antibody directed against the protein ligand programmed cell death-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1), with potential immune checkpoint inhibitory and antineoplastic activities. Atezolizumab binds to PD-L1, blocking its binding to and activation of its receptor programmed death 1 (PD-1) expressed on activated T-cells, which may enhance the T-cell-mediated immune response to neoplasms and reverse T-cell inactivation. MPDL3280A 1200 mg will be administered as a 60 minute IV infusion on first administration, then over 30 minutes subsequently if tolerated.

Carboplatin is a second-generation platinum compound with a broad spectrum of antineoplastic properties. Carboplatin contains a platinum atom complexed with two ammonia groups and a cyclobutane-dicarboxyl residue. This agent is activated intracellularly to form reactive platinum complexes that bind to nucleophilic groups, thereby inducing intrastrand and interstrand DNA cross-links, as well as DNA-protein cross-links. These carboplatin-induced DNA and protein effects result in apoptosis and cell growth inhibition. Carboplatin area under the curve (AUC)=6 will be administered as a 30 minute IV infusion immediately after nab-paclitaxel.

Nab-paclitaxel is an albumin-stabilized nanoparticle formulation of the natural taxane paclitaxel with antineoplastic activity. Nab-paclitaxel binds to and stabilizes microtubules, preventing their depolymerization and so inhibiting cellular motility, mitosis, and replication. Nab-paclitaxel 100 mg/m2 will be administered as a 30 minute IV infusion.