Testing the Addition of an Anti-cancer Drug, Berzosertib (M6620, VX-970), to the Usual Treatments (Carboplatin and Gemcitabine) and to Pembrolizumab for Patients With Advanced Squamous Cell Non-small Cell Lung Cancer

This phase Ib/II trial studies the best dose of carboplatin when given together with berzosertib, gemcitabine and pembrolizumab and to see how well it works in treating patients with stage IV squamous cell non-small cell lung cancer that has spared to other placed in the body (advanced). Berzosertib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Chemotherapy drugs, such as carboplatin and gemcitabine, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Giving berzosertib together with carboplatin, gemcitabine, and pembrolizumab may work better in treating patients with squamous cell non-small cell lung cancer compared to carboplatin, gemcitabine, and pembrolizumab alone.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. To determine the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of carboplatin in combination with berzosertib (M6620) and gemcitabine/pembrolizumab, in patients with squamous cell non-small cell lung cancer (Sq-NSCLC). (Lead-in Phase 1B) II. To compare progression-free survival (PFS) of carboplatin/gemcitabine/pembrolizumab with and without berzosertib (M6620, VX-970) in patients with Sq-NSCLC, as measured by a hazard ratio in an intent-to-treat analysis. (Phase 2) SECONDARY OBJECTIVES: I. To compare progression-free survival (PFS) of carboplatin/gemcitabine/pembrolizumab with and without berzosertib (M6620, VX-970) in patients with Sq-NSCLC, as measured by a hazard ratio in an as-treated analysis. II. To compare PFS of carboplatin/gemcitabine/pembrolizumab with and without berzosertib (M6620, VX-970) in patients with ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM)-deficient Sq-NSCLC, as measured by a hazard ratio. III. To compare overall survival (OS) and overall response rate (ORR) of carboplatin/gemcitabine/pembrolizumab with and without berzosertib (M6620, VX-970), in patients with chemotherapy-naive Sq-NSCLC. IV. To determine the systemic drug exposure of berzosertib (M6620, VX-970) and gemcitabine, as correlates of efficacy and toxicity. V. To determine the safety and tolerability of berzosertib (M6620, VX-970) in combination with carboplatin/gemcitabine/pembrolizumab. VI. To observe and record anti-tumor activity. EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVES: I. To identify molecular subpopulations of patients who have increased sensitivity to the berzosertib (M6620, VX-970)/carboplatin/gemcitabine/pembrolizumab combination. II. To explore the prognostic and predictive qualities of the ATM immunohistochemistry (IHC) assay for clinical response and PFS. III. To explore inflammation-associated gene signatures and clinical response. OUTLINE: This is a phase Ib, dose de-escalation study of carboplatin followed by a phase II study. Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 arms. ARM A: Patients receive pembrolizumab intravenously (IV) over 30 minutes on day 1, gemcitabine hydrochloride IV over 30 minutes on days 1 and 8, carboplatin IV over 30 minutes on day 1, and berzosertib IV over 60 minutes on days 2 and 9. Treatment repeats every 21 days for up to 4 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients then receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1 and berzosertib IV over 60 minutes on days 2 and 9. Cycles repeat every 21 days for up to 9 months in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients then receive pembrolizumab alone IV over 30 minutes on day 1. Cycles repeat every 6 weeks for up to 1 more year in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and/or computed tomography (CT) scans, and undergo blood specimen collection on study. ARM B: Patients receive pembrolizumab, gemcitabine hydrochloride, and carboplatin as in Arm A. Patients undergo MRI scans and/or CT scans, and undergo blood specimen collection on study. After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up every 3 months for 12 months.