Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (other)
Phase: 1/2
Start date: April 10, 2026
Planned enrollment: 53
Ivonescimab (AK112; SMT112) is a tetravalent bispecific antibody that targets PD‑1 and VEGF. It has completed multiple phase 3 studies in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In China, ivonescimab received marketing authorization in May 2024 for use with chemotherapy in EGFR‑mutated, nonsquamous NSCLC after EGFR‑TKI therapy, and in April 2025 as first‑line monotherapy for PD‑L1–positive NSCLC; it remains investigational in the United States and other Summit Therapeutics territories. (akesobio.com)
Ivonescimab binds PD‑1 and VEGF simultaneously and exhibits “cooperative binding,” increasing affinity to one target in the presence of the other, which enhances blockade of both PD‑1/PD‑L1 and VEGF/VEGFR signaling. The Fc region is engineered to reduce effector functions. These properties are proposed to increase activity in the tumor microenvironment while maintaining a favorable safety profile. (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)
First‑line PD‑L1–positive (TPS ≥1%) advanced NSCLC (HARMONi‑2, randomized, double‑blind, phase 3, China): Ivonescimab monotherapy significantly improved progression‑free survival (PFS) vs pembrolizumab at interim analysis (median PFS 11.1 vs 5.8 months; HR 0.51, 95% CI 0.38–0.69; P<0.0001). Results were consistent in PD‑L1 TPS 1–49% (HR 0.54) and TPS ≥50% (HR 0.48) subgroups. Objective response rate (ORR) was higher with ivonescimab (50.0% vs 38.5%) in the WCLC late‑breaking presentation. (thelancet.com)
Post‑EGFR‑TKI, EGFR‑mutated nonsquamous NSCLC (HARMONi‑A, randomized, double‑blind, phase 3, China): Adding ivonescimab to carboplatin/pemetrexed significantly improved PFS vs chemotherapy alone (median 7.1 vs 4.8 months; HR 0.46, 95% CI 0.34–0.62). ORR was 50.6% vs 35.4%. Benefits were observed across key subgroups, including those previously treated with third‑generation EGFR‑TKIs and those with brain metastases. Primary HARMONi (global MRCT) subsequently confirmed a clinically meaningful PFS benefit (HR 0.52; median PFS 6.8 vs 4.4 months) with consistent effects across regions. (ascopubs.org)
Phase 2 (first‑line advanced/metastatic NSCLC without EGFR/ALK alterations): Ivonescimab plus platinum doublet chemotherapy produced ORR 75% in squamous and 55% in nonsquamous cohorts, with durable responses in an open‑label multi‑center study. (ascopubs.org)
In HARMONi‑2, grade ≥3 treatment‑related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 29% with ivonescimab vs 16% with pembrolizumab; the most common high‑grade TRAE with ivonescimab was hypertension (5%). Rates of grade ≥3 immune‑related AEs were similar (7% vs 8%). (ascopost.com)
In HARMONi‑A, grade ≥3 treatment‑emergent AEs were 61.5% with ivonescimab plus chemotherapy vs 49.1% with chemotherapy (largely chemotherapy‑related). Grade ≥3 immune‑related AEs were 6.2% vs 2.5%; grade ≥3 VEGF‑related AEs were 3.1% vs 2.5%. (ascopubs.org)
Overall, the safety profile reflects expected immune‑checkpoint and anti‑VEGF class effects (e.g., immune‑related AEs, hypertension/proteinuria), with manageable toxicity in randomized studies. (ascopost.com)
Notes on regulatory status: Ivonescimab is approved in China (EGFR‑mutant post‑TKI in May 2024; first‑line PD‑L1–positive in April 2025) and is investigational elsewhere. Ongoing global development includes additional registrational studies. (akesobio.com)
Last updated: Oct 2025
Goal: To determine the safety of combining ivonescimab with platinum-based chemotherapy and stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with NSCLC brain metastases, establish the recommended phase 2 dose, and then evaluate preliminary intracranial efficacy of the regimen.
Patients: Adults with histologically or cytologically confirmed squamous or non-squamous NSCLC and at least one brain metastasis 1.0 to 3.5 cm considered suitable for SRS. Patients must have ECOG performance status 0–1, available tumor PD-L1 tumor proportion score, adequate organ function, life expectancy greater than 3 months, and ability to undergo contrast-enhanced brain MRI. Key exclusions include small cell lung cancer, leptomeningeal disease, brainstem metastasis ≥1 cm, prior immunotherapy in most metastatic settings, active autoimmune disease requiring systemic therapy, uncontrolled hypertension, significant bleeding risk or recent hemoptysis, prior intracranial hemorrhage in most cases, interstitial lung disease or steroid-requiring pneumonitis, and clinically significant cardiovascular, thromboembolic, infectious, or gastrointestinal conditions that could increase risk with VEGF/PD-1 blockade.
Design: Single-arm, open-label phase 1/2 study. The phase 1 portion uses dose finding to identify the recommended phase 2 dose of ivonescimab when given with chemotherapy and SRS. The phase 2 portion treats an additional cohort at the recommended dose to assess intracranial activity. There is no randomization or control arm.
Treatments: Patients receive ivonescimab with standard chemotherapy on cycle 1 day 1, followed by SRS to brain metastases starting on days 7–10 using 9 Gy for 3 fractions. In phase 1, ivonescimab starts at 10 mg/kg, with a day 21 toxicity assessment before continuation of ivonescimab plus chemotherapy at standard dosing as determined by the treating medical oncologist; in phase 2, patients receive the recommended phase 2 dose established in phase 1. Ivonescimab is an investigational bispecific antibody targeting both PD-1 and VEGF, designed to combine immune checkpoint blockade with anti-angiogenic activity and to enhance cooperative binding in the VEGF-rich tumor microenvironment. Early clinical studies in advanced solid tumors have shown manageable toxicity and antitumor activity, and phase 3 data in first-line PD-L1-positive advanced NSCLC have reported longer progression-free survival and higher response rates compared with pembrolizumab. SRS is a standard focal brain radiotherapy approach used to deliver high-dose radiation to limited brain metastases while sparing surrounding brain tissue.
Outcomes: The primary phase 1 outcome is identification of the recommended phase 2 dose based on adverse events graded by NCI CTCAE v5.0 during the first 21 days. The primary phase 2 outcome is intracranial progression-free survival, defined as time from treatment start to radiologically confirmed intracranial progression or death from any cause, assessed at 3 months.
Burden on patient: The patient burden is moderate to high. Treatment requires coordinated systemic therapy and fractionated SRS early in the first cycle, including visits for chemotherapy/ivonescimab infusion, radiation planning, and three SRS treatment fractions. As a phase 1/2 study with an immunotherapy/anti-VEGF investigational agent, patients should expect closer safety monitoring than routine care, especially during the first 21 days, with laboratory testing, toxicity assessments, blood pressure and bleeding-risk monitoring, and serial contrast-enhanced brain MRI for intracranial response and progression. No mandatory research biopsy or intensive pharmacokinetic sampling is specified, which limits the burden compared with many early-phase trials, but travel and monitoring demands remain greater than standard off-study treatment.
Last updated: May 2026
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Histologically or cytologically confirmed non-small cell lung cancer, including squamous and non-squamous histologies.
2. At least one brain metastasis measuring ≥ 1.0 cm and ≤ 3.5 cm in diameter, deemed safe for treatment with SRS by an attending radiation oncologist
3. PD-L1 tumor proportion score available
4. ECOG performance status 0-1 (See Appendix II for performance status criteria)
5. Age ≥ 18 years
6. Expected life expectancy greater than 3 months
7. Participant or Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) able to provide written informed consent
8. Participant willing to comply with all requirements of study participation
9. Adequate Organ Function:
a. Hematology (no blood transfusions or growth factor therapy used within 7 days of the screening CBC): i. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1.5 × 10\^9/L ii. Platelet count ≥ 100 × 10\^9/L iii. Hemoglobin ≥ 9.0 g/dL b. Kidneys: i. Creatinine clearance (CrCl) ≥ 50 mL/min using the Cockcroft-Gault formula or estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) value ≥30 mL/min using the Chronic Kidney Disease Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) equation ii. Urine protein \< 2+ or 24-hour urine protein quantification \< 1.0 g
Liver:
i. Serum total bilirubin (TBIL) ≤ 1.5 × upper limit of normal (ULN); For patients with liver metastases or confirmed/suspected Gilbert syndrome, TBIL ≤3 × ULN, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 2.5 × ULN; For patients with liver metastases, AST and ALT ≤ 5 × ULN d. Coagulation: prothrombin time (PT) or international normalized ratio (INR) ≤ 1.5 x ULN,and partial prothrombin time (PTT) or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) ≤ 1.5 × ULN (unless abnormalities are unrelated to coagulopathy) This applies only to patients who are not on therapeutic anti-coagulation. Patients receiving therapeutic anti-coagulation should be on a stable dose.
10. Resolution of all toxicities of prior therapy or surgical procedures to baseline or Grade 1 (except for neuropathy, hypothyroidism requiring medication and alopecia can be resolved to Grade ≤2)
11. Steroid treatment (dexamethasone) is allowed and patients will be eligible if patients have been tapered to a dose equivalent of ≤ 4mg dexamethasone once a day for at least one week prior to enrollment. For example, a patient who received a 10mg bolus of dexamethasone in the emergency department after an MRI demonstrated brain metastases, as long as they have been tapered to a dose of 4mg or less for at least one week prior to enrollment
12. Female patient of childbearing potential having sex with an unsterilized male partner must agree to use a highly effective method of contraception\* from the beginning of screening until 90 days after the last dose of the ivonescimab, which overlaps with the period during which patients are treated with SRS.
13. Unsterilized male patients having sex with a female partner of childbearing potential, or a pregnant or breastfeeding partner must agree to use barrier contraception (male condom) for the duration of the treatment period until 90 days after the last dose of ivonescimab.
Male patients with female partners of childbearing potential must have the female partner agree to use at least 1 form of highly effective contraception\* for the duration of the treatment period until 90 days after the last dose of ivonescimab, which overlaps with the period during which patients are treated with SRS.
\*See Appendix III - Contraceptive Guidelines
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Histologically confirmed small cell lung cancer.
2. Previous brain-directed radiotherapy will be permitted; however, direct re-treatment with SRS of a brain metastasis that had previously received SRS is not permitted; sites will be reviewed by the P.I. (L.R.G.P.).
3. Unable to undergo contrast-enhanced brain MRI.
4. Brain metastasis in a brainstem location ≥ 1.0 cm in diameter.
5. Leptomeningeal disease.
6. Previous treatment with immunotherapy. Note: for subjects who have received adjuvant/neoadjuvant immunotherapy for non-metastatic diseases for the purpose of cure, if the disease progression is reported ≥ 12 months after the end of last immunotherapy, the subjects can be enrolled in this study.
7. Subjects who have received previous treatment with standard-of-care targeted therapies against EGFR, ALK, and ROS1 can be enrolled in this study, at the discretion of the PI.
8. Previous history of malignant tumor other than NSCLC within 3 years before enrollment.
Note: for subjects with malignant tumors that have been cured by local treatment (e.g.,basal or cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, superficial bladder cancer, cervical or breast cancer in situ) or are not on any active systemic anti-tumor therapy, the subjects can be enrolled in this study in discussion with the PI.
9. Major surgical procedures or serious trauma within 4 weeks of enrollment or plans for major surgical procedures within 4 weeks after the first dose (as determined by the investigator). Minor local procedures (excluding central venous catheterization and port implantation) within 3 days of enrollment.
10. History of bleeding tendencies or coagulopathy and/or clinically significant bleeding symptoms or risk within 4 weeks prior to enrollment, including but not limited to
1. Hemoptysis (defined as coughing up ≥ 0.5 teaspoon of fresh blood or small blood clots Note: transient hemoptysis associated with diagnostic bronchoscopy is allowed.
2. Nasal bleeding /epistaxis (bloody nasal discharge is allowed)
3. Current use of prophylactic or full-dose anticoagulants or anti-platelet agents for therapeutic purposes that is not stable prior to enrollment is not allowed. The use of full-dose anticoagulants is permitted as long as the international normalized ratio (INR) or activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is within therapeutic limits according to the medical standard of the enrolling institution.
11. Poorly controlled hypertension with repeated systolic blood pressure ≥ 150 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≥ 100 mmHg after oral antihypertensive therapy . Blood pressure will be measured using triple blood pressure assessment to determine the average.
12. Active autoimmune or lung disease requiring systemic therapy (e.g., with disease modifying drugs, dexamethasone \>4 mg daily or equivalent, immunosuppressant therapy) within 2 years prior to enrollment, however the following will be allowed:
1. Replacement therapy (e.g., thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency) is permitted.
2. Intermittent use of bronchodilators, inhaled corticosteroids, or local corticosteroid injections is permitted
13. History of major diseases before enrollment, specifically:
1. Unstable angina, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure (New York Heart Association \[NYHA\] classification ≥ grade 2 - see Appendix IV - NYHA Classification) or unstable vascular disease (e.g., aortic aneurysm at risk of rupture, Moyamoya disease) that required hospitalization within 12 months prior to enrollment, or other cardiac impairment that may affect the safety evaluation of the study drug (e.g., poorly controlled arrhythmias, myocardial ischemia)
2. History of esophageal gastric varices, severe ulcers, wounds that do not heal, abdominal fistula, intra-abdominal abscesses, or acute gastrointestinal bleeding within 6 months before enrollment.
3. History of any grade arterial thromboembolic event, Grade 3 and above venous thromboembolic event, as specified in National Cancer Institute (NCI) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) 5.0, transient ischemic attack, cerebrovascular accident, hypertensive crisis, or hypertensive encephalopathy within 12 months prior to enrollment.
4. Acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease within 4 weeks before enrollment
5. History of perforation of the gastrointestinal tract and/or fistula, history of gastrointestinal obstruction (including incomplete intestinal obstruction requiring parenteral nutrition), extensive bowel resection (partial colectomy or extensive small bowel resection) within 6 months prior to enrollment.
14. Imaging during the screening period shows that the patient has:
1. Radiologically documented evidence of major blood vessel invasion (central pulmonary artery, central pulmonary veins, aorta, brachiocephalic artery, common carotid artery, subclavian artery, superior vena cava) or tumor invading organs (heart, trachea, esophagus, central bronchi \[not including segmental bronchi\]) or if there is a risk of esophagotracheal or esophagopleural fistula in the opinion of the investigator.
2. Radiographic evidence of major blood vessel encasement with narrowing of the vessel or intratumor lung cavitation or necrosis that the investigator determines will pose a significantly increased risk of bleeding.
15. Previous history of intracranial hemorrhage; if one of the visible brain metastases is deemed to have a component of intratumoral hemorrhage, then they will be evaluated by the principal investigator with Neuroradiology to determine if the patient may be enrolled in this study.
16. Live vaccine or live attenuated vaccine within 4 weeks prior to planned enrollment, or if scheduled to receive a live vaccine or live attenuated vaccine during the study period. Inactivated vaccines are permitted.
17. Severe infection within 4 weeks prior to enrollment, including but not limited to comorbidities requiring hospitalization, sepsis, or severe pneumonia; active infection (as determined by the investigator) requiring systemic anti-infective therapy within 2 weeks prior to enrollment (excluding antiviral therapy for hepatitis B or C).
18. Has pre-existing peripheral neuropathy that is ≥ Grade 2 by CTCAE version 5.
19. Uncontrolled pleural effusions, pericardial effusions, or ascites that is clinically symptomatic.
Note: Patients managed with indwelling catheters (e.g., PleurX) are allowed.
20. History of non-infectious pneumonia requiring systemic corticosteroids (\>dexamethasone 4 mg equivalent daily), or current interstitial lung disease.
21. Active or prior history of inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or chronic diarrhea).
22. Known history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) whose viral load is not controlled.
HIV-infected patients on effective anti-retroviral therapy with undetectable viral load within 6 months are eligible for this trial.
23. Known history of allogeneic organ transplantation or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
24. Patients with active hepatitis B are required to have stable or declining levels of hepatitis B DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on appropriate anti-viral therapy with acceptable tolerability for one month prior to enrollment.
25. Patients with a history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection must have been treated and cured. For patients with HCV infection who are currently on treatment, they are eligible if they have an undetectable HCV viral load.
26. Known allergy to any component of any study drug; known history of severe hypersensitivity to other monoclonal antibodies.
27. History or current evidence of any condition (medical \[including adverse events from prior anticancer therapy, disorders secondary to tumor\], surgical or psychiatric \[including substance abuse\]), or laboratory abnormality that might confound the results of the study, interfere with the patient's participation for the full duration of the study, might lead to higher medical risk and/or is not in the best interest of the patient to participate, in the opinion of the treating investigator.
28. Patient is breastfeeding or plans to breastfeed during the study.
Basking Ridge, New Jersey, 07920, United States
No email / 212-639-8157
Status: Recruiting
Montvale, New Jersey, 07645, United States
No email / 212-639-8157
Status: Recruiting
Middletown, New Jersey, 07748, United States
No email / 212-639-8157
Status: Recruiting
New York, New York, 10065, United States
No email / 212-639-8157
Status: Recruiting
Rockville Centre, New York, 11553, United States
No email / 212-639-8157
Status: Recruiting
Commack, New York, 11725, United States
No email / 212-639-8157
Status: Recruiting
Harrison, New York, 10604, United States
No email / 212-639-8157
Status: Recruiting