Lung Cancer Clinical Trials Enrolling Patients in 2026

Several biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including Daiichi Sankyo, IDEAYA Biosciences, Synthekine and Whitehawk Therapeutics, have announced new or ongoing clinical trials that are enrolling patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These studies include early- and later-stage trials evaluating investigational therapies in different treatment settings, offering additional options for patients with cancer seeking clinical trial participation.

For patients and caregivers exploring research opportunities, here is what to know about each actively enrolling study based on recent company news releases.

TROPION-Lung17 phase 3 trial evaluating DATROWAY in advanced nonsquamous NSCLC

Daiichi Sankyo announced that the first patient has been dosed in the global phase 3 TROPION-Lung17 trial. The study is evaluating DATROWAY in patients with locally advanced or metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer whose disease has progressed following prior therapy, marking the start of active enrollment.

According to the company’s announcement, the trial is designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DATROWAY in this previously treated population. As a phase 3 study, it is intended to further define clinical benefit and side effects in a larger group of patients with advanced disease.

Patients with locally advanced or metastatic nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer whose cancer has progressed after prior treatment may be eligible depending on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients interested in participating should speak with their oncology care team to determine eligibility. Participating sites are part of a global network and additional information may be available through trial registries or by contacting the sponsor.

Phase 1 trial of IDE034 in advanced solid tumors including NSCLC

IDEAYA Biosciences announced that the first patient has been dosed in a phase 1 clinical trial evaluating IDE034, described in the news release as a potential first-in-class B7H3/PTK7 bispecific topoisomerase 1 antibody-drug conjugate. The study is enrolling patients with advanced solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer.

This phase 1 study is designed as an open-label dose-escalation and dose-expansion trial. Its primary objectives include evaluating safety and tolerability and determining an appropriate dose for further clinical development. Investigators will also assess preliminary antitumor activity. As with most early-phase studies, close monitoring for side effects is central to the trial.

Patients with advanced solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer, may qualify based on the study’s eligibility requirements. Interested individuals should consult their oncologist to review whether participation is appropriate. Enrollment includes a screening process to confirm eligibility and a review of informed consent documents prior to starting treatment.

Randomized phase 2 trial of STK-012 in combination with Keytruda and chemotherapy in first-line PD-L1-negative NSCLC

Synthekine announced a clinical trial collaboration with Merck to evaluate STK-012 in combination with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and chemotherapy in an ongoing randomized phase 2 trial. The study focuses on patients receiving first-line treatment for PD-L1-negative nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer and continues to enroll eligible participants.

The randomized phase 2 design allows researchers to further evaluate the safety and clinical activity of the combination regimen in this specific patient population. Side effects are monitored as part of the study’s safety assessments.

Patients with newly diagnosed PD-L1-negative nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer who have not received prior systemic therapy for advanced disease may be considered for participation depending on eligibility criteria. Patients should discuss this option with their oncology care team and ask whether their treatment center is participating. Screening and informed consent are required before enrollment.

Phase 1 trial of HWK-007 following IND clearance

Whitehawk Therapeutics announced that it has received investigational new drug (IND) clearance for HWK-007, a PTK7-targeted antibody-drug conjugate, allowing the company to advance to clinical testing. A phase 1 trial is planned to evaluate HWK-007 in patients with advanced solid tumors, including lung cancer.

The planned phase 1 study will assess safety, tolerability and preliminary activity of HWK-007. Early-phase trials typically focus on identifying appropriate dose levels and understanding potential side effects in patients with advanced disease.

Patients with advanced solid tumors, including lung cancer, may be eligible once the study is open at participating sites. Individuals interested in this investigational therapy should speak with their oncologist about clinical trial availability and monitor trial registries for site activation and enrollment details. Participation requires screening to confirm eligibility and completion of informed consent prior to initiating study treatment.

References

1. “DATROWAY First Patient Dosed in Phase 3 TROPION-Lung17 Trial in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.” News Release. Daiichi Sankyo. January 13, 2026.
2. “IDEAYA Biosciences Announces First Patient In for Phase 1 Trial of IDE034, a Potential First-in-Class B7H3/PTK7 Bispecific Top1 ADC.” News Release. IDEAYA Biosciences. February 2026.
3. “Synthekine Announces Clinical Trial Collaboration with Merck to Evaluate STK-012 In Combination with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) and Chemotherapy in Ongoing Randomized Phase 2 Trial in First-Line PD-L1-Negative Nonsquamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer.” News Release. Synthekine. February 26, 2026.
4. “Whitehawk Therapeutics Advances to Clinical Stage with IND Clearance for HWK-007 and Announces IND Submission for HWK-016.” News Release. Whitehawk Therapeutics. February 2026.

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