Dr Giannis Mountzios speaks to ecancer about the final outcome of the phase II PAVE study of the Hellenic co-operative oncology group. This study analysed the use of intercalated avelumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer.

The goal was to identify any immunophenotypic and biomarker changes that occurred.

The results showed that even though the intercalated avelumab approach did not meet the primary endpoint of 1-year PFS, it was still as effective as other frontline chemo-immunotherapy regimens.

The intercalated avelumab approach provided clinically relevant PFS and DoR, as well as improved quality of life. Therefore, this approach is worth further evaluation.