Immunotherapy + Radiation for Head and Neck Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this study is to compare any good or bad effects of using pembrolizumab (an experimental drug) and radiation therapy (RT), compared to using cisplatin chemotherapy and radiation therapy (RT) in the treatment of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are on medications for an active autoimmune disease or an active infection, you may need to discuss this with the trial team, as these conditions are part of the exclusion criteria.
Is the combination of immunotherapy and radiation safe for head and neck cancer patients?
The combination of pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy drug) and radiation therapy has been studied for safety in patients with head and neck cancer. Common serious side effects include pneumonia, breathing difficulties, confusion, vomiting, and immune-related issues like lung inflammation and liver problems. However, the overall safety profile is considered acceptable for this patient group.12345
What makes the Immunotherapy + Radiation treatment for head and neck cancer unique?
This treatment combines pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor that helps the immune system attack cancer cells, with radiation therapy, which can enhance the immune response against tumors. This combination is particularly beneficial for patients who cannot use cisplatin, a common chemotherapy drug, making it a novel approach for treating locally advanced head and neck cancer.16789
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment combining immunotherapy and radiation for head and neck cancer?
Research shows that combining pembrolizumab, an immune therapy drug, with radiation can be effective for head and neck cancer, especially when cisplatin, a common chemotherapy drug, cannot be used. Pembrolizumab has been approved for use in cases where the cancer has returned or spread after other treatments, and studies suggest it works well with radiation to stimulate the immune system against the tumor.1281011
Who Is on the Research Team?
Loren Mell, MD
Principal Investigator
University of California, San Diego
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with certain high-risk head and neck cancers, including oropharynx, larynx, nasopharynx, and oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. Participants must have no distant metastases, be HIV negative, not pregnant or breastfeeding, agree to use contraception during the study period and have adequate organ function.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive intensity-modulated radiation therapy with either concurrent cisplatin or pembrolizumab
Adjuvant Therapy
Participants in the pembrolizumab arm receive additional cycles of pembrolizumab
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for progression-free survival and other outcomes
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Cisplatin
- Pembrolizumab
- Radiation therapy
Cisplatin is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada, Japan for the following indications:
- Testicular cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Brain tumors
- Neuroblastoma
- Testicular cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Brain tumors
- Neuroblastoma
- Testicular cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Brain tumors
- Neuroblastoma
- Testicular cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Head and neck cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Brain tumors
- Neuroblastoma
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Loren Mell, MD
Lead Sponsor
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Industry Sponsor
Chirfi Guindo
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Chief Marketing Officer since 2022
Degree in Engineering from Ecole Centrale de Paris, MBA from New York University Stern School of Business
Robert M. Davis
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Chief Executive Officer since 2021
JD from Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, MBA from Northwestern University Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Bachelor's in Finance from Miami University