Using pembrolizumab to treat advanced squamous cell carcinoma before surgery
Project 4: Neoadjuvant Clinical Trial with Pembrolizumab for Locally Advanaced Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC)
This study is looking at how well the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab works to shrink tumors in patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma before they have surgery, and it's for people who haven't tried PD-1 inhibitors before.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11175542 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy drug, as a neoadjuvant treatment for patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) who have not previously received PD-1 inhibitors. The trial aims to assess the effectiveness of this treatment in shrinking tumors before surgical removal. Patients will receive pembrolizumab and be monitored for their response to the therapy, which may include imaging and clinical evaluations. The goal is to improve surgical outcomes and overall patient prognosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with resectable locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma who have not been treated with PD-1 inhibitors.
Not a fit: Patients with non-resectable squamous cell carcinoma or those who have previously received PD-1 inhibitors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options and outcomes for patients with advanced squamous cell carcinoma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with pembrolizumab in similar settings, indicating potential for success in this trial.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zarour, Hassane M — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Zarour, Hassane M
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.