Combining Pembrolizumab with Chemotherapy for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This phase III clinical trial evaluates the efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab combined with standard chemotherapy in patients with untreated stage IIIA to IVB head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Participants are randomized to receive either pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy or chemotherapy alone for two cycles, followed by imaging evaluations to determine the next steps in treatment. The study aims to improve the rate of pathological complete response compared to traditional chemotherapy regimens. Close monitoring of adverse reactions and regular follow-ups will be conducted to assess patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients with stage IIIA-IVB head and neck squamous cell carcinoma confirmed by histology and/or cytology;
2. Have not received immunotherapy in the past;
3. The researchers believe that he can safely receive pembrolizumab combined with chemotherapy or neoadjuvant chemotherapy;
4. Age ≥18 years;
5. ECOG 0-2;
6. Measurable disease as defined by RECIST v1.1;
7. Organs function normally;
8. Female and male participants of reproductive potential must agree to use appropriate contraception throughout the study period and for 180 days after the last study treatment;
9. Male participants must not donate sperm throughout the study and for 180 days after the last study treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of distant metastasis;
2. Female subjects with a positive urine pregnancy test within 72 hours before the start of the study or within 24 hours after starting radiation therapy (with or without cisplatin);
3. received a live vaccine within 30 days before enrollment;
4. Diagnosed with immunodeficiency or receiving systemic steroid treatment or any other form of immunosuppressive treatment within 7 days before enrollment;
5. Have imaging detectable (even if asymptomatic and/or previously treated) central nervous system metastases and/or cancerous meningitis;
6. Have undergone surgery before commencing the study or have failed to recover adequately from toxicity or complications resulting from the intervention;
7. Previous allogeneic tissue/solid organ transplant;
8. Severe hypersensitivity reaction (≥Grade 3) to pembrolizumab or any of its excipients, radiotherapy, platinum, paclitaxel, 5-FU or their analogs;
9. Have an active autoimmune disease requiring systemic therapy in the past 2 years;
10. History of (non-infectious) pneumonia requiring steroid treatment;
11. Have a history of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection;
12. Have a history of hepatitis B or be positive for hepatitis B virus (defined as a positive reaction to hepatitis B surface antigen \[HBsAg\]) or active hepatitis C (defined as detection of hepatitis C virus \[HCV\] ribonucleic acid).
13. Have any medical history, treatment, or laboratory abnormalities that could confound the study results, interfere with participant participation throughout the study, or be detrimental to the best interests of the participant (e.g., Hashimoto's thyroiditis, etc.);
14. Have a known history of mental illness or substance abuse disorder

Where it's running

• Beijing Tongren Hospital
  Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Zhigang Huang
• Email: huangzhigang1963@sohu.com
• Phone: +86 13701208337

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.