Treatment of head-neck cancer using RiMO-301, radiotherapy, and a PD-1 inhibitor

Phase 1b/2a Study of RiMO-301 and Hypofractionated Radiotherapy With A PD-1 Inhibitor for the Treatment of Unresectable, Recurrent or Metastatic Head-Neck Cancer

Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Coordination Pharmaceuticals, Inc. · NCT05838729

This study is testing a new treatment combining RiMO-301, radiation therapy, and a PD-1 inhibitor to see if it helps people with advanced head and neck cancer feel better and live longer.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment16 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCoordination Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Industry-sponsored
Drugs / interventionspembrolizumab, nivolumab, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Chicago, Illinois)
Trial IDNCT05838729 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the combination of RiMO-301, hypofractionated radiation therapy, and a PD-1 inhibitor (either pembrolizumab or nivolumab) in patients with unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic head-neck cancer. It aims to assess the tolerability and efficacy of this treatment regimen, with primary objectives focusing on patient tolerability and treatment effectiveness. Secondary objectives include evaluating progression-free survival, overall survival, and quality of life for participants over specified timeframes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with unresectable, recurrent, or metastatic head-neck cancer who are suitable for palliative radiotherapy and have accessible target lesions for injection.

Not a fit: Patients with head-neck cancer that is resectable or those who have previously received radiation therapy to the target lesion area may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new therapeutic option for patients with advanced head-neck cancer who have limited treatment alternatives.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach combines established therapies, the specific combination of RiMO-301 with hypofractionated radiation and PD-1 inhibitors is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of head-neck cancer that requires palliative radiotherapy
* Patients with unresectable, recurrent or metastatic HNSCC, regardless if the patients have progressed on or are intolerant to platinum-based chemotherapy prior to study enrollment or if the patients are receiving pembrolizumab in the first line:

  * receiving a PD-1 inhibitor (pembrolizumab or nivolumab) as a standard of care, or
  * suitable to receive a PD-1 inhibitor (pembrolizumab or nivolumab) as a standard of care in the discretion of the treating physician or Principal Investigator
* Must have at least 1 target lesion that is clinically accessible to RiMO-301 injection and amenable to receive RT regimens specified in this protocol
* The selected target lesions must be measurable on cross-sectional imaging and repeated measurements at the same location should be achievable
* Target tumor not in the previously irradiated field or in the field irradiated at least six months prior to RiMO-301 injection and with no complications from the prior radiation course
* RiMO-301 injection to multiple lesions (≤ 5 in total) in a single patient is allowed as long as the total tumor volume does not exceed 250 cm3
* Patient must have recovered from acute toxic effects (≤ grade 1 CTCAEv5) of previous cancer treatments prior to enrollment
* Have adequate bone marrow reserve and adequate liver function
* Have a life expectancy of at least 12 weeks
* ECOG score of 0-2
* Age 18 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

* Have signs or symptoms of end organ failure, major chronic illnesses other than cancer, or any severe concomitant conditions
* Symptomatic central nervous system metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis
* Active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in the past 2 years
* Ongoing clinically significant infection at or near the incident lesion
* Major surgery over the target area (excluding placement of vascular access) ≤21 days from beginning of the study drug or minor surgical procedures ≤7 days. No waiting is required following implantable port, enteral feeding tube and catheter placement
* Has received any approved or investigational anti-neoplastic agent or immunotherapy other than PD-1 inhibitors (pembrolizumab or nivolumab) within 4 weeks prior to RiMO-301 injection
* Patients with lesions which have significant blood vessel involvement (such as carotid artery encasement) or other major structures

Where this trial is running

Chicago, Illinois

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Head Neck CancerIntratumoral Injection
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.