Using FID-007 to treat head and neck cancer before surgery

A Window of Opportunity Study of Taxanes in Head and Neck Cancer

Phase 1 Interventional University of Southern California · NCT06338657

This study is testing a new treatment called FID-007 to see if it can help improve the immune response in patients with head and neck cancer before they have surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment10 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Southern California Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation, Prednisone, chemotherapy
Locations2 sites (Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06338657 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase I trial investigates the effects of FID-007, a PEOX-based polymer encapsulated form of paclitaxel, on immune cells in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Patients will receive FID-007 intravenously for three weeks before undergoing standard surgical treatment. The study aims to assess changes in T cell subsets within the tumor microenvironment, evaluate adverse events, and gather preliminary efficacy data regarding tumor response. Follow-up will occur every three months for two years to monitor outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with confirmed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are eligible for surgical resection.

Not a fit: Patients with fine needle aspiration samples or those with p16 positive or non-resectable tumors may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could improve surgical outcomes and overall survival for patients with head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with similar approaches using encapsulated chemotherapy agents, but this specific formulation is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients must have histopathologically / cytologically confirmed diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
* Sites of primary tumor allowed include the oral cavity and oropharynx only. Patients with recurrent disease that is amenable to surgery are eligible
* Patients may have any stage cancer amenable to surgical resection
* Patients must be able to provide an archival tissue specimen. Excisional biopsy or core needle biopsy specimens are allowed. Fine needle aspiration samples are not acceptable
* Patients with oropharynx cancer must have p16 negative disease
* Age ≥ 18 years
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-2
* Leukocytes ≥ 3,000/mcL
* Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,500/mcL
* Platelets ≥ 100,000/mcl
* Hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dl
* Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 X institutional upper limit of normal
* Aspartate aminotransferase (AST)(serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase \[SGOT\])/ Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase \[SGPT\]) ≤ 2.5 X institutional upper limit of normal
* Creatinine ≤ 1.5 X institutional upper limit of normal
* Women of child-bearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry, for the duration of study participation, and for 90 days following completion of therapy. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately.

  * A female of child-bearing potential is any woman (regardless of sexual orientation, having undergone a tubal ligation, or remaining celibate by choice) who meets the following criteria:

    * Has not undergone a hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy; or
    * Has not been naturally postmenopausal for at least 12 consecutive months (i.e., has had menses at any time in the preceding 12 consecutive months)
* Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with primary sites of the nasopharynx, salivary gland, or skin
* Patients that have been previously treated with taxane chemotherapies
* Patients that have previously received radiation to the site of planned surgery
* History of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to FID-007 or other agents used in study
* Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements
* Patients must not be pregnant or nursing due to the potential for congenital abnormalities and the potential of this regimen to harm nursing infants
* Any diagnosis of immunodeficiency or patients receiving immunosuppressive therapy within 14 days of enrollment. Prednisone dose of ≤ 10mg is allowed

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations

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 and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.