Clinical Research Directory

Phase 3 Study of PDS0101 and Pembrolizumab in HPV16+ Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This is a global, multi-center, Phase 3 study that is randomized 1:1, controlled, and open label to evaluate PDS0101 (Versamune + HPVMix) in combination with pembrolizumab vs. pembrolizumab monotherapy as first-line treatment in patients with unresectable recurrent or metastatic HPV16-positive HNSCC expressing programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) with combined positive score (CPS) ≥1.

Ramucirumab and Pembrolizumab vs Pembrolizumab Monotherapy in PD-L1 Positive Head and Neck Squamous-Cell Carcinoma

This is a phase 2 study investigating the efficacy of ramucirumab in combination with pembrolizumab compared to pembrolizumab monotherapy. Ramucirumab is a VEGFR-2 inhibitor believed to potentially enhance the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors such as pembrolizumab.

Pembrolizumab Plus Ultrasound-Induced Microbubble Cavitation in Head and Neck Cancer

This is a feasibility trial studying anti-PD-1 therapy (Pembrolizumab) among patients with R/M HNSCC, delivered with ultrasound-induced microbubble cavitation, with the goal of optimizing delivery of Pembrolizumab and tumor response to Pembrolizumab. Patients will undergo 3 infusions of Pembrolizumab plus Definity 3 weeks apart. Following each infusion, ultrasound will be directed at the primary tumor site to induce microbubble cavitation, with the goal of tumor sonoporation. The primary endpoints will be feasibility, measured based on successful recruitment of 6 participants within 1 year of initiating recruitment, with successful completion of trial procedures among at least 80 percent of patients. Secondary endpoints will include proportion of serious adverse events, clinical/radiographic response, overall survival, and progression-free survival.

A Clinical Trial Investigating the Safety, Tolerability, and Therapeutic Effects of BNT113 in Combination With Pembrolizumab Versus Pembrolizumab Alone for Patients With a Form of Head and Neck Cancer Positive for Human Papilloma Virus 16 and Expressing the Protein PD-L1

An open-label, controlled, multi-site, interventional, 2-arm, Phase II/III trial of BNT113 in combination with pembrolizumab vs pembrolizumab monotherapy as first line treatment in patients with unresectable recurrent or metastatic HPV16+ HNSCC expressing programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) with combined positive score (CPS) ≥1. This trial has two parts. Part A, is an initial non-randomized Safety Run-In Phase to confirm the safety and tolerability at the selected dose range level of BNT113 in combination with pembrolizumab. Part B, is a randomized part to generate pivotal efficacy and safety data of BNT113 in combination with pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab monotherapy in the first line setting in patients with unresectable recurrent or metastatic HPV16+ HNSCC expressing PD-L1 with CPS ≥1. Patients included in the Safety Run-In Phase of the trial (Part A) will not be randomized to Part B and will continue on-trial treatment (BNT113 plus pembrolizumab) within Part A. For Part B, an optional pre-screening phase is available for all patients where patients' tumor samples may be submitted for central HPV16 DNA and central PD-L1 expression testing prior to screening into the main trial. Patients will be treated with BNT113 in combination with pembrolizumab or with pembrolizumab monotherapy for approximately up to 24 months.

PD-L1 t-haNK, NAI IL-15sa and Cetuximab for Recurrent, Metastatic HNSCC

The purpose of this research study is to test the safety and efficacy of the combination of PD-L1 t-haNK (modified immune cells), NAI (a manufactured protein that stimulates the immune system), and cetuximab (a targeted antibody) in treating advanced head and neck cancer. The names of the therapies involved in this study are: * PD-L1 t-haNK cell therapy (a NK cell therapy infusion) * NAI (a type of recombinant human superagonist) * Cetuximab (a type of antibody)

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of Local Cryotherapy Treatment of Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer in Irradiated Areas: a Pilot Study

In France, squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck (SCCHN) are the 5th most common cancer. 60% of patients present with locally advanced tumors (stage III/IV), characterized by a poor prognosis (5-year survival not exceeding 60%). The standard treatment consists of either surgical removal followed by adjuvant radiochemotherapy or exclusive radiochemotherapy. In case of locoregional recurrence (about 40% of patients), salvage surgery can be proposed, allowing prolonged survival for less than one third of eligible patients. However, more than half of locoregional recurrences are unresectable. The standard treatment then consists of immunotherapy and/or chemotherapy for palliative purposes with a median survival of no more than 15 months. Stereotactic radiotherapy is another potentially curative option that allows a local control of 30-60% at 1 year, but at the cost of significant toxicity (up to 50% of grade 3-4 toxicities), thus limiting its indication. The issue of salvage treatment also applies to other rarer histological forms, including naso-sinus and salivary gland tumors, for which the probability of overall survival at 5 years does not exceed 65% due to locoregional evolution, despite advances in surgical techniques and the addition of radiotherapy. During the last two decades, minimally invasive interventional radiology techniques have been developed in the field of oncology. Among these techniques, cryotherapy is now commonly used for the treatment of several cancers. The multiplication of its indications is based on numerous clinical advantages (good post-operative analgesia, good toxicity profile, good tumor control). Cryotherapy could thus be a therapeutic alternative in head and neck cancers in recurrence situation in irradiated and unresectable territory, allowing to maintain a curative project in a higher proportion of patients and also to have a more favorable toxicity profile than re-irradiation.

Cetuximab Plus Platinum and Taxane-based Chemotherapy, Followed by Avelumab and Cetuximab, as First-line Treatment for Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) Patients With a PD-L1 Combined Positive Score (CPS)≥1≤19.

This phase II interventional clinical trial aims to evaluate whether combining cetuximab and avelumab, after three cycles of platinum and taxane-based chemotherapy, can improve treatment outcomes for patients with recurrent or metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with a PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) between 1 and 19. Specifically, the study seeks to determine if this approach can increase the 6-month progression-free survival (PFS) rate from 40% to 55%. The trial will include adult patients with confirmed R/M HNSCC, who have not previously received systemic therapy for their advanced disease. By testing this sequential treatment strategy, researchers hope to improve outcomes for this specific patient population, which has shown poorer responses to existing immunotherapy options compared to those with higher PD-L1 expression levels. Participants will first undergo an induction phase, consisting of three cycles of chemotherapy with paclitaxel, platinum (cisplatin or carboplatin), and cetuximab. After this initial treatment, they will move to a maintenance phase, where they will receive avelumab and cetuximab every two weeks until disease progression or the occurrence of unacceptable side effects. The study aims to answer several key questions: Can this treatment approach improve progression-free survival at 6 months? What impact does it have on overall survival, response rates, and the duration of response? Is this combination therapy safe and well-tolerated? In addition to the treatment itself, participants will be asked to provide blood and tumor tissue samples for translational research, helping scientists better understand how biomarkers influence treatment response. Regular follow-up assessments will also be conducted to monitor disease progression and overall health. By testing this innovative treatment sequence, researchers hope to bridge the gap between different PD-L1 subgroups, potentially offering a more effective and personalized approach for patients with R/M HNSCC.