Testing the Addition of Anti-Cancer Drug, Cetuximab, to Standard of Care Treatment (Pembrolizumab) for Returning or Spreading Head and Neck Cancer After Previous Treatment

May 20, 2026 updated by: National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Randomized Phase III Trial of Pembrolizumab vs. Pembrolizumab/Cetuximab in Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma With Platinum Refractory Disease

This phase III trial compares the effect of adding cetuximab to pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab alone in treating patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that has come back after a period of improvement (recurrent) and/or that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic). Cetuximab is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It binds to a protein called EGFR, which is found on some types of tumor cells. This may help keep tumor cells from growing. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the tumor, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Giving cetuximab and pembrolizumab together may be more effective at treating patients with recurrent and/or metastatic HNSCC than pembrolizumab alone.

Study Overview

Status

Recruiting

Conditions

Intervention / Treatment

Detailed Description

PRIMARY OBJECTIVE:

I. To assess whether the combination of cetuximab and pembrolizumab (arm 2) compared to pembrolizumab alone (arm 1) results in improved overall survival (OS) in subjects with platinum refractory HNSCC.

SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:

I. To compare pembrolizumab + cetuximab (arm 2) versus (vs.) pembrolizumab alone (arm 1) with respect to objective response rate per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1.

II. To compare pembrolizumab + cetuximab (arm 2) vs. pembrolizumab alone (arm 1) with respect to progression free survival (PFS) per RECIST 1.1.

III. To evaluate pembrolizumab + cetuximab (arm 2) vs. pembrolizumab alone (arm 1) with respect to duration of response (DOR) per RECIST 1.1.

IV. To assess the safety and tolerability of pembrolizumab + cetuximab (arm 2) vs. pembrolizumab alone (arm 1).

V. To assess the patient-reported toxicity using Patient Reported Outcomes version of Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE) of pembrolizumab + cetuximab (arm 2) vs. pembrolizumab alone (arm 1).

EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVES:

I. To identify specific mutational changes that may be indicative of clinical response to pembrolizumab + cetuximab and pembrolizumab alone.

II. To evaluate circulating tumor-derived deoxyribonucleic acid (ctDNA) kinetics over the course of treatment in response to pembrolizumab + cetuximab and pembrolizumab alone.

OUTLINE: Patients are randomized to 1 of 2 arms.

ARM 1: Patients receive pembrolizumab intravenously (IV) over 30 minutes on day 1 of each cycle. Cycles repeat every 42 days for up to 18 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo computed tomography (CT), positron emission tomography (PET)/CT or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) throughout the trial and optionally undergo blood sample collection on study and at disease progression or end of treatment.

ARM 2: Patients receive cetuximab IV over 120 minutes on day -14 prior to cycle 1 and then on days 1, 15 and 29 of each cycle and pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1 of each cycle. Cycles repeat every 42 days for up to 18 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo CT, PET/CT or MRI throughout the trial and optionally undergo blood sample collection on study and at disease progression or end of treatment.

After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up within 4 weeks and then every 3 and/or 6 months for up to 5 years.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

158

Phase

  • Phase 3

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

  • United States
    • Arkansas
      • Little Rock, Arkansas, United States, 72205
        • Recruiting
        • University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 501-686-8274
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Omar T. Atiq
    • California
      • Marysville, California, United States, 95901
        • Active, not recruiting
        • Fremont - Rideout Cancer Center
      • Palo Alto, California, United States, 94304
        • Suspended
        • VA Palo Alto Health Care System
    • Colorado
      • Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States, 80909
        • Recruiting
        • UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Steven R. Schuster
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 719-365-2406
      • Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States, 80920
        • Recruiting
        • Memorial Hospital North
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Steven R. Schuster
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 719-364-6700
      • Fort Collins, Colorado, United States, 80524
        • Recruiting
        • Poudre Valley Hospital
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Steven R. Schuster
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 970-297-6150
      • Fort Collins, Colorado, United States, 80528
        • Recruiting
        • Cancer Care and Hematology-Fort Collins
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Steven R. Schuster
        • Contact:
      • Golden, Colorado, United States, 80401
        • Recruiting
        • Lutheran Hospital - Cancer Centers of Colorado
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Karng S. Log
        • Contact:
      • Greeley, Colorado, United States, 80631
        • Recruiting
        • UCHealth Greeley Hospital
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Steven R. Schuster
        • Contact:
      • Loveland, Colorado, United States, 80538
        • Recruiting
        • Medical Center of the Rockies
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Steven R. Schuster
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 970-203-7083
    • Florida
      • Miami Beach, Florida, United States, 33140
        • Recruiting
        • Mount Sinai Medical Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Mike Cusnir
        • Contact:
    • Idaho
      • Boise, Idaho, United States, 83706
        • Recruiting
        • Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center-Boise
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
      • Caldwell, Idaho, United States, 83605
        • Recruiting
        • Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center-Caldwell
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
      • Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, United States, 83814
        • Recruiting
        • Kootenai Health - Coeur d'Alene
        • Principal Investigator:
          • John M. Schallenkamp
        • Contact:
      • Nampa, Idaho, United States, 83687
        • Recruiting
        • Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center-Nampa
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
      • Post Falls, Idaho, United States, 83854
        • Recruiting
        • Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services - Post Falls
        • Principal Investigator:
          • John M. Schallenkamp
        • Contact:
      • Sandpoint, Idaho, United States, 83864
        • Recruiting
        • Kootenai Clinic Cancer Services - Sandpoint
        • Principal Investigator:
          • John M. Schallenkamp
        • Contact:
    • Illinois
      • Barrington, Illinois, United States, 60010
        • Recruiting
        • Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 847-842-4847
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60637
        • Recruiting
        • University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Ari J. Rosenberg
      • Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60657
        • Recruiting
        • Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 773-296-5360
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Crystal Lake, Illinois, United States, 60014
        • Recruiting
        • AMG Crystal Lake - Oncology
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Decatur, Illinois, United States, 62526
        • Recruiting
        • Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois - Decatur
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Bryan A. Faller
        • Contact:
      • Decatur, Illinois, United States, 62526
        • Recruiting
        • Decatur Memorial Hospital
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Bryan A. Faller
        • Contact:
      • Downers Grove, Illinois, United States, 60515
        • Recruiting
        • Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Effingham, Illinois, United States, 62401
        • Recruiting
        • Crossroads Cancer Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Bryan A. Faller
        • Contact:
      • Elgin, Illinois, United States, 60123
        • Recruiting
        • Advocate Sherman Hospital
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 847-429-2907
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Hazel Crest, Illinois, United States, 60429
        • Recruiting
        • Advocate South Suburban Hospital
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 708-799-9995
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Libertyville, Illinois, United States, 60048
        • Recruiting
        • AMG Libertyville - Oncology
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Libertyville, Illinois, United States, 60048
        • Recruiting
        • Condell Memorial Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Macomb, Illinois, United States, 61455
        • Recruiting
        • Illinois CancerCare-Macomb
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Bryan A. Faller
      • New Lenox, Illinois, United States, 60451
        • Recruiting
        • UC Comprehensive Cancer Center at Silver Cross
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Ari J. Rosenberg
      • O'Fallon, Illinois, United States, 62269
        • Recruiting
        • Cancer Care Center of O'Fallon
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Bryan A. Faller
        • Contact:
      • Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States, 60453-2699
        • Recruiting
        • Advocate Christ Medical Center
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 800-323-8622
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Oak Lawn, Illinois, United States, 60453
        • Recruiting
        • Advocate Outpatient Center - Oak Lawn
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Orland Park, Illinois, United States, 60462
        • Recruiting
        • University of Chicago Medicine-Orland Park
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Ari J. Rosenberg
      • Palos Heights, Illinois, United States, 60463
        • Recruiting
        • Advocate High Tech Medical Park
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Park Ridge, Illinois, United States, 60068
        • Recruiting
        • Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 847-384-3621
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Peoria, Illinois, United States, 61615
        • Recruiting
        • Illinois CancerCare-Peoria
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Bryan A. Faller
      • Rockford, Illinois, United States, 61114
        • Recruiting
        • UW Health Carbone Cancer Center Rockford
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Fahrettin Covut
      • Shiloh, Illinois, United States, 62269
        • Recruiting
        • Memorial Hospital East
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christine Auberle
      • Springfield, Illinois, United States, 62702
        • Recruiting
        • Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Bryan A. Faller
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 217-545-7929
      • Springfield, Illinois, United States, 62702
        • Recruiting
        • Springfield Clinic
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Bryan A. Faller
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 800-444-7541
      • Springfield, Illinois, United States, 62781
        • Recruiting
        • Springfield Memorial Hospital
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Bryan A. Faller
        • Contact:
    • Indiana
      • Crown Point, Indiana, United States, 46307
        • Recruiting
        • UChicago Medicine Northwest Indiana
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Ari J. Rosenberg
        • Contact:
    • Iowa
      • Ames, Iowa, United States, 50010
        • Recruiting
        • Mary Greeley Medical Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Joseph J. Merchant
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 515-956-4132
      • Ames, Iowa, United States, 50010
        • Recruiting
        • McFarland Clinic - Ames
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Joseph J. Merchant
        • Contact:
      • Boone, Iowa, United States, 50036
        • Suspended
        • McFarland Clinic - Boone
      • Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States, 52403
        • Recruiting
        • Mercy Hospital
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 319-365-4673
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Deborah W. Wilbur
      • Cedar Rapids, Iowa, United States, 52403
        • Recruiting
        • Oncology Associates at Mercy Medical Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Deborah W. Wilbur
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 319-363-2690
      • Fort Dodge, Iowa, United States, 50501
        • Recruiting
        • McFarland Clinic - Trinity Cancer Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Joseph J. Merchant
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 515-956-4132
      • Jefferson, Iowa, United States, 50129
        • Suspended
        • McFarland Clinic - Jefferson
      • Marshalltown, Iowa, United States, 50158
        • Recruiting
        • McFarland Clinic - Marshalltown
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Joseph J. Merchant
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 515-956-4132
    • Kansas
      • Hays, Kansas, United States, 67601
        • Recruiting
        • HaysMed
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Prakash C. Neupane
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 785-623-5774
      • Kansas City, Kansas, United States, 66160
        • Recruiting
        • University of Kansas Cancer Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Prakash C. Neupane
        • Contact:
      • Lawrence, Kansas, United States, 66044
        • Recruiting
        • Lawrence Memorial Hospital
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Prakash C. Neupane
        • Contact:
      • Olathe, Kansas, United States, 66061
        • Recruiting
        • The University of Kansas Cancer Center - Olathe
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Prakash C. Neupane
        • Contact:
      • Overland Park, Kansas, United States, 66211
        • Recruiting
        • University of Kansas Hospital-Indian Creek Campus
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Prakash C. Neupane
        • Contact:
      • Overland Park, Kansas, United States, 66210
        • Recruiting
        • University of Kansas Cancer Center-Overland Park
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Prakash C. Neupane
        • Contact:
      • Salina, Kansas, United States, 67401
        • Recruiting
        • Salina Regional Health Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Prakash C. Neupane
        • Contact:
      • Topeka, Kansas, United States, 66606
        • Recruiting
        • University of Kansas Health System Saint Francis Campus
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Prakash C. Neupane
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 785-295-8000
      • Westwood, Kansas, United States, 66205
        • Recruiting
        • University of Kansas Hospital-Westwood Cancer Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Prakash C. Neupane
        • Contact:
    • Maryland
      • Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21201
        • Recruiting
        • University of Maryland/Greenebaum Cancer Center
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 800-888-8823
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Ranee Mehra
    • Massachusetts
      • Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02118
        • Recruiting
        • Boston Medical Center
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 617-638-8265
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter C. Everett
    • Michigan
      • Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, 48106
        • Recruiting
        • Trinity Health Saint Joseph Mercy Hospital Ann Arbor
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
      • Brighton, Michigan, United States, 48114
        • Recruiting
        • Trinity Health IHA Medical Group Hematology Oncology - Brighton
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
      • Canton, Michigan, United States, 48188
        • Recruiting
        • Trinity Health IHA Medical Group Hematology Oncology - Canton
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
      • Chelsea, Michigan, United States, 48118
        • Recruiting
        • Trinity Health IHA Medical Group Hematology Oncology - Chelsea Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
      • Flint, Michigan, United States, 48503
        • Recruiting
        • Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
        • Contact:
      • Flint, Michigan, United States, 48503
        • Recruiting
        • Hurley Medical Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
        • Contact:
      • Flint, Michigan, United States, 48503
        • Suspended
        • Genesee Hematology Oncology PC
      • Flint, Michigan, United States, 48503
        • Recruiting
        • Cancer Hematology Centers - Flint
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
        • Contact:
      • Lansing, Michigan, United States, 48912
        • Recruiting
        • University of Michigan Health - Sparrow Lansing
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
        • Contact:
      • Livonia, Michigan, United States, 48154
        • Recruiting
        • Trinity Health Saint Mary Mercy Livonia Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
      • Pontiac, Michigan, United States, 48341
        • Recruiting
        • Trinity Health Saint Joseph Mercy Oakland Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
      • Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States, 48197
        • Recruiting
        • Trinity Health IHA Medical Group Hematology Oncology Ann Arbor Campus
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
    • Minnesota
      • Bemidji, Minnesota, United States, 56601
      • Burnsville, Minnesota, United States, 55337
        • Recruiting
        • Minnesota Oncology - Burnsville
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Daniel M. Anderson
      • Coon Rapids, Minnesota, United States, 55433
        • Recruiting
        • Mercy Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Daniel M. Anderson
      • Edina, Minnesota, United States, 55435
        • Recruiting
        • Fairview Southdale Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Daniel M. Anderson
      • Maplewood, Minnesota, United States, 55109
        • Recruiting
        • Saint John's Hospital - Healtheast
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Daniel M. Anderson
      • Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55407
        • Recruiting
        • Abbott-Northwestern Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Daniel M. Anderson
      • Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States, 55415
        • Recruiting
        • Hennepin County Medical Center
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Daniel M. Anderson
      • Saint Louis Park, Minnesota, United States, 55416
        • Recruiting
        • Park Nicollet Clinic - Saint Louis Park
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Daniel M. Anderson
      • Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55101
        • Recruiting
        • Regions Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Daniel M. Anderson
      • Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55102
        • Recruiting
        • United Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Daniel M. Anderson
    • Missouri
      • Cape Girardeau, Missouri, United States, 63703
        • Recruiting
        • Saint Francis Medical Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Bryan A. Faller
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 573-334-2230
          • Email: sfmc@sfmc.net
      • City of Saint Peters, Missouri, United States, 63376
        • Recruiting
        • Siteman Cancer Center at Saint Peters Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christine Auberle
      • Creve Coeur, Missouri, United States, 63141
        • Recruiting
        • Siteman Cancer Center at West County Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christine Auberle
      • Kansas City, Missouri, United States, 64154
        • Recruiting
        • University of Kansas Cancer Center - North
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Prakash C. Neupane
        • Contact:
      • Kansas City, Missouri, United States, 64108
        • Recruiting
        • University Health Truman Medical Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Prakash C. Neupane
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 816-404-4375
      • Kansas City, Missouri, United States, 64116
        • Recruiting
        • University of Kansas Cancer Center - Briarcliff
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Prakash C. Neupane
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 913-588-3671
      • Lee's Summit, Missouri, United States, 64064
        • Recruiting
        • University of Kansas Cancer Center - Lee's Summit
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Prakash C. Neupane
        • Contact:
      • Osage Beach, Missouri, United States, 65065
        • Recruiting
        • Lake Regional Hospital
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Jay W. Carlson
        • Contact:
      • St Louis, Missouri, United States, 63110
        • Recruiting
        • Washington University School of Medicine
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christine Auberle
      • St Louis, Missouri, United States, 63128
        • Recruiting
        • Mercy Hospital South
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Jay W. Carlson
        • Contact:
      • St Louis, Missouri, United States, 63129
        • Recruiting
        • Siteman Cancer Center-South County
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christine Auberle
      • St Louis, Missouri, United States, 63136
        • Recruiting
        • Siteman Cancer Center at Christian Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christine Auberle
    • Montana
      • Anaconda, Montana, United States, 59711
        • Recruiting
        • Community Hospital of Anaconda
        • Principal Investigator:
          • John M. Schallenkamp
        • Contact:
      • Billings, Montana, United States, 59101
        • Recruiting
        • Billings Clinic Cancer Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • John M. Schallenkamp
        • Contact:
      • Bozeman, Montana, United States, 59715
        • Recruiting
        • Bozeman Health Deaconess Hospital
        • Principal Investigator:
          • John M. Schallenkamp
        • Contact:
      • Great Falls, Montana, United States, 59405
        • Recruiting
        • Benefis Sletten Cancer Institute
        • Principal Investigator:
          • John M. Schallenkamp
        • Contact:
      • Kalispell, Montana, United States, 59901
        • Recruiting
        • Logan Health Medical Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • John M. Schallenkamp
        • Contact:
      • Missoula, Montana, United States, 59804
        • Recruiting
        • Community Medical Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • John M. Schallenkamp
        • Contact:
    • New Hampshire
      • Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States, 03756
        • Recruiting
        • Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center/Dartmouth Cancer Center
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Joerg Rathmann
    • New Jersey
      • Basking Ridge, New Jersey, United States, 07920
        • Recruiting
        • Memorial Sloan Kettering Basking Ridge
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Alan L. Ho
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 212-639-7592
      • Cherry Hill, New Jersey, United States, 08002
        • Recruiting
        • Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Jeffrey A. Stevens
        • Contact:
      • Middletown, New Jersey, United States, 07748
        • Recruiting
        • Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Alan L. Ho
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 212-639-7592
      • Montvale, New Jersey, United States, 07645
        • Recruiting
        • Memorial Sloan Kettering Bergen
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Alan L. Ho
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 212-639-7592
      • Sewell, New Jersey, United States, 08080
        • Recruiting
        • Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Washington Township
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Jeffrey A. Stevens
        • Contact:
    • New York
      • Commack, New York, United States, 11725
        • Recruiting
        • Memorial Sloan Kettering Commack
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Alan L. Ho
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 212-639-7592
      • Glens Falls, New York, United States, 12801
        • Recruiting
        • Glens Falls Hospital
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 518-926-6700
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Aqeel A. Gillani
      • Harrison, New York, United States, 10604
        • Recruiting
        • Memorial Sloan Kettering Westchester
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Alan L. Ho
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 212-639-7592
      • New York, New York, United States, 10065
        • Recruiting
        • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Alan L. Ho
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 212-639-7592
      • Syracuse, New York, United States, 13210
        • Recruiting
        • State University of New York Upstate Medical University
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 315-464-5476
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Komal Akhtar
      • Syracuse, New York, United States, 13215
        • Recruiting
        • SUNY Upstate Medical Center-Community Campus
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 315-464-5476
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Komal Akhtar
      • Uniondale, New York, United States, 11553
        • Recruiting
        • Memorial Sloan Kettering Nassau
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Alan L. Ho
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 212-639-7592
      • Verona, New York, United States, 13478
        • Recruiting
        • Upstate Cancer Center at Verona
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Komal Akhtar
    • North Carolina
      • Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States, 27599
        • Recruiting
        • UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Siddharth Sheth
      • Hendersonville, North Carolina, United States, 28791
      • Pinehurst, North Carolina, United States, 28374
        • Recruiting
        • FirstHealth of the Carolinas-Moore Regional Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Charles S. Kuzma
    • North Dakota
      • Bismarck, North Dakota, United States, 58501
      • Fargo, North Dakota, United States, 58122
      • Fargo, North Dakota, United States, 58122
    • Ohio
      • Centerville, Ohio, United States, 45459
        • Recruiting
        • Miami Valley Hospital South
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Tarek M. Sabagh
      • Dayton, Ohio, United States, 45409
        • Recruiting
        • Miami Valley Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Tarek M. Sabagh
      • Dayton, Ohio, United States, 45415
        • Recruiting
        • Miami Valley Hospital North
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Tarek M. Sabagh
      • Franklin, Ohio, United States, 45005-1066
        • Recruiting
        • Atrium Medical Center-Middletown Regional Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Tarek M. Sabagh
      • Greenville, Ohio, United States, 45331
        • Recruiting
        • Miami Valley Cancer Care and Infusion
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Tarek M. Sabagh
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 937-569-7515
      • Sylvania, Ohio, United States, 43560
        • Recruiting
        • ProMedica Flower Hospital
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Chang Xia
      • Troy, Ohio, United States, 45373
        • Recruiting
        • Upper Valley Medical Center
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Tarek M. Sabagh
    • Oklahoma
      • Lawton, Oklahoma, United States, 73505
        • Recruiting
        • Cancer Centers of Southwest Oklahoma Research
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 877-231-4440
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Minh Phan
      • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States, 73104
        • Recruiting
        • University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Minh Phan
    • Oregon
      • Ontario, Oregon, United States, 97914
        • Recruiting
        • Saint Alphonsus Cancer Care Center-Ontario
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
      • Oregon City, Oregon, United States, 97045
        • Recruiting
        • Providence Willamette Falls Medical Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Alison K. Conlin
        • Contact:
      • Portland, Oregon, United States, 97213
        • Recruiting
        • Providence Portland Medical Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Alison K. Conlin
        • Contact:
      • Portland, Oregon, United States, 97225
        • Recruiting
        • Providence Saint Vincent Medical Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Alison K. Conlin
        • Contact:
    • Pennsylvania
      • Allentown, Pennsylvania, United States, 18103
        • Recruiting
        • Lehigh Valley Hospital-Cedar Crest
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
        • Contact:
      • Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, United States, 18017
        • Recruiting
        • Lehigh Valley Hospital - Muhlenberg
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
        • Contact:
      • East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, United States, 18301
        • Recruiting
        • Pocono Medical Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Christopher M. Reynolds
        • Contact:
      • Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19114
        • Recruiting
        • Jefferson Torresdale Hospital
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Jeffrey A. Stevens
        • Contact:
    • South Carolina
      • Charleston, South Carolina, United States, 29425
        • Recruiting
        • Medical University of South Carolina
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • John M. Kaczmar
    • South Dakota
      • Mitchell, South Dakota, United States, 57301
        • Recruiting
        • Avera Cancer Institute - Mitchell
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Benjamin M. Solomon
        • Contact:
      • Pierre, South Dakota, United States, 57501
        • Recruiting
        • Avera Cancer Institute at Pierre
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Benjamin M. Solomon
      • Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States, 57104
      • Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States, 57117-5134
      • Sioux Falls, South Dakota, United States, 57105
        • Recruiting
        • Avera Cancer Institute
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Benjamin M. Solomon
      • Yankton, South Dakota, United States, 57078
        • Recruiting
        • Avera Cancer Institute at Yankton
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Benjamin M. Solomon
    • Vermont
      • Saint Johnsbury, Vermont, United States, 05819
        • Recruiting
        • Dartmouth Cancer Center - North
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Joerg Rathmann
    • Virginia
      • Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23235
        • Recruiting
        • VCU Massey Cancer Center at Stony Point
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Erin R. Alesi
      • Richmond, Virginia, United States, 23298
        • Recruiting
        • VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Erin R. Alesi
        • Contact:
    • West Virginia
      • Charleston, West Virginia, United States, 25304
        • Recruiting
        • West Virginia University Charleston Division
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 304-388-9944
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Kok Hoe Chan
    • Wisconsin
      • Burlington, Wisconsin, United States, 53105
        • Recruiting
        • Aurora Cancer Care-Southern Lakes VLCC
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Cudahy, Wisconsin, United States, 53110
        • Recruiting
        • Aurora Saint Luke's South Shore
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Eau Claire, Wisconsin, United States, 54701
      • Germantown, Wisconsin, United States, 53022
        • Recruiting
        • Aurora Health Care Germantown Health Center
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Grafton, Wisconsin, United States, 53024
        • Recruiting
        • Aurora Cancer Care-Grafton
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Green Bay, Wisconsin, United States, 54311
        • Recruiting
        • Aurora BayCare Medical Center
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Kenosha, Wisconsin, United States, 53142
        • Recruiting
        • Aurora Cancer Care-Kenosha South
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States, 54601
        • Recruiting
        • Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Michael O. Ojelabi
      • Marinette, Wisconsin, United States, 54143
        • Recruiting
        • Aurora Bay Area Medical Group-Marinette
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Marshfield, Wisconsin, United States, 54449
      • Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53209
        • Recruiting
        • Aurora Cancer Care-Milwaukee
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53215
        • Recruiting
        • Aurora Saint Luke's Medical Center
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Milwaukee, Wisconsin, United States, 53233
        • Recruiting
        • Aurora Sinai Medical Center
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Mukwonago, Wisconsin, United States, 53149
        • Recruiting
        • ProHealth D N Greenwald Center
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Timothy R. Wassenaar
      • Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, United States, 53066
        • Recruiting
        • ProHealth Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Timothy R. Wassenaar
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 262-928-7878
      • Oshkosh, Wisconsin, United States, 54904
        • Recruiting
        • Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic - Oshkosh
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Racine, Wisconsin, United States, 53406
        • Recruiting
        • Aurora Cancer Care-Racine
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Sheboygan, Wisconsin, United States, 53081
        • Recruiting
        • Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic-Sheboygan
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Stevens Point, Wisconsin, United States, 54482
      • Summit, Wisconsin, United States, 53066
        • Recruiting
        • Aurora Medical Center in Summit
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Two Rivers, Wisconsin, United States, 54241
        • Recruiting
        • Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic-Two Rivers
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States, 53188
        • Recruiting
        • ProHealth Waukesha Memorial Hospital
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Timothy R. Wassenaar
        • Contact:
          • Site Public Contact
          • Phone Number: 262-928-7632
      • Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States, 53188
        • Recruiting
        • UW Cancer Center at ProHealth Care
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Timothy R. Wassenaar
        • Contact:
      • Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, United States, 53226
        • Recruiting
        • Aurora Cancer Care-Milwaukee West
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • West Allis, Wisconsin, United States, 53227
        • Recruiting
        • Aurora West Allis Medical Center
        • Contact:
        • Principal Investigator:
          • Peter J. Polewski
      • Weston, Wisconsin, United States, 54476

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

  • Adult
  • Older Adult

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Histologically confirmed diagnosis head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC).
  • Previously untreated for recurrent and/or metastatic disease incurable by local therapies.

  • Primary tumor location of oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx.

    • Note: Other primary tumor sites of HNSCC, including nasopharynx primary tumor are not eligible. Unknown primary tumors may be eligible and can be enrolled at the discretion of the treatment team with approval by the study chair.
  • Measurable disease.
  • Must have platinum-refractory disease defined as disease progression during or ≤ 29 weeks after completion of definitive therapy (chemoradiation therapy) or adjuvant (post-operative) therapy.
  • Patient must have a combined positive score PD-L1 positive (CPS >/= 1) tumor.
  • Any radiation therapy must be completed >= 10 days prior to registration.
  • Patients should not have received any prior treatment in the recurrent or metastatic setting.
  • Prior therapy with neoadjuvant or induction anti PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibody or cetuximab in the curative setting is allowed if last treatment dose was >= 26 weeks prior to registration without evidence of disease progression during that treatment period.
  • Patient has not received a live vaccine within 30 days prior to registration.
  • Patient does not have a history of any contraindication or has a severe hypersensitivity to any component of pembrolizumab or cetuximab (≥ grade 3).
  • Patient has not received chronic systemic steroid therapy (in dosing exceeding 10 mg daily of prednisone or equivalent) or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to registration.

  • Patient with oropharyngeal cancer only must have negative results from testing of human papillomavirus (HPV) status defined as p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) and/or HPV in situ hybridization (ISH).

    • Note: A Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) certified circulating tumor HPV deoxyribonucleic acid (ctHPVDNA) assay can be used if tissue sample is not available.
  • Age ≥ 18 years.
  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status ≤ 2.
  • Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1,500/mm^3.
  • Platelet count ≥ 100,000/mm^3.
  • Hemoglobin (Hgb) ≥ 9 g/dL (if < 9 g/dL, then transfusions are acceptable to increase hemoglobin above 9 g/dL).
  • Creatinine ≤ 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) OR calculated (calc.) creatinine clearance ≥ 30 mL/min using the Cockcroft-Gault formula for participant with creatinine levels > 1.5 x institutional ULN.
  • Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 x ULN OR direct bilirubin < ULN for participant with total bilirubin > 1.5 x institutional ULN.
  • Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase [SGOT])/alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase [SGPT]) ≤ 3.0 x ULN unless liver metastases are present in which case < 5.0 x ULN.

  • Not pregnant and not nursing, because this study involves an agent that has known genotoxic, mutagenic, and teratogenic effects.

    • Therefore, for women of childbearing potential only, a negative pregnancy test done ≤ 7 days prior to registration is required.
  • Patients with a prior or concurrent malignancy whose natural history or treatment does not have the potential to interfere with the safety or efficacy assessment of the investigational regimen should be included.

  • For treated/stable brain metastases: Patients with treated brain metastases are eligible if follow-up brain imaging after central nervous system (CNS)-directed therapy shows no evidence of progression.

    • Patients with new or progressive brain metastases (active brain metastases) or leptomeningeal disease are eligible if the treating physician determines that immediate CNS specific treatment is not required and is unlikely to be required during the first cycle of therapy.
  • HIV-infected patients on effective anti-retroviral therapy with undetectable viral load within 6 months prior to registration are eligible for this trial.
  • For patients with evidence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the HBV viral load must be undetectable on suppressive therapy, if indicated.
  • Patients with a history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection must have been treated and cured. For patients with HCV infection who are currently on treatment, they are eligible if they have an undetectable HCV viral load.
  • Patients with known history or current symptoms of cardiac disease, or history of treatment with cardiotoxic agents, should have a clinical risk assessment of cardiac function using the New York Heart Association Functional Classification. To be eligible for this trial, patients should be class 2B or better.
  • Patients does not have a history of active myocarditis.
  • Patients does not have a history of any form of pneumonitis or diffuse idiopathic or immune mediated interstitial pulmonary disease.
  • Patient does not have a history of solid organ transplantation.

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

  • Primary Purpose: Treatment
  • Allocation: Randomized
  • Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
  • Masking: None (Open Label)

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Active Comparator: Arm 1 (pembrolizumab)
Patients receive pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1 of each cycle. Cycles repeat every 42 days for up to 18 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo CT, PET/CT or MRI throughout the trial and optionally undergo blood sample collection on study and at disease progression or end of treatment.
Procedure: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Undergo MRI
Other Names:
  • MRI
  • Magnetic Resonance
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan
  • Medical Imaging, Magnetic Resonance / Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
  • MR
  • MR Imaging
  • MRI Scan
  • NMR Imaging
  • NMRI
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • sMRI
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (procedure)
  • MRIs
  • Structural MRI
Biological: Pembrolizumab
Given IV
Other Names:
  • Keytruda
  • MK-3475
  • Lambrolizumab
  • SCH 900475
  • MK3475
  • SCH-900475
  • BCD-201
  • Pembrolizumab Biosimilar BCD-201
  • Pembrolizumab Biosimilar QL2107
  • QL2107
  • GME 751
  • GME751
  • Pembrolizumab Biosimilar GME751
  • MK 3475
  • SCH900475
  • Pembrolizumab Biosimilar RPH-075
  • RPH 075
  • RPH-075
  • RPH075
  • Pembrolizumab Biosimilar SB27
  • SB 27
  • SB-27
  • SB27
Procedure: Biospecimen Collection
Undergo blood sample collection
Other Names:
  • Biological Sample Collection
  • Biospecimen Collected
  • Specimen Collection
  • Sample Collection
Procedure: Positron Emission Tomography
Undergo PET/CT
Other Names:
  • Medical Imaging, Positron Emission Tomography
  • PET
  • PET Scan
  • Positron Emission Tomography Scan
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • PT
  • Positron emission tomography (procedure)
Procedure: Computed Tomography
Undergo CT or PET/CT
Other Names:
  • CT
  • CAT
  • CAT Scan
  • Computed Axial Tomography
  • Computerized Axial Tomography
  • Computerized Tomography
  • CT Scan
  • tomography
  • Computerized axial tomography (procedure)
  • Computerized Tomography (CT) scan
  • Diagnostic CAT Scan
  • Diagnostic CAT Scan Service Type
Experimental: Arm 2 (cetuximab, pembrolizumab)
Patients receive cetuximab IV over 120 minutes on day -14 prior to cycle 1 and then on days 1, 15 and 29 of each cycle and pembrolizumab IV over 30 minutes on day 1 of each cycle. Cycles repeat every 42 days for up to 18 cycles in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Patients also undergo CT, PET/CT or MRI throughout the trial and optionally undergo blood sample collection on study and at disease progression or end of treatment.
Procedure: Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Undergo MRI
Other Names:
  • MRI
  • Magnetic Resonance
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan
  • Medical Imaging, Magnetic Resonance / Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
  • MR
  • MR Imaging
  • MRI Scan
  • NMR Imaging
  • NMRI
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
  • sMRI
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (procedure)
  • MRIs
  • Structural MRI
Biological: Pembrolizumab
Given IV
Other Names:
  • Keytruda
  • MK-3475
  • Lambrolizumab
  • SCH 900475
  • MK3475
  • SCH-900475
  • BCD-201
  • Pembrolizumab Biosimilar BCD-201
  • Pembrolizumab Biosimilar QL2107
  • QL2107
  • GME 751
  • GME751
  • Pembrolizumab Biosimilar GME751
  • MK 3475
  • SCH900475
  • Pembrolizumab Biosimilar RPH-075
  • RPH 075
  • RPH-075
  • RPH075
  • Pembrolizumab Biosimilar SB27
  • SB 27
  • SB-27
  • SB27
Procedure: Biospecimen Collection
Undergo blood sample collection
Other Names:
  • Biological Sample Collection
  • Biospecimen Collected
  • Specimen Collection
  • Sample Collection
Procedure: Positron Emission Tomography
Undergo PET/CT
Other Names:
  • Medical Imaging, Positron Emission Tomography
  • PET
  • PET Scan
  • Positron Emission Tomography Scan
  • Positron-Emission Tomography
  • PT
  • Positron emission tomography (procedure)
Biological: Cetuximab
Given IV
Other Names:
  • C225
  • Erbitux
  • IMC-C225
  • Cetuximab Biosimilar CDP-1
  • Cetuximab Biosimilar CMAB009
  • Cetuximab Biosimilar KL 140
  • Chimeric Anti-EGFR Monoclonal Antibody
  • Chimeric MoAb C225
  • Chimeric Monoclonal Antibody C225
  • C-225
  • C 225
Procedure: Computed Tomography
Undergo CT or PET/CT
Other Names:
  • CT
  • CAT
  • CAT Scan
  • Computed Axial Tomography
  • Computerized Axial Tomography
  • Computerized Tomography
  • CT Scan
  • tomography
  • Computerized axial tomography (procedure)
  • Computerized Tomography (CT) scan
  • Diagnostic CAT Scan
  • Diagnostic CAT Scan Service Type

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Overall survival (OS)
Time Frame: Time from randomization to death from any cause, assessed up to 5 years
Will be estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Will be based on the stratified log-rank test that will compare the distributions across the treatment arms. Univariable and multivariable Cox models stratified by the stratification factors used in the randomization will be assessed as well, where the multivariable Cox model will also adjust for other key baseline factors of interest. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals, along with likelihood ratio p-values will be reported from these Cox models.
Time from randomization to death from any cause, assessed up to 5 years

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Confirmed response rate
Time Frame: Up to 5 years
Will be assessed per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 criteria if patients have a partial or complete response for 2 consecutive evaluations at least 4 weeks apart, using local review only. The proportion of patients with a confirmed response will be calculated and compared between the 2 arms using a Chi-square or Fisher's Exact test.
Up to 5 years
Progression free survival
Time Frame: Time from randomization to the first of either disease progression or death from any cause, assessed up to 5 years
Disease progression will be assessed per RECIST 1.1 criteria. Will be compared between the 2 arms using the Kaplan-Meier method, where the log-rank test will be used to calculate the p-value.
Time from randomization to the first of either disease progression or death from any cause, assessed up to 5 years
Incidence of adverse events
Time Frame: Up to 5 years
Will be summarized using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0. The frequency and percentage of grade 3+ adverse events will be compared between the 2 treatment arms. Comparisons between arms will be made by using either the Chi-square or Fisher's Exact test.
Up to 5 years
Duration of response
Time Frame: From the date at which the patient's earliest best objective status is first noted to be either a complete response or partial response to the earliest date progression is documented, assessed up to 5 years
Will be defined for all evaluable patients who have achieved an objective response. Will be assessed per RECIST 1.1 criteria. Will be compared between the 2 arms using the Kaplan-Meier method, where the log-rank test will be used to compare the 2 treatment arms.
From the date at which the patient's earliest best objective status is first noted to be either a complete response or partial response to the earliest date progression is documented, assessed up to 5 years
Patient-reported toxicity
Time Frame: Up to 5 years
Will be assessed using Patient-Reported Outcomes version of the CTCAE. The frequency and proportion of patients with a maximum post-baseline score greater than 0 will be compared across arms using a Chi-square or Fisher's exact test with a nominal significance level of alpha = 0.10. Similarly, the frequency and proportion of patients with a maximum post-baseline score greater than or equal to 3 will be compared across arms using a Chi-square or Fisher's exact test with a nominal significance level of alpha = 0.10. Patients' maximum baseline-adjusted scores will be calculated using the method described by Dueck et al.
Up to 5 years

Other Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Estimates of median OS by sex
Time Frame: Up to 5 years
Estimates of treatment effects (median OS) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals will be provided by sex.
Up to 5 years
Estimates of median OS by race
Time Frame: Up to 5 years
Estimates of treatment effects (median OS) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals will be provided by race.
Up to 5 years
Estimates of median OS by ethnicity
Time Frame: Up to 5 years
Estimates of treatment effects (median OS) and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals will be provided by ethnicity.
Up to 5 years

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Sponsor

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Siddharth Sheth, Alliance for Clinical Trials in Oncology

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start (Actual)

March 27, 2025

Primary Completion (Estimated)

November 30, 2029

Study Completion (Estimated)

November 30, 2029

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

September 6, 2024

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

September 6, 2024

First Posted (Actual)

September 19, 2024

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

May 22, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

May 20, 2026

Last Verified

March 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

Additional Relevant MeSH Terms

Other Study ID Numbers

  • NCI-2024-07339 (Registry Identifier: CTRP (Clinical Trial Reporting Program))
  • U10CA180821 (U.S. NIH Grant/Contract)
  • A092205 (Other Identifier: CTEP)

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?

YES

IPD Plan Description

NCI is committed to sharing data in accordance with NIH policy. For more details on how clinical trial data is shared, access the link to the NIH data sharing policy page.

Drug and device information, study documents

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product

Yes

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product

No

product manufactured in and exported from the U.S.

No

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

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