Cancer vaccine plus immunotherapy shows promise in Hard-to-Treat cancers

NCT ID NCT02955290

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study combines the CIMAvax EGF vaccine with immunotherapy drugs (nivolumab or pembrolizumab) to treat advanced non-small cell lung cancer and squamous head and neck cancer. The vaccine aims to slow tumor growth, while the immunotherapy helps the immune system attack cancer cells. Researchers are testing safety and effectiveness in 51 patients whose cancers have spread.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

CIMAvax EGF vaccine combined with nivolumab or pembrolizumab

What this could lead to

If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option that helps control advanced lung and head and neck cancers, potentially extending survival.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial with only 51 participants, so results may not apply broadly. Side effects from the vaccine and immunotherapy can be serious, and the combination may not work better than existing treatments.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck squamous cell carcinoma lung cancer lung neoplasm non-small cell lung carcinoma non-small cell squamous lung carcinoma skin squamous cell carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Good Samaritan Hospital

    West Islip, New York, 11795, United States

  • Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center

    Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States

  • Roswell Park Cancer Institute

    Buffalo, New York, 14263, United States

  • St. Francis Hospital

    Roslyn, New York, 11576, United States

  • University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

    Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States