Triple therapy aims to shrink head and neck tumors before surgery
NCT ID NCT07552558
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study tests a combination of an experimental drug (ficerafusp alfa), an immunotherapy (pembrolizumab), and targeted radiation before surgery for people with advanced head and neck cancer that is HPV-negative. About 45 participants will receive these treatments over several weeks, then undergo standard surgery and follow-up care. The goal is to see if this approach can completely eliminate the tumor in the removed tissue and to find the safest radiation dose.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- ficerafusp alfa (BCA101) plus pembrolizumab (Keytruda) plus stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this combination could become a new pre-surgery treatment to shrink tumors more effectively in advanced head and neck cancer.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early phase 1/2 trial with only 45 participants, so results are preliminary. The added drugs and radiation may cause significant side effects, and not all patients may benefit.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
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