New combo therapy aims to fight HPV head and neck cancer

NCT ID NCT07172256

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 pilot study is testing a new drug called CUE-101, alone or combined with pembrolizumab, in 30 people with newly diagnosed, locally advanced HPV-16 head and neck cancer. The goal is to see if the combination boosts the immune system's ability to fight the cancer before standard treatment. Researchers will measure immune cell levels and monitor safety.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

CUE-101 and pembrolizumab

What this could lead to

If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option for people with HPV-related head and neck cancer, potentially improving outcomes without the need for lifelong medication.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase pilot study with only 30 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment may cause side effects or may not work better than existing therapies.

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 neoplasm oropharynx 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

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Yale University

    RECRUITING

    New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact