New drug duo aims to shrink head and neck tumors before surgery

NCT ID NCT07465276

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether giving two drugs—ficerafusp alfa and pembrolizumab (Keytruda)—before surgery can shrink tumors in people with advanced head and neck cancer. About 32 participants with resectable, PD-L1-positive squamous cell carcinoma will receive the combination, then have surgery. The main goal is to see if at least half the tumor responds to treatment.

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 and pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
What this could lead to: If successful, this combination could shrink tumors before surgery, potentially improving outcomes for people with advanced head and neck cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 32 participants. The treatment may not work as hoped, and side effects from the drug combination could be serious.

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.

head and neck 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.

HEAD AND NECK SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (HNSCC) SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE HEAD AND NECK

Contacts and locations

Locations

Brigham and Women's Hospital
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
RECRUITING

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

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