Flu vaccine injected into skin tumors: a new cancer weapon?

NCT ID NCT06664151

Recruiting now Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This early-phase trial is testing whether injecting the seasonal flu vaccine directly into skin cancer tumors can boost the immune system's attack on the cancer. About 25 people with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma will receive one injection into their tumor before standard surgery. Researchers will measure changes in immune cells inside the tumor to see if the vaccine helps fight the cancer.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Fluzone Trivalent (influenza vaccine, flu shot)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to use existing vaccines to help the immune system fight skin cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small trial (25 people) testing a concept, not a treatment. It may show no immune benefit or cause side effects like injection-site reactions.

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.

skin cancer skin neoplasm skin squamous cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CUTANEOUS SQUAMOUS CELL CANCER CUTANEOUS SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (CSCC) SKIN CANCER

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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