Triple threat: vaccine, immunotherapy, and Chemo-Radiation take on HPV head and neck cancer
NCT ID NCT04369937
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This phase 2 trial tested a new approach for people with intermediate-risk HPV-related head and neck cancer. Participants received an HPV-16 vaccine (ISA101b) plus the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab alongside standard chemoradiation. The goal was to see if this combination could improve the chance of keeping the cancer from progressing. The study enrolled 18 patients and tracked how many were still cancer-free after two years, as well as any serious side effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
HPV-16 vaccine (ISA101b) plus pembrolizumab and cisplatin chemoradiotherapy
What this could lead to
If successful, this combination could improve the chance of keeping HPV-related head and neck cancer from coming back after standard treatment.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 18 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Adding more drugs also raises the risk of serious side effects.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232, United States