DNA vaccine combo takes on HPV head and neck cancer

NCT ID NCT05280457

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Yonsei University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests a combination of a DNA vaccine (GX-188E), an immune booster (GX-I7), and an immunotherapy drug (nivolumab) in 21 adults with HPV-related head and neck cancer that has returned or spread. The goal is to see if the combo can shrink tumors and improve survival. All participants have already tried platinum-based chemotherapy without success.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: GX-188E DNA vaccine, GX-I7 (immune booster), and nivolumab (immunotherapy)
What this could lead to: If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option for people with HPV-related head and neck cancer that has not responded to standard chemotherapy.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial (21 people) with no control group, so results may not apply broadly. Side effects from the drug combination are possible and not yet fully known.

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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

Contacts and locations

Locations

Yonsei University Health System, Severance Hospital

Seoul, South Korea

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