New combo therapy aims to boost immune attack on HPV-Positive throat cancer
NCT ID NCT05996523
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This phase 2 trial tests whether combining an HPV vaccine (PRGN-2009) with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab can strengthen the immune system's attack on HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer before standard treatment. Sixteen adults with newly diagnosed, HPV-related throat cancer will receive both treatments, then undergo standard therapy. The study measures changes in immune cells within the tumor and tracks survival over five years.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- HPV vaccine PRGN-2009 and pembrolizumab
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this combination could improve the immune response against HPV-related throat cancer, potentially leading to better outcomes before standard therapy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 16 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The treatment is given before standard care, and its long-term benefit is uncertain.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.