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.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
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.
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.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for OROPHARYNGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC) are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States