Experimental vaccine aims to boost immune attack on head and neck tumors

NCT ID NCT07572864

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests a new approach for patients with resectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. It combines an engineered mitochondrial vaccine (IMP3-Mito) with an immune checkpoint inhibitor (PD-1 inhibitor) given before and after surgery. The goal is to improve the number of patients who have a major pathological response (fewer than 10% viable tumor cells after treatment). Only 9 participants will be enrolled at a single center in China.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Engineered mitochondrial vaccine (IMP3-Mito) and immune checkpoint inhibitor (PD-1 inhibitor)

What this could lead to

If successful, this combination could significantly improve tumor shrinkage before surgery and reduce recurrence risk for patients with head and neck cancer.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-phase trial with only 9 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The vaccine is experimental, and side effects from combining it with immunotherapy are unknown.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • West China Hospital, Sichuan University

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China

  • West China Hospital, Sichuan University

    RECRUITING

    Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••