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

NCT ID NCT07572864

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: West China Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 07, 2026 · Updated 2 times

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.

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.

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

West China Hospital, Sichuan University
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
West China Hospital, Sichuan University
RECRUITING

Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China

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