Could immunotherapy before surgery spare facial features in skin cancer?

NCT ID NCT05929664

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: Thomas Jefferson University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing whether giving immunotherapy drugs (cemiplimab alone or with fianlimab) before surgery can shrink advanced basal cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The goal is to make surgery less extensive, preserving important structures like the eye, nose, or lip. About 70 participants will receive up to 6 infusions before their operation, and researchers will measure tumor shrinkage and surgical benefits.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Cemiplimab (Libtayo) and Fianlimab
What this could lead to: If successful, this could offer a way to shrink head and neck skin cancers before surgery, potentially allowing less extensive surgery and preserving facial features.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial that is currently suspended, so results are uncertain. The drugs may cause immune-related side effects, and not all patients may respond.

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.

basal cell carcinoma skin basal cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BASAL CELL CARCINOMA LOCALLY ADVANCED BASAL CELL CARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, United States
University of Miami Health System

Miami, Florida, 33136, United States
Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States

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