Could immunotherapy before surgery spare facial features in skin cancer?
NCT ID NCT05929664
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.
Disclaimer
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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.
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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
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Locations
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Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, United States
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University of Miami Health System
Miami, Florida, 33136, United States
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Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States