Can immunotherapy shrink Betel-Nut oral tumors before surgery?

NCT ID NCT07733466

First seen Jul 29, 2026 · Last updated Aug 11, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This trial tests whether giving two immunotherapy drugs—pembrolizumab and cetuximab—before surgery can shrink advanced oral cancers linked to betel-nut chewing. The study enrolls 20 people in the Northern Mariana Islands who have not yet received treatment. Researchers will measure tumor response using CT scans to see if the combination leads to partial or complete shrinkage.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
pembrolizumab and cetuximab
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could shrink tumors before surgery, potentially improving outcomes for people with betel-nut-related oral cancer.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 20 participants. The combination may cause immune-related side effects, and results may not apply to broader populations.

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.

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Northern Marianas Oncology Center | Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation

    Saipan, 96950, Northern Mariana Islands