New drug combo aims to boost immune attack on HPV throat cancer before surgery

NCT ID NCT05787639

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether giving targeted radiation along with two immunotherapy drugs (evorpacept and pembrolizumab) before standard surgery can improve outcomes for people with HPV-related throat cancer. The study enrolls 29 patients with early-stage, resectable disease. The main goal is to see if the cancer responds completely or mostly to this pre-surgery treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

evorpacept (ALX148) and pembrolizumab

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could improve how well HPV-related throat cancer responds to treatment before surgery, potentially leading to better outcomes.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 29 participants. The combination may not improve response rates and could cause side effects from radiation and immunotherapy.

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.

oropharyngeal carcinoma oropharynx cancer

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Oregon Health and Science University

    Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States

  • Providence Health & Services

    Portland, Oregon, 97213, United States

  • UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center

    La Jolla, California, 92093, United States