New injection fights head and neck cancer from the inside
NCT ID NCT06736379
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-stage trial tests a new treatment called VLPONC-01, which is injected directly into head and neck tumors. It delivers a substance (IL-12) that may help the immune system attack the cancer. Some participants will also receive the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab. The main goal is to check safety and see if the tumors shrink.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- VLPONC-01 (a virus-based therapy that delivers IL-12 into tumors) and pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy drug)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could point toward a new treatment option for head and neck cancer that boosts the immune system to fight tumors.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early (Phase 1) trial with only 41 participants, so safety and effectiveness are not yet proven. There is a risk of side effects from the injections or the combination therapy.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HEAD AND NECK CANCER are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
-
Stanford University
RECRUITINGStanford, California, 34305, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Can a new drug combo revive Immunotherapy's power against resistant tumors?
- Can a Dual-Pronged antibody outsmart advanced solid tumors?
- Can a new infusion drug shrink Hard-to-Treat tumors?
- Can tailored nutrition boost recovery from head and neck surgery?
- Can less radiation be safer for throat cancer?
- Can Pre-Surgery immunotherapy prime the immune system to fight head and neck cancer?