TransCon (TC) TLR7/​8 Agonist, TC IL-2 β/​γ, Pembrolizumab Prior to Surgery for Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (BelieveIT-201)

Overview

About this study

The purpose of this trial is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TransCon TLR7/8 Agonist, TransCon IL-2 β/γ, and pembrolizumab given prior to curative intent surgery in treatment of participants with newly diagnosed Stage III/IVA resectable locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC). After surgery, participants will receive local standard-of-care treatment and will be followed for safety, efficacy, and survival for up to 2 years.

Participation eligibility

Participant eligibility includes age, gender, type and stage of disease, and previous treatments or health concerns. Guidelines differ from study to study, and identify who can or cannot participate. There is no guarantee that every individual who qualifies and wants to participate in a trial will be enrolled. Contact the study team to discuss study eligibility and potential participation.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Has local histologically confirmed new diagnosis of resectable, non-metastatic, SCC
that is either: Stage III tumor HPV-positive oropharyngeal primary that is tumor size
(T) 4, lymph node involvement (N) 0-2, no distant metastases (M) 0; Stage III or IVA
oropharyngeal tumor HPV-negative; or Stage III or IVA larynx/hypopharynx/oral cavity
primaries regardless of HPV status (per American Joint Committee on Cancer [AJCC]
Staging, 8th edition).

- Has available archived or fresh core or excisional biopsy of a tumor lesion.
Note:  Fine needle aspirations may be allowed after discussion with Medical Monitor.

- Is eligible and plans for primary LA-HNSCC surgery based on investigator decision and
per local practice.

- Has results from tumor HPV status by p16 immunohistochemistry (IHC) for oropharyngeal
tumors. (HPV DNA analysis for HPV tumor status is acceptable if that is the local
standard of care analysis.)

- Has adequate organ function at screening.

- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0 or 1.

- Has at least one lesion that is deemed by the investigator to be easily and safely
accessible for IT injection.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Active autoimmune conditions.

- Has significant cardiac disease.

- Has a known bleeding disorder that is deemed to place the participant at unacceptable
risk for bleeding complications from IT injections or biopsies.

- Has a diagnosis of immunodeficiency or is receiving systemic steroid therapy (in doses
exceeding 10 mg daily of prednisone equivalent) or any other form of immunosuppressive
therapy within 7 days prior to randomization.

Note: Other protocol defined Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria may apply.

Eligibility last updated 9/13/23. Questions regarding updates should be directed to the study team contact.

Participating Mayo Clinic locations

Study statuses change often. Please contact the study team for the most up-to-date information regarding possible participation.

Mayo Clinic Location Status Contact

Rochester, Minn.

Mayo Clinic principal investigator

Katharine Price, M.D.

Open for enrollment

Contact information:

Cancer Center Clinical Trials Referral Office

(855) 776-0015

More information

Publications

Publications are currently not available