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Search / Trial NCT04080804

Study of Safety and Tolerability of Nivolumab Treatment Alone or in Combination With Relatlimab or Ipilimumab in Head and Neck Cancer

Launched by DAN ZANDBERG · Sep 3, 2019

Trial Information

Current as of September 02, 2025

Recruiting

Keywords

Anti Pd1 Antibody Anti Ctla4 Antibody Anti Lag3 Antibody Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocyte (Til)

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at the safety and tolerability of a treatment called Nivolumab, either on its own or combined with two other medications, Relatlimab or Ipilimumab, for patients with a type of cancer known as Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). The goal is to see if these treatments can boost the body’s immune response to fight the cancer more effectively before surgery. The study is currently recruiting participants who are at least 18 years old and have specific types of HNSCC that have not been previously treated.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must have a confirmed diagnosis of certain stages of HNSCC and be able to provide a sample of their tumor for testing. They should also be in good overall health, with certain heart function criteria, and not have received prior treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy for their cancer. Participants can expect close monitoring throughout the study, including regular check-ups and tests to ensure their safety. It’s important for potential participants to discuss any medical history or conditions with their healthcare provider to determine if this trial is a good fit for them.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

  • Inclusion Criteria:
  • 1. Males and females, ages ≥18 years
  • 2. Histologically or cytologically confirmed Squamous Cell Carcinoma, previously untreated stage III, or IVA HNC by AJCC 8th edition staging system. Newly diagnosed, never treated HNC cancer but could have had a surgically treated primary \> 5 years previous without radiotherapy or chemotherapy. For HPV positive oropharyngeal cancer, patients with T3 or T4 primary and/or one ipsilateral lymph node greater than 3 cm, multiple ipsilateral lymph nodes, bilateral lymph nodes, or contralateral lymph node will be included. Patients must undergo CT or MRI to rule out the presence of distant metastases.
  • 3. Accessible tumor for pretreatment (baseline) open/incisional biopsy to provide adequate correlative specimen.
  • 4. Have LAG-3 and PD-L1 results for stratification.
  • 5. LVEF assessment with documented LVEF ≥50% by either TTE or MUGA (TTE preferred test) within 28 days prior to first study drug administration
  • 6. Women of child-bearing potential (WOCBP) must be advised of the importance of avoiding pregnancy during trial participation and the potential risk factors for an unintentional pregnancy. All WOCBP MUST have a negative pregnancy test within 7 days prior to first receiving investigational product. If the pregnancy test is positive, the patient must not receive investigational product and must not be enrolled in the study. All WOCBP must agree to use appropriate contraception to prevent pregnancy for the duration of treatment with study treatments, plus 24 weeks after the last dose of study treatment (i.e., 30 days \[duration of ovulatory cycle\] plus approximately 5 half-lives).
  • 7. All males must agree to use appropriate contraception for the duration of treatment with study treatments plus 33 weeks after the last dose of study treatment (i.e., 90 days \[duration of sperm turnover\] plus approximately 5 half-lives). In addition, male participants must be willing to refrain from sperm donation during this time. In addition, men enrolled on this study must be informed of the risks to any sexual partner of childbearing potential and should practice an effective method of birth control
  • 8. Azoospermic males are exempt from contraceptive requirements unless the potential exists for fetal toxicity due to study drug being present in seminal fluid, even if the participant has undergone a successful vasectomy or if the partner is pregnant. WOCBP who are continuously not heterosexually active are also exempt from contraceptive requirements, and still must undergo pregnancy testing as described in this section.
  • 9. Primary tumors of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx will be included.
  • 10. Eligible for surgical resection.
  • 11. Age ≥ 18 years
  • 12. ECOG performance status 0-1.
  • 13. Have signed written informed consent
  • Exclusion Criteria:
  • 1. Prior radiation, chemotherapy, oncology vaccine or immunotherapy.
  • 2. Prior severe infusion reaction to a monoclonal antibody.
  • 3. Troponin T (TnT) or I (TnI) \> 2 × institutional ULN. Subjects with TnT or TnI levels between \> 1 to 2 × ULN will be permitted if repeat levels within 24 hours are less than or equal to 1 x ULN. If TnT or TnI levels are \> 1 to 2 × ULN within 24 hours, the subject may undergo a cardiac evaluation and be considered for treatment, following a discussion with the BMS Medical Monitor or designee. When repeat levels within 24 hours are not available, a repeat test should be conducted as soon as possible. If TnT or TnI repeat levels beyond 24 hours are \< 2 x ULN, the subject may undergo a cardiac evaluation and be considered for treatment.
  • 4. Evidence of distant metastasis.
  • 5. Prior history of HNC treated \< 5 years previously.
  • 6. Prior history of myocarditis, regardless of etiology
  • 7. Prior treatment with LAG-3 targeted agents.
  • 8. A known history of Hepatitis B or C
  • 9. Patients with active/history of autoimmune disease. "Active" refers to any condition currently requiring therapy. Examples of autoimmune disease include systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease and rheumatoid arthritis
  • 10. Psychiatric illness or other social issues limiting compliance
  • 11. If second primary tumor is found at the time of EUA, the subject will be excluded from study participation.

About Dan Zandberg

Dan Zandberg is a dedicated clinical trial sponsor renowned for his commitment to advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes. With extensive experience in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors, he focuses on the development and management of innovative clinical trials that address critical health challenges. His strategic vision emphasizes collaboration with healthcare professionals and regulatory bodies to ensure rigorous study design and compliance with industry standards. Dan Zandberg's leadership is characterized by a patient-centered approach, prioritizing ethical considerations and transparency throughout the research process.

Locations

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States

Patients applied

0 patients applied

Trial Officials

Dan Zandberg, MD

Principal Investigator

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Timeline

First submit

Trial launched

Trial updated

Estimated completion

Not reported

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