PD-L1 t-haNK, N-803 IL-15sa and Cetuximab for Recurrent, Metastatic HNSCC
Launched by GLENN J. HANNA · Feb 1, 2024
Trial Information
Current as of July 25, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is exploring a new treatment combination for patients with advanced head and neck cancer that has come back or spread to other parts of the body. The study is testing three therapies together: PD-L1 t-haNK, which uses modified immune cells to fight cancer; N-803, a special protein that boosts the immune system; and cetuximab, an antibody that targets cancer cells. The goal is to see if this combination is safe and effective in helping patients who have already received some treatment but still have cancer.
To participate in this trial, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that is either recurrent or metastatic. You should have measurable cancer that can be tracked through imaging tests, and you must have had one or two previous treatments that included a type of therapy targeting the immune system. Participants can expect regular check-ups and monitoring throughout the study. It's important to know that there are specific health criteria you must meet to be eligible, including having stable organ function and not having received certain types of recent treatments. If you're interested, this trial could provide a new option for managing your cancer.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Participants must have an existing histologically confirmed diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with evidence of recurrent, metastatic (R/M) or locoregionally advanced, incurable or unresectable disease from any mucosal subsite including oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, nasal cavity, and the paranasal sinuses.
- • Participants must have at least one RECIST v1.1 measurable lesion, as defined as at least one lesion that can be accurately measured in at least one dimension (longest diameter to be recorded for non-nodal lesions and short axis for nodal lesions) ≥ 1 cm with CT scans or MR imaging.
- • Must have had at least 1, but no more than 2, prior lines of prior systemic therapy for R/M HNSCC; one of these lines should have included anti-PD-1/L1 therapy.
- • a.Platinum-based therapy as part of definitive/adjuvant or curative-intent treatment can count as 1 prior line of therapy if the subject progressed within 6 months of receiving therapy.
- • b. At least 2 weeks must have elapsed since the end of prior chemotherapy, biological agents (2 weeks for anti-cancer monoclonal antibody containing regimens) or any investigational drug product, with adequate recovery of treatment-related toxicity to NCI CTCAE v5 grade ≤1 (or tolerable grade 2) or back to baseline (except for alopecia or peripheral neuropathy).
- • Be ≥18 years of age on the day of signing informed consent.
- • Must provide prior documentation on tumor PD-L1 expression status and HPV status (for oropharyngeal cancer cases), if available from the medical record.
- • Have a performance status of 0 or 1 on the ECOG Performance Scale (see Appendix A).
- * Participants must have adequate organ and marrow function as defined below (within 14 days prior to study registration):
- • a. ANC ≥1,000/mcL
- • b. ALC ≥ 600/mcl
- • c. Hemoglobin ≥9 g/dL
- • d. Platelets ≥100,000/mcL
- • e. Total bilirubin ≤ upper limit of normal (ULN)
- • f. AST(SGOT)/ALT(SGPT) ≤2.5x institutional ULN (or ≤1.5x institutional ULN if concomitant with alkaline phosphatase \>2.5x institutional ULN) or ≤5x ULN for those with liver metastases
- • g. Serum creatinine ≤1.5x ULN or creatinine clearance ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for participants with creatinine levels above 1.5x ULN
- • Baseline tumor measurements must be documented from imaging within 28 days prior to study registration.
- • Female subjects of childbearing potential should have a negative urine or serum pregnancy test within 7 days of study registration. Female subjects should not become pregnant or nurse a baby during the study and through 120 days after the last dose of study drugs. Male subjects should use a condom as a contraceptive during the study and through 120 days after the last dose of study drugs.
- • Sperm donation is discouraged for up to 6 months after the last dose of study drug.
- • -Be willing and able to provide written informed consent for the trial.
- • Exclusion Criteria
- • Have been previously treated with 3 or more lines of systemic therapy for R/M HNSCC.
- • Have received radiation therapy (RT) within 10 days of starting protocol therapy.
- • Solid organ transplant (allograft) recipients.
- • Participant has known active central nervous system (CNS) metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis. Subjects with previously treated brain metastases may participate provided they are stable (without evidence of progression by imaging and off systemic steroids for at least 3 weeks prior to study registration) and have no evidence of new or enlarging brain metastases.
- • A history of significant autoimmune disease as judged by the treating investigator and on active therapy including prednisone ≥10 mg daily dose equivalent of corticosteroids.
- • Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including but not limited to ongoing or active infection; evidence of symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, stroke, or ventricular arrhythmia within 6 months of enrollment.
- • Has a known additional malignancy that is progressing or requires active treatment. Exceptions might include basal cell carcinoma of the skin or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin that has undergone potentially curative therapy or in situ cervical cancer.
- • Any known positive test result for hepatitis B virus or hepatitis C virus indicating presence of virus, e.g., hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg, Australia antigen) positive, or hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV) positive (except if HCV-RNA negative). Patients with HIV are eligible if their plasma HIV viral load is undetectable at baseline on antiretroviral therapy.
- • Subjects who are pregnant, or breastfeeding, or expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the trial, starting with the pre-screening or screening visit through 120 days after the last dose of trial treatment. Breastfeeding should be discontinued if the mother is treated on this protocol. Women who could potentially become pregnant while undergoing treatment on this protocol must be willing to use 2 methods of contraception.
About Glenn J. Hanna
Glenn J. Hanna is a dedicated clinical trial sponsor with a strong commitment to advancing medical research and improving patient outcomes. With extensive experience in the design and implementation of clinical studies, Mr. Hanna focuses on innovative therapeutic interventions across various therapeutic areas. His collaborative approach fosters partnerships with healthcare professionals and research institutions, ensuring rigorous adherence to ethical standards and regulatory requirements. Through his leadership, the organization aims to contribute valuable insights to the medical community while prioritizing patient safety and efficacy in treatment development.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Glenn J Hanna, MD
Principal Investigator
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported