Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Completed

NCT Number: NCT02289209

Reirradiation With Pembrolizumab in Locoregional Inoperable Recurrence or Second Primary Squamous Cell CA of the Head and Neck

Eligible participants with locoregional inoperable recurrence or second primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck will be treated with reirradiation combined with anti-PD-1 mAb MK-3475 (generic name: pembrolizumab, trade name Keytruda®).

Completed

Looking for future studies?

Notify Me

Key information

Conditions

Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer Carcinoma Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Squamous Cell of Head and Neck Head and Neck Neoplasms Neoplasms Neoplasms by Histologic Type Neoplasms by Site Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial Neoplasms, Squamous Cell Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 2

Primary location

Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Loading trial locations.

About this study

Each participant will undergo screening and then be treated with reirradiation with 1.2 Gy BID, 5 days a week (weeks 1-5). MK-3475 (generic name: pembrolizumab, trade name Keytruda®) will be given at 200mg intravenous every 3 weeks starting day one of reirradiation and will be continued in all participants until 3 months post completion of reirradiation, at which time a PET/CT will be done to evaluate response. Participants with progressive disease (PD) will be taken off MK-3475 and followed for survival. Participants that have a complete response (CR) will be followed clinically and radiographically, and if disease recurs may be eligible to be retreated with MK-3475 for up to one year. Participants with partial response (PR) or stable disease (SD) will continue treatment with MK-3475 for up to two years unless one of the following occurs:

  • documented disease progression
  • unacceptable adverse event(s)
  • intercurrent illness that prevents further administration of treatment
  • investigator decision to withdraw the subject
  • withdrawal of consent
  • pregnancy
  • noncompliance
  • administrative reasons (i.e. trial is closed prematurely).

Participants who have not progressed at completion of 24 months of therapy will be observed, but may be eligible for 1 year of retreatment with MK-3475 if they develop recurrence/progression and qualify for retreatment as detailed in the protocol,and if the trial is still ongoing.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Patients with biopsy proven locoregional recurrence or second primary SCCHN which is unresectable or the patient is unwilling to undergo resection. Determination of unresectability will be based on multidisciplinary review of each case.

Inclusion criteria

  • Have received only prior radiation treatment course. Prior radiation course must have been with curative intent.
  • At least 6 months since completion of radiation
  • Based on prior radiation records, have had most of the tumor volume (>50%) previously radiated at doses > 45 Gy without exceeding spinal cord tolerance (combining previous and future radiation dose to spinal cord of < 50 Gy).
  • Be willing to undergo percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) placement, if necessary.
  • Have at least one measurable area of disease based on RECIST 1.1 within the previously radiated field.
  • Have provided adequate tissue for PD-L1 analysis either from an archival tissue sample or fresh biopsy done to confirm recurrence/second primary. Archival tissue sample can only be used if done within 3 months of enrollment on the clinical trial.
  • Performance status of 0 or 1 on the ECOG Performance Scale.
  • Life expectancy greater than 12 weeks
  • Adequate organ function as defined by the protocol

Exclusion criteria

  • Presence of distant metastatic disease.
  • Is currently participating in or has participated in a study of an investigational agent or used an investigational device within 4 weeks of the first dose of treatment.
  • Has a diagnosis of immunodeficiency or is receiving systemic steroid therapy or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to the first dose of trial treatment.
  • Has had a prior monoclonal antibody, chemotherapy, or targeted small molecule therapy within 4 weeks prior to study Day 1 or who has not recovered from adverse events due to agents administered more than 4 weeks earlier.
  • History of other malignancy within 5 years with the exception of prior Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, adequately treated basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, or carcinoma of the cervix.
  • Has an active autoimmune disease
  • Has evidence of interstitial lung disease or active, non-infectious pneumonitis.
  • Has an active infection requiring systemic therapy
  • Has received prior therapy with an anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, anti-PD-L2, anti-CD137, or anti-Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) antibody (including ipilimumab or any other antibody or drug specifically targeting T-cell co-stimulation or checkpoint pathways).
  • Has a known history of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (HIV 1/2 antibodies).
  • Has known active Hepatitis B (e.g., HBsAg reactive) or Hepatitis C (e.g., HCV RNA [qualitative] is detected).
  • Has received a live vaccine within 30 days prior to the first dose of trial treatment
  • Is pregnant or breastfeeding, or expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the trial.

Treatment and study plan

Reirradiation

Radiation

Reirradiation 1.2 GY BID 5 days a week for 5 weeks.

MK-3475

Drug

MK-3475 will be given at 200mg intravenous every 3 weeks starting day one of reirradiation and will be continued once every 3 weeks until 3 months post completion of reirradiation. Further continuation of MK-3475 will be determined by response evaluation at 3 months post completion of reirradiation

Other names: Keytruda, pembrolizumab

Primary outcomes

  1. Progression Free Survival

    Time frame: Up to 36 months (after starting reirradiation and MK-3475)

    Number of months from the date of initiation of treatment to the date of progression of disease or death (whichever occurs first). Progressive disease, per RECIST 1.1, is defined as: At least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum on study (this includes the baseline sum if that is the smallest on study). In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum must also demonstrate an absolute increase of at least 5 mm. (Note: the appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered progression).

Secondary outcomes

  1. Best Overall Response Rate (ORR)

    Time frame: Up to 36 months (after initiation of treatment with reirradiation and MK-3475)

    The percentage of the patients who have either Complete Response (CR): Disappearance of all target lesions. Any pathological lymph nodes (whether target or non-target) must have reduction in short axis to <10 mm, or, Partial Response (PR): At least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the baseline sum diameters. The patient's best overall response rate defined as the best response recorded from the start of the treatment until disease progression will be recorded, per RECIST 1.1.

  2. Clinical Benefit Rate (CBR)

    Time frame: Up to 36 months (after initiation of treatment with reirradiation and MK-3475)

    The percentage of patients that have achieved a complete response, partial response, and stable disease as defined by RECIST 1.1. Complete Response (CR): Disappearance of all target lesions. Any pathological lymph nodes (whether target or non-target) must have reduction in short axis to <10 mm, Partial Response (PR): At least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the baseline sum diameters, or Stable Disease (SD): Neither sufficient shrinkage to qualify for PR nor sufficient increase to qualify for PD, taking as reference the smallest sum diameters while on study.

  3. Time to in Field Disease Progression

    Time frame: Up to 36 months (after initiation of treatment with reirradiation and MK-3475)

    Number of months from initiation of treatment to progression of disease within the radiation field.Progressive disease, per RECIST 1.1, is defined as: At least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum on study (this includes the baseline sum if that is the smallest on study). In addition to the relative increase of 20%, the sum must also demonstrate an absolute increase of at least 5 mm. (Note: the appearance of one or more new lesions is also considered progression).

  4. Overall Survival (OS)

    Time frame: Up to 36 months (after initiation of treatment with reirradiation and MK-3475)

    Number of months from first treatment until death. Patients who are alive will be censored at the last date of patient contact.

  5. Quality of Life Using EORTC QLQ-C30 - Baseline

    Time frame: At Baseline

    Patient reported outcomes will be measured using EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires. This tool contains 30 items. It measures 5 functional dimensions (physical, role, cognitive, social, emotional), 6 single items (appetite loss, constipation, dyspnea, financial impact, sleep disturbance, diarrhea), 3 symptom items (fatigue, pain, nausea/vomiting) and a global health and quality of life scale. Scales range in score from 0 to 100. A high score for a functional scale represents a high/healthy level of functioning whereas a high score for a symptom scale or item represents a high level of symptomatology or problems.

  6. Quality of Life Using EORTC QLQ-C30 - Cycle 3

    Time frame: At Cycle 3 (Week 6)

    Patient reported outcomes will be measured using EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires. This tool contains 30 items. It measures 5 functional dimensions (physical, role, cognitive, social, emotional), 6 single items (appetite loss, constipation, dyspnea, financial impact, sleep disturbance, diarrhea), 3 symptom items (fatigue, pain, nausea/vomiting) and a global health and quality of life scale. Scales range in score from 0 to 100. A high score for a functional scale represents a high/healthy level of functioning whereas a high score for a symptom scale or item represents a high level of symptomatology or problems.

  7. Quality of Life Using EORTC QLQ-C30 - Cycle 9

    Time frame: At Cycle 9 (Week 26)

    Patient reported outcomes will be measured using EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires. This tool contains 30 items. It measures 5 functional dimensions (physical, role, cognitive, social, emotional), 6 single items (appetite loss, constipation, dyspnea, financial impact, sleep disturbance, diarrhea), 3 symptom items (fatigue, pain, nausea/vomiting) and a global health and quality of life scale. Scales range in score from 0 to 100. A high score for a functional scale represents a high/healthy level of functioning whereas a high score for a symptom scale or item represents a high level of symptomatology or problems.

  8. Quality of Life Using EORTC QLQ-C30 - 12 Months

    Time frame: At 12 months

    Patient reported outcomes will be measured using EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires. This tool contains 30 items. It measures 5 functional dimensions (physical, role, cognitive, social, emotional), 6 single items (appetite loss, constipation, dyspnea, financial impact, sleep disturbance, diarrhea), 3 symptom items (fatigue, pain, nausea/vomiting) and a global health and quality of life scale. Scales range in score from 0 to 100. A high score for a functional scale represents a high/healthy level of functioning whereas a high score for a symptom scale or item represents a high level of symptomatology or problems.

  9. Quality of Life Using EORTC QLQ-C30 - 36 Months

    Time frame: At 36 months

    Patient reported outcomes will be measured using EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaires. This tool contains 30 items. It measures 5 functional dimensions (physical, role, cognitive, social, emotional), 6 single items (appetite loss, constipation, dyspnea, financial impact, sleep disturbance, diarrhea), 3 symptom items (fatigue, pain, nausea/vomiting) and a global health and quality of life scale. Scales range in score from 0 to 100. A high score for a functional scale represents a high/healthy level of functioning whereas a high score for a symptom scale or item represents a high level of symptomatology or problems.

  10. Quality of Life Using EORTC QLQ-H&N 35 - Baseline

    Time frame: At Baseline

    Patient reported outcomes will be measured using the EORTC QLQ-H&N35, a 35-item questionnaire that assesses symptoms encountered specifically by patients with head and neck cancer. This measure generates 7 multiple-item scales (Pain, Swallowing, Senses, Speech, Social eating, Social contact, and Sexuality), in addition to 11 single items (eg, Opening mouth, Sticky saliva, Dry mouth, etc). Scales range in score from 0 to 100. A high score for a functional scale represents a high/healthy level of functioning whereas a high score for a symptom scale or item represents a high level of symptomatology or problems.

  11. Quality of Life Using EORTC QLQ-H&N 35 - Cycle 3

    Time frame: At Cycle 3 (Week 6)

    Patient reported outcomes will be measured using the EORTC QLQ-H&N35, a 35-item questionnaire that assesses symptoms encountered specifically by patients with head and neck cancer. This measure generates 7 multiple-item scales (Pain, Swallowing, Senses, Speech, Social eating, Social contact, and Sexuality), in addition to 11 single items (eg, Opening mouth, Sticky saliva, Dry mouth, etc). Scales range in score from 0 to 100. A high score for a functional scale represents a high/healthy level of functioning whereas a high score for a symptom scale or item represents a high level of symptomatology or problems.

  12. Quality of Life Using EORTC QLQ-H&N 35 - Cycle 9

    Time frame: At Cycle 9 (Week 26)

    Patient reported outcomes will be measured using the EORTC QLQ-H&N35, a 35-item questionnaire that assesses symptoms encountered specifically by patients with head and neck cancer. This measure generates 7 multiple-item scales (Pain, Swallowing, Senses, Speech, Social eating, Social contact, and Sexuality), in addition to 11 single items (eg, Opening mouth, Sticky saliva, Dry mouth, etc). Scales range in score from 0 to 100. A high score for a functional scale represents a high/healthy level of functioning whereas a high score for a symptom scale or item represents a high level of symptomatology or problems.

  13. Quality of Life Using EORTC QLQ-H&N 35 - 12 Months

    Time frame: At 12 months

    Patient reported outcomes will be measured using the EORTC QLQ-H&N35, a 35-item questionnaire that assesses symptoms encountered specifically by patients with head and neck cancer. This measure generates 7 multiple-item scales (Pain, Swallowing, Senses, Speech, Social eating, Social contact, and Sexuality), in addition to 11 single items (eg, Opening mouth, Sticky saliva, Dry mouth, etc). Scales range in score from 0 to 100. A high score for a functional scale represents a high/healthy level of functioning whereas a high score for a symptom scale or item represents a high level of symptomatology or problems.

  14. Quality of Life Using EORTC QLQ-H&N 35 - 36 Months

    Time frame: At 36 months

    Patient reported outcomes will be measured using the EORTC QLQ-H&N35, a 35-item questionnaire that assesses symptoms encountered specifically by patients with head and neck cancer. This measure generates 7 multiple-item scales (Pain, Swallowing, Senses, Speech, Social eating, Social contact, and Sexuality), in addition to 11 single items (eg, Opening mouth, Sticky saliva, Dry mouth, etc). Scales range in score from 0 to 100. A high score for a functional scale represents a high/healthy level of functioning whereas a high score for a symptom scale or item represents a high level of symptomatology or problems.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Dan Zandberg

Other

Collaborators

  • Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

Registry information

Official study title

A Phase II Trial of Reirradiation Combined With Open Label Pembrolizumab in Patients With Locoregional Inoperable Recurrence or Second Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN)

Important dates

Study start
2016
Primary completion
2023
Study completion
2024
First posted
Nov 13, 2014
Registry last updated
Mar 6, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Related clinical trials

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.