Status:

RECRUITING

Dose Finding Study of Zanzalintinib With Pembrolizumab and Cetuximab in Head and Neck SCC

Lead Sponsor:

University of Chicago

Collaborating Sponsors:

Exelixis

Conditions:

Head and Neck Neoplasms

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell

Eligibility:

All Genders

18+ years

Phase:

PHASE1

Brief Summary

This Phase I clinical trial evaluates the safety, tolerability, and optimal dosing of Zanzalintinib in combination with Pembrolizumab and Cetuximab in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic squamou...

Detailed Description

This Phase I, single-site clinical trial investigates the combination therapy of Zanzalintinib, an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor, with Pembrolizumab, an anti-PD1 immune checkpoint inhibitor, and Cetu...

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

  • Histologically or cytologically confirmed recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M HNSCC), which is considered incurable by local therapies.
  • Primary tumor locations: oropharynx, oral cavity, hypopharynx, larynx, nasopharynx, and sinonasal. Unknown primary is also eligible.
  • Age: Participants must be at least 18 years old.
  • ECOG Performance Status: Must be 0-1.
  • Measurable disease by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1 criteria.
  • For oropharyngeal cancer: HPV (p16) testing is required. p16 Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is sufficient for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) testing.
  • Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) : For patients with previously untreated R/M disease, a combined positive score (CPS) of 1 or greater is required. There is no PD-L1 restriction for patients who have previously received anti-PD(L)1 therapy.
  • Recovery to baseline or ≤ Grade 1 severity (CTCAE v5) from any adverse events (AEs), including immune-related AEs from prior treatments.
  • Adequate organ and marrow function, including:
  • Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1500/mm3.
  • Platelets ≥ 100,000/mm3.
  • Hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dL.
  • Normal liver and kidney function.
  • Capable of understanding and complying with the protocol requirements and must have signed the informed consent document.
  • Contraception: Sexually active fertile subjects must agree to use a highly effective method of contraception during the study and for 2 months after the last dose of cetuximab and 4 months after the last dose of pembrolizumab.

Exclusion

  • Prior treatment with Zanzalintinib or other vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-targeted therapies, -Cetuximab, or other epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors.
  • More than two prior lines of systemic therapy in the recurrent/metastatic setting.
  • Relapsed disease within 3 months of definitive therapy.
  • Prior treatment with small molecule kinase inhibitors, chemotherapy, biologic, or other anticancer therapies within certain time frames (2-4 weeks before the first dose of study treatment).
  • Brain metastases or cranial epidural disease unless stable after treatment for at least 4 weeks.
  • Concomitant anticoagulation with oral anticoagulants or platelet inhibitors, unless on stable doses of acceptable anticoagulants.
  • Active infection requiring systemic treatment or significant cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, or other serious health issues that may affect study participation.
  • Known or suspected autoimmune disease, except for specific conditions like type I diabetes or controlled skin disorders.
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Women must not be pregnant or breastfeeding at screening.
  • Other malignancies within the past 2 years (except for certain low-grade cancers like localized skin cancers).

Key Trial Info

Start Date :

September 29 2025

Trial Type :

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation :

ESTIMATED

End Date :

June 5 2027

Estimated Enrollment :

36 Patients enrolled

Trial Details

Trial ID

NCT06912087

Start Date

September 29 2025

End Date

June 5 2027

Last Update

December 2 2025

Active Locations (1)

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University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60637