A Phase I Study of Zanzalintinib With Pembrolizumab and Cetuximab in Patients With Recurrent and/or Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
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 squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M HNSCC). The study aims to establish the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) while also exploring efficacy outcomes, including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).
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 Cetuximab, an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody, in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M HNSCC). The primary objective is to determine the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) and the recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) of Zanzalintinib in combination with Pembrolizumab and Cetuximab. Secondary objectives include evaluating safety, tolerability, objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). Exploratory objectives will investigate the effects of the treatment on plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) levels, immune phenotype, genetic alterations, and histopathologic changes in tumor biopsies. The trial uses a dose-escalation design, with a 42-day treatment cycle, to assess safety and dose-limiting toxicities. This combination targets the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment, aiming to overcome resistance mechanisms and improve clinical outcomes for a population with limited therapeutic options.
Arms & interventions
- DrugZanzalintinib
Experimental receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs)
- DrugCetuximab
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved monoclonal antibody directed against the epidermal growth factor (EGFR).
- DrugPembrolizumab
FDA approved monoclonal immunoglobulin (Ig) G4 antibody directed against human cell surface receptor PD-1 (programmed death-1 or programmed cell death-1)
Outcome measures
Primary
Maximally Tolerated Dose (MTD) of Zanzalintinib in Combination with Pembrolizumab and Cetuximab
The MTD will be defined as the dose combination with a dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) rate closest to the target DLT rate of 25%.
Time frame: end of DLT evaluation period (first 28 days of treatment)
Recommended Phase II Dose (RP2D) of Zanzalintinib in Combination with Pembrolizumab and Cetuximab
The RP2D will be defined as the MTD identified after enrollment to all cohorts.
Time frame: End of enrollment
Secondary
Progression-Free Survival (PFS)
Time frame: 2 years from the date of the final subject accrual on study
Overall Survival (OS)
Time frame: 2 years from the date of the final subject accrual on study
Safety of zanzalintinib in combination with pembrolizumab and cetuximab
Time frame: End of treatment (about 24 months on average)
Eligibility criteria
Study locations (1)
University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center
Chicago, Illinois, 60637