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Dose Finding Study of Zanzalintinib With Pembrolizumab and Cetuximab in Head and Neck SCC
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
Who can join
Ages 18 and older · All sexes
Full eligibility criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 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 Criteria: * 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).
About the study
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).
What is being tested
- Zanzalintinib (drug)
- Cetuximab (drug)
- Pembrolizumab (drug)
Sponsor: University of Chicago · Participants: 36 · Started: Sep 29, 2025
Contact the study team
- Clinical Trials Intake · Phone: 1-855-702-8222
Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06912087
Locations in the U.S.
| Illinois | University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago |
Conditions
From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.