Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Broad Institute have launched a new trial to investigate a potential drug combination for patients with head and neck cancer. The study is designed for individuals whose disease has returned or spread following previous treatment.
This Phase 1 trial is focused on evaluating the safety and ideal dosage of two drugs used together: datopotamab deruxtecan and pembrolizumab. Datopotamab deruxtecan is an experimental antibody-drug conjugate targeting TROP2, while pembrolizumab is a widely used immunotherapy that helps the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
“This trial offers patients access to a novel targeted treatment in combination with immunotherapy,” said Dr. Glenn Hanna, principal investigator of the study and a medical oncologist at Dana-Farber. “We’re pushing forward with innovative treatment strategies for patients who have few remaining options.”
The trial is currently recruiting participants who have recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that is not responding to standard therapies. Patients will be closely monitored for side effects and responses to the drug combination. The goal is to determine whether this combination can safely be used and whether it shows any signs of effectiveness against the cancer.
The study is part of a broader effort by researchers to develop more tailored and effective treatment options for cancers that are difficult to treat. Findings from the trial will inform further studies and potentially larger clinical trials in the future.
