Phase II Randomized Trial of Radiotherapy with Concurrent and Adjuvant Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) Versus Concurrent Chemotherapy in Patients with Advanced/Intermediate-Risk p16+ Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (KEYCHAIN Trial)
Summary
This study is a prospective, multi-institutional, open-label, randomized phase II trial that will evaluate the efficacy of concurrent and adjuvant pembrolizumab with radiation therapy (RT) versus RT plus cisplatin in intermediate/high-riskp16-positive locoregionally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).
Objective
Primary Objective(s):
Objective: To determine whether RT with concurrent and adjuvant anti-PD1 therapy (pembrolizumab) is feasible in patients with intermediate/high risk p16+ locoregionally advanced head/neck cancer
Phase II
Objective: To test the hypothesis that pembrolizumab improves progression free survival (PFS) in this population compared to standard of care (RT plus cisplatin)
Secondary Objectives
Objective 1: To quantify acute and late toxicity, overall survival, radiographic response (at 4-month FDG-PET-CT), locoregional failure, distant metastasis, immune correlates, and competing mortality for RT/pembrolizumab compared to RT plus cisplatin in this population.
Objective 2: To examine the relationships between age, baseline vulnerability score (as measured by the G-8 tool), and baseline competing event score (GCE-ω) and select outcomes including acute and late toxicity, locoregional control, distant metastasis, and overall survival.
Exploratory Objective(s) & Hypothesis(es)
Objective: To compare the outcomes with RT/pembrolizumab in patients with tumors as a function of PD-L1 expression.
p16-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the pharynx, larynx or oral cavity
High-Intermediate Risk Disease, defined as: (a) T1-T3 N2 M0 or T3 N1 M0 or any stage III (T4 or N3) p16+ squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (AJCC 8th edition staging system) (b) T1-2 N1-3 M0 or T3-4 N0-3 M0 (stage III-IVB) p16+ squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx or larynx (c) T1-2 N2-3 M0 or T3-4 N0-3 M0 (stage III-IVB) p16+ squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx (d) Inoperable T4 N0-3 M0 (stage IVA-IVB) p16+ squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity
Measurable disease based on RECIST 1.1
Adequate hematologic function within 28 days prior to registration
Adequate renal and hepatic function
Female participant of childbearing potential should have a negative pregnancy test
Female participant of childbearing potential must agree to use an adequate method of contraception for the course of the study
Male participants must agree to use an adequate method of contraception for the course of the study
Prior malignancy within the past 3 years (except non-melanomatous skin cancer and early stage treated prostate cancer);
Prior head and neck radiation, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy;
Prior oncologic (radical) surgery to the primary site;
Documented evidence of distant metastases;
Severe, active co-morbidity defined as follows: Unstable angina and/or congestive heart failure requiring hospitalization within the last 6 months, Transmural myocardial infarction within the last 6 months, Acute bacterial or fungal infection requiring intravenous antibiotics at the time of registration, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease exacerbation or other respiratory illness requiring hospitalization or precluding study therapy within 30 days of registration, Hepatic insufficiency resulting in clinical jaundice and/or coagulation defects, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) based upon current CDC definition; note, however, that HIV testing is not required for entry into this protocol.
Any medical or psychiatric illness, which, in the opinion of the principal investigator, would compromise the patient's ability to tolerate this treatment;
Psychiatric/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements
Hypersensitivity to pembrolizumab or any of its excipients.
Active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in the past 2 years (i.e. with use of disease modifying agents, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs). Replacement therapy (eg., thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, etc.) is not considered a form of systemic treatment.
Known history of, or any evidence of active, non-infectious pneumonitis.
Active infection requiring systemic therapy.
Is pregnant or breastfeeding, or expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the trial, starting with the pre-screening or screening visit through 120 days after the last dose of trial treatment.
Has received prior therapy with an anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or anti-PD-L2 agent.
Known history of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) (HIV 1/2 antibodies).
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 of planned start of study therapy.
If you are interested in learning more about clinical trials, our clinical trial navigators can discuss your options and recommend opportunities that may be suitable for you. Call 813-745-6100 or 1-800-679-0775 (toll-free) or submit a clinical trials inquiry form.
Please call 1-888-663-3488 for support from a Moffitt representative. New Patients and Healthcare Professionals can submit an online form by selecting the appropriate button below. Existing patients can call 1-888-663-3488. Click here for a current list of insurances accepted at Moffitt.
NEW PATIENTS To request a new patient appointment, please fill out the online form or call 1-888-663-3488.
REFERRING PHYSICIANS Providers and medical staff can refer patients by submitting our online referral form.
Moffit now offers Virtual Visits for patients. If you are eligible for a virtual appointment, our scheduling team will discuss this option further with you.
Moffitt Cancer Center is committed to the health and safety of our patients and their families. For more information on how we’re protecting our new and existing patients, visit our COVID-19 Info Hub