Zanzalintinib Plus Pembrolizumab Versus Pembrolizumab Alone In Patients with PD-L1 Positive Metastatic Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (STELLAR-305): A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Phase 2/3 Study

Pembrolizumab as monotherapy or in combination with chemotherapy is a standard of care in patients (pts) with recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and PD-L1 CPS ≥1. While pembrolizumab monotherapy results in low response rates, the addition of 5FU/cisplatin adds significant toxicity for pts. Rational combinations which improve outcomes while avoiding cytotoxic chemotherapy are needed. HNSCC is associated with overexpression of VEGFR, MET, and AXL, and the re are preclinical data supporting the antitumor effect of inhibition of these kinases through suppressing tumor growth and angiogenesis, and promoting an immune-permissive tumor microenvironment.
Source: International Journal of Radiation Oncology * Biology * Physics - Category: Radiology Authors: Tags: 157 Source Type: research