๐Ÿ›๏ธ Verified NIH Record โ€ข Updated 2026-06-21

Preoperative Pembrolizumab and Chemotherapy in Resectable, Recurrent HNSCC (NCT05726370)

A Phase 2 Study of Preoperative Pembrolizumab and Chemotherapy Followed by Adjuvant Pembrolizumab in Resectable Locoregionally Recurrent Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

๐ŸŸข Recruiting Phase2 ๐Ÿ’Š Investigational Drug / Biologic Sponsor: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

๐Ÿฉบ Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

This research study is evaluating effectiveness and safety of a combination of immunotherapy drug, pembrolizumab, with chemotherapy, as a possible treatment before and after surgery for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (HNSCC). The combination of pembrolizumab and chemotherapy will be given prior to your surgery, while immunotherapy pembrolizumab will be continued for approximately 1 year after surgery. The names of the study drugs involved in this research study are: * pembrolizumab (a type of immunotherapy) * docetaxel (a type of chemotherapy) * cisplatin (a type of chemotherapy) * carboplatin (a type of chemotherapy)

Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.

Location: Brigham and Women's Hospital โ€” Boston, Massachusetts

Age range: 18 Years

๐Ÿ“‹ "Do I Qualify?" โ€” 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Full eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria โ†—

๐Ÿ“ All Participating Trial Locations (2 Sites)

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital โ€” Boston, Massachusetts
  • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute โ€” Boston, Massachusetts

๐Ÿ“ž Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (617) 582-7322

Email: kartik_sehgal@dfci.harvard.edu

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

๐Ÿ’ฐ Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA ยง 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

๐Ÿ’ก How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
๐Ÿ›๏ธ View Official NIH Record โ†—