Trial Outcomes & Findings for Pembrolizumab in Combination With CRT for LA-SCCHN (NCT NCT02586207)

NCT ID: NCT02586207

Last Updated: 2025-10-07

Results Overview

To determine the safety and tolerability of pembrolizumab given in combination with cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in subjects with treatment naive Stage III-IVB squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Number of participants affected by AEs will be reported by grade and percentage of participants affected. Safety and tolerability will be assessed by clinical review of all relevant parameters including adverse events (AEs), laboratory tests, and vital signs. Count and percentage of AE will be provided.

Recruitment status

COMPLETED

Study phase

PHASE1

Target enrollment

59 participants

Primary outcome timeframe

through day 240 (this time frame allows capturing of AEs that occurred up to 90 days after completion of treatment)

Results posted on

2025-10-07

Participant Flow

Participant milestones

Participant milestones
Measure
Single Arm
Pembrolizumab + Cisplatin + Radiation pembrolizumab (MK-3475): 200mg IV on days -7(loading dose), 15, 36, 57, 78, 99, 120, 141. Cisplatin: Cisplatin 40 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36 Radiation: 70 Gy fractionated over 35 days
Overall Study
STARTED
59
Overall Study
COMPLETED
57
Overall Study
NOT COMPLETED
2

Reasons for withdrawal

Reasons for withdrawal
Measure
Single Arm
Pembrolizumab + Cisplatin + Radiation pembrolizumab (MK-3475): 200mg IV on days -7(loading dose), 15, 36, 57, 78, 99, 120, 141. Cisplatin: Cisplatin 40 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36 Radiation: 70 Gy fractionated over 35 days
Overall Study
Physician Decision
1
Overall Study
Withdrawal by Subject
1

Baseline Characteristics

Pembrolizumab in Combination With CRT for LA-SCCHN

Baseline characteristics by cohort

Baseline characteristics by cohort
Measure
Single Arm
n=59 Participants
Pembrolizumab + Cisplatin + Radiation pembrolizumab (MK-3475): 200mg IV on days -7(loading dose), 15, 36, 57, 78, 99, 120, 141. Cisplatin: Cisplatin 40 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36 Radiation: 70 Gy fractionated over 35 days
Age, Continuous
59.8 years
n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Female
9 Participants
n=5 Participants
Sex: Female, Male
Male
50 Participants
n=5 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
1 Participants
n=5 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
58 Participants
n=5 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
1 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
1 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
57 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
0 Participants
n=5 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants
n=5 Participants

PRIMARY outcome

Timeframe: through day 240 (this time frame allows capturing of AEs that occurred up to 90 days after completion of treatment)

Population: Number of participants who experience an Adverse Event.

To determine the safety and tolerability of pembrolizumab given in combination with cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in subjects with treatment naive Stage III-IVB squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Number of participants affected by AEs will be reported by grade and percentage of participants affected. Safety and tolerability will be assessed by clinical review of all relevant parameters including adverse events (AEs), laboratory tests, and vital signs. Count and percentage of AE will be provided.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Single Arm
n=57 Participants
Pembrolizumab + Cisplatin + Radiation pembrolizumab (MK-3475): 200mg IV on days -7(loading dose), 15, 36, 57, 78, 99, 120, 141. Cisplatin: Cisplatin 40 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36 Radiation: 70 Gy fractionated over 35 days
Adverse Events Will be Assessed and Graded Using CTCAE 4.0. Occurrences With Max Grade and Percentage/Number of Participants Affected by AEs Will be Provided.
57 Participants

SECONDARY outcome

Timeframe: Day 150 (post treatment imaging)

Response was determined using a composite end point of overall end-of-treatment (EOT) complete response (CR) at day 150 (approximately 12 weeks after completion of chemoradiotherapy) by CT of the neck (RECIST 1.1). Optional positron emission tomography (PET) imaging was allowed rather than neck dissection if CT could not confirm CR. Complete metabolic response was assessed using Hopkins score of 1, 2, or 3 on PET imaging. For those without an imaging CR, pathologic confirmation was recommend (but not required) by selective neck dissection and/or directed biopsy of the suspected active disease site. If pathologic evaluation of the potential disease site confirmed no residual invasive or in situ cancer, the patient was determined to have a pathologic CR. In cases with both an imaging CR and pathologic response assessment, the pathologic response defined final overall response. Therefore, patients with a final EOT CR included those with either an imaging (CT or PET) or pathologic CR.

Outcome measures

Outcome measures
Measure
Single Arm
n=57 Participants
Pembrolizumab + Cisplatin + Radiation pembrolizumab (MK-3475): 200mg IV on days -7(loading dose), 15, 36, 57, 78, 99, 120, 141. Cisplatin: Cisplatin 40 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36 Radiation: 70 Gy fractionated over 35 days
Evaluation of the Efficacy of Pembrolizumab Given in Combination With Definitive CRT by Determining the Number of Participants With Complete Response at Treatment End (Day 150)
47 Participants

Adverse Events

Single Arm

Serious events: 28 serious events
Other events: 59 other events
Deaths: 10 deaths

Serious adverse events

Serious adverse events
Measure
Single Arm
n=59 participants at risk
Pembrolizumab + Cisplatin + Radiation pembrolizumab (MK-3475): 200mg IV on days -7(loading dose), 15, 36, 57, 78, 99, 120, 141. Cisplatin: Cisplatin 40 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36 Radiation: 70 Gy fractionated over 35 days
Endocrine disorders
Adrenal Insufficiency
1.7%
1/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Aspiratoin Pneumonia
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Cardiac disorders
cardiac arrest
1.7%
1/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Dehydration
11.9%
7/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Dysphagia
6.8%
4/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Infections and infestations
Encephalitis Infection
1.7%
1/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
General disorders
Fever
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gastric Ulcer
1.7%
1/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
GI Bleed
1.7%
1/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hyponatrimia
3.4%
2/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Ileus
1.7%
1/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Laryngeal edema
3.4%
2/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Lowet gastrointestinal hemorrhage
1.7%
1/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Neoplasms benign, malignant and unspecified (incl cysts and polyps)
Neoplasms benign, malignant
1.7%
1/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Neutropenic Fever
1.7%
1/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
General disorders
Pain
3.4%
2/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Cardiac disorders
Palpitations
1.7%
1/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Pancytopenia
1.7%
1/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Infections and infestations
Sepsis
1.7%
1/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Nervous system disorders
Syncope
1.7%
1/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Vascular disorders
Thromboembolic event
1.7%
1/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Infections and infestations
Urinary Tract Infection
1.7%
1/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Vomiting
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Investigations
Weight Loss
1.7%
1/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting

Other adverse events

Other adverse events
Measure
Single Arm
n=59 participants at risk
Pembrolizumab + Cisplatin + Radiation pembrolizumab (MK-3475): 200mg IV on days -7(loading dose), 15, 36, 57, 78, 99, 120, 141. Cisplatin: Cisplatin 40 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 36 Radiation: 70 Gy fractionated over 35 days
Investigations
Lymphocyte Count Decreased
98.3%
58/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Anemia
94.9%
56/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Investigations
White Blood Cell Decreased
93.2%
55/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Dysphagia
86.4%
51/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Investigations
Weight Loss
84.7%
50/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Dermatitis radiation
88.1%
52/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Dry Mouth
84.7%
50/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
General disorders
Fatigue
86.4%
51/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea
81.4%
48/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Mucositis oral
81.4%
48/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Nervous system disorders
Dysgeusia
79.7%
47/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hyponatremia
76.3%
45/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Constipation
69.5%
41/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Salivary Duct Inflammation
69.5%
41/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Investigations
neutrophil count decreased
66.1%
39/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Vomiting
59.3%
35/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hypomagnesemia
61.0%
36/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Anorexia
57.6%
34/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Investigations
Platelet count decreased
57.6%
34/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Sore Throat
55.9%
33/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Abdominal Pain
6.8%
4/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Investigations
Alanine aminotransferase increased
23.7%
14/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Investigations
Alkaline phosphatase increased
11.9%
7/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Alopecia
25.4%
15/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Psychiatric disorders
Anxiety
6.8%
4/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Arthralgia
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Investigations
Aspartate aminotransferase increased
16.9%
10/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Ear and labyrinth disorders - Other, specify
11.9%
7/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Ear pain
13.6%
8/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Hearing impaired
15.3%
9/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Ear and labyrinth disorders
Tinnitus
32.2%
19/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Eye disorders
Blurred vision
6.8%
4/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Eye disorders
Dry Eye
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Endocrine disorders
Hyperthyroidism
16.9%
10/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Endocrine disorders
Hypothyroidism
35.6%
21/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
General disorders
Chills
18.6%
11/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Colitis
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Diarrhea
49.2%
29/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Dyspepsia
13.6%
8/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
General disorders
Edema Limbs
13.6%
8/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
General disorders
Fever
15.3%
9/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
General disorders
Flu like symptoms
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Gastroesophageal reflux disease
10.2%
6/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
General disorders
Malaise
8.5%
5/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
General disorders
Neck edema
10.2%
6/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Gastrointestinal disorders
Oral pain
27.1%
16/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
General disorders
pain
32.2%
19/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Fall
11.9%
7/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Infections and infestations
Infections and infestations - Other, specify
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Infections and infestations
Mucosal infection
32.2%
19/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Infections and infestations
Skin Infection
10.2%
6/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Investigations
Blood bilirubin increased
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Investigations
Creatinine increased
15.3%
9/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Investigations
Lymphocyte count increased
15.3%
9/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Dehydration
49.2%
29/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hyperglycemia
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hyperkalemia
10.2%
6/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hypermagnesemia
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hyperuricemia
22.0%
13/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hypoalbuminemia
39.0%
23/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hypocalcemia
22.0%
13/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hypokalemia
35.6%
21/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Hypophosphatemia
25.4%
15/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Back pain
8.5%
5/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Generalized muscle weakness
16.9%
10/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Myalgia
10.2%
6/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Neck pain
13.6%
8/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Pain in extremity
6.8%
4/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Trismus
15.3%
9/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Nervous system disorders
Headache
22.0%
13/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Nervous system disorders
Paresthesia
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Nervous system disorders
Peripheral motor neuropathy
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Nervous system disorders
Peripheral sensory neuropathy
23.7%
14/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Nervous system disorders
Syncope
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Psychiatric disorders
Confusion
6.8%
4/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Psychiatric disorders
Depression
18.6%
11/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Psychiatric disorders
Insomnia
28.8%
17/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Renal and urinary disorders
Hematuria
18.6%
11/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Renal and urinary disorders
Proteinuria
35.6%
21/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Renal and urinary disorders
Urinary frequency
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Cough
28.8%
17/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Dyspnea
15.3%
9/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Hoarseness
15.3%
9/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Aspiration Pneumonia
6.8%
4/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Nasal congestion
10.2%
6/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Pharyngeal mucositis
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Pharyngolaryngeal pain
11.9%
7/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Productive cough
6.8%
4/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Voice alteration
6.8%
4/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Dry skin
8.5%
5/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Pruritus
39.0%
23/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rash acneiform
6.8%
4/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Rash maculo-papular
5.1%
3/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders - Other, specify
20.3%
12/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Vascular disorders
Hot flashes
6.8%
4/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Vascular disorders
Hypertension
6.8%
4/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Vascular disorders
Hypotension
23.7%
14/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Vascular disorders
Lymphedema
42.4%
25/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting
Nervous system disorders
Dizziness
27.1%
16/59 • Enrollment through Day 150 plus 90 days for SAE reporting

Additional Information

Steven F. Powell, MD

Sanford Health

Phone: 605-328-8000

Results disclosure agreements

  • Principal investigator is a sponsor employee
  • Publication restrictions are in place