ASCO 2022 | Phase II trial of pembrolizumab & cabozantinib in patients with recurrent metastatic HNSCC

Nabil F. Saba, MD, FACP, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, explains the Phase II trial (NCT03468218), which investigated the safety and efficacy of pembrolizumab and cabozantinib in patients with recurrent head and neck squamous cell cancer. Pembrolizumab, a monoclonal antibody, and cabozantinib, a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI), are believed to interfere with tumor growth. The trial results were very encouraging as an overall response rate (ORR) of 45.2% with an overall clinical benefit of 90.4% was observed. At 1 year, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall-survival (OS) appeared promising at 54% and almost 65%, respectively. Additionally, the treatment regimen was well-tolerated. This interview took place at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) 2022 Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL.