Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral CavityPhase 3IT-MATTERSNCT01265849
Efficacy and Safety Study of Leukocyte Interleukin,Injection (LI) to Treat Cancer of the Oral Cavity
A Phase 3 study testing LI, Cyclophosphamide and Indomethacin in people with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Soft Palate, run by CEL-SCI Corporation at 102 sites in 23 countries.
Trial summary
The purpose of this study was to determine whether LI administered in combination with cyclophosphamide, indomethacin and zinc in a multivitamin (CIZ) combination prior to standard of care therapy (surgery followed by radiotherapy or concurrent radiochemotherapy) is safe and will increase the overall survival of… Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Soft Palate
- What is being tested?
- LI, Cyclophosphamide and Indomethacin
- Type of treatment
- Pill or oral medicine, Injection or infusion, Surgery or procedure
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 928 participants
- Where
- 102 sitesin 23 countries
- Study dates
- Dec 2010to 4 Dec 2020
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Are there results?
- Yes, posted in the registrySummary in the doctors' view
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Untreated SCCHN of oral cavity (anterior tongue, floor of mouth, cheek)/soft palate, categories T1N1-2M0,T2N1-2M0,T3N0-2M0,T4N0-2M0 (T4 allowed only if invasion of mandible is negligible i. e. 5mm or less) scheduled for SOC
- Primary tumor and any positive node(s) measurable in 2 dimensions
- Normal immune function
- No immunosuppressives with 1 year of entry
- KPS>70/100
- Age>18
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- Male or Female (non-pregnant)
- Life expectancy >6 months
- Able to take oral medication
- Able to provide informed consent
Who cannot join
- Subjects to be treated with other than SOC
- Tumor invasion of bone (also see inclusion criteria)
- Tumor classifications T1N0, T2N0, T4N3, any TN classification with M1
- Tumors in locations other than those specified in inclusion criteria
- Active peptic ulcer (or on full-dose therapeutic anti-coagulants)
- Prior resection of jugular nodes ipsilateral to tumor
Show all 11Show fewer
- Acute or chronic viral, bacterial immune or other disease associated with abnormal immune function
- Subjects on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis; or having a history of
- History of asthma, allergy to fluoroquinolone antibiotics, congestive heart failure, or on hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis
- Any condition that in the opinion of the investigator would cause the subject to be unable to participate or tolerate the protocol regimen
- Failure to meet inclusion criteria
Trial locations and contacts
102 sites in 23 countries.
102 sites in 23 countries
India11 sites
Sujan Regional Cancer Hospital & Amravati Cancer Foundation
Amravati, Maharashtra, 444606
Government Medical College and Hospital
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, 431001
V.N. Cancer Center G. Kuppuswamy Naidu Memorial Hospital
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641037
Galaxy Cancer Center
Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, 210010
Searoc Cancer Center
Jaipur, Rajashlan, 302013
Regional Cancer Center
Kerola, Thiruvananthapuram, 695011
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences
Kochi, Kerala, 682041
Meenakshi Mission Hospital and Research Centre
Madurai, Tamil Nadu, 625107
Bibi General Hospital and Cancer Centre
Malkapet, Andhra Pradesh, 500024
Tata Memorial Hospital
Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400012
Curie Manavata Cancer Center
Mumbai, Naka Nashik, 422004
Ukraine10 sites
Cherkasky Regional Oncological Dyspensary Dept. Head and Neck tumour
Cherkasy, 18009
Clinical Diagnostic Laboratory of Dnepropetrovsk Municipal Institution City Multidisciplinary Clinical Hospital No. 4
Dnipro, 49102
Donetsk Regional Antitumor Center
Donetsk, 83092
Grigoriev Institute for Medical Radiology of National Academy of Medical Science of Ukraine Dept. of Remote, Combined Radiation and Complex Therapy
Kharkiv, 61024
Kharkiv Regional Clinical Oncology Center Dept. Of Head and Neck Tumour
Kharkiv
Kiev City Clinical Oncology Center of the Main Health Care Dept of Kiev Day Hospital Radiotherapy Dept.
Kiev
Kiev City Clinical Oncology Center of the Main Health Care Dept. of the Kiev Day Hospital
Kiev
Lviv State OncologyRegional treatment and Diagnostic Center
Lviv, 79031
Sumy Regional Clinical Oncology Dyspensary
Sumy, 40004
Zaporiz'ka Regional Clinical Oncology Dispensary
Zaporiz'ka Oblast', 69040
Poland9 sites
ul. M. Sklodowskiej-Curie 24A
Bialystok, 15-276
Swietokrzyskie Centrum Onkologii
Kielce, Ul. Artwinskiego 3, 25-734
Szpital Specialistyczny im. Ludwika Rydgiera
Krakow, 31826
Wojewodzki Szpital Specjalistyczny im Kopernika
Lodz, Ul Paderewskiego 4, 93-509
Samodzielny Publiczny Szpital Kliniczny Klinika Otolarryngologii I Onkologii Laryngologicznej
Lublin, 20-954
Weilkopolskie Centrum Onkologii Klinika Chirurgii Glowy Szye Onkologii Laryngologiczne
Poznan, 61-866
Centrum Onkologi-Instytut im. Marie Sklodowskiej-Curie
Warsaw, Ul. Roentgena 5, 02-781
Centrum Onkologii im. Prof. Lukaszcyka
Warsaw, Ul. Roentgena 5, 02-781
Uniwersitecki Szpital Kliniczny Klinika Otolaryngologii Chirugii Glowy i Szxyi
Wroclaw, 50-556
Taiwan9 sites
Changua Christian Hospital
Chang-hua, 500
National Taiwan Research Hospital
Chengshan, Taipei, 100
Linkou Branch Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Guishan, Taoyuan, 333
Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien Branch
Hualien City, 970
Kaohsiung Branch Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Niaosong, Kaohsiung, 833
China Medical University Hospital
Taichung, 404
Taichung Veterans General Hospital
Taichung, 40705
National Cheng Kung University Hospital
Taipei, Tainan, 704
Shin-Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital
Taipei, 111
Serbia8 sites
Serbia Clinic for ENT and Maxillofacial Surgery
Belgrade, Pasterova 14, 11000
Clincal Center Serbia Clinic for Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Belgrade, 11000
Faculty of Dental Medicine Clinic for Maxillofacial Surgery
Belgrade, 11000
Military Medical Academy Clinic for Maxillofacial Surgery
Belgrade, 11000
Clinical Center Nis center for Oncology
Niš, 18 000
Clinic for Stomatology department for maxillofacial Surgery
Niš, 18000
Clinical center Vojvodina Clinic for ORL
Novi Sad, 21000
Clinical Centre Vojvodina Clinic for Maxillofacial Surgery
Novi Sad, 21000
Russia7 sites
Kursk Regional Clinical Oncology Dispensary
Kursk, 305035
Blokhin Cancer Research Center
Moscow, 115478
N.N. Blokhin Russian Cancer Research Center
Moscow, 115478
Budget Institution of Healthcare of Omsk Region Clincal Oncology Dispensary
Omsk, 644013
Ryazan Clinical oncology Dispensary
Ryazan, 39011
Leningrad Regional Oncology Center
Saint Petersburg, Leningradskaya, 188663
Sverdlovsk Regional Cancer Center
Sverdlov, Ekaterinberg, 620905
Croatia6 sites
CHC Osijek
Osijek, 31000
General Hospital Dr. Josip Bencevic
Slavonski Brod, 35000
CH Dubrava
Zagreb, 10000
Clinical Hospital Center Zagreb Kispaticeva 12
Zagreb, 10000
KBC Sestre Milosrdnice
Zagreb, 10000
KBC Zagreb
Zagreb, 10000
Hungary6 sites
National institute of Oncology
Budapest, Rath Gyorgy, H-1122
Semmelweis University
Budapest, 1085
University of Debrecen Medical and Health Scioence Centre
Debrecen, Hajdú-Bihar, krt. 98
University of Pecs Institute of Oncotherapy
Pécs, 7628
University of Szeged Dept of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Szeged, 6725
Markusovsky Teaching Hospital
Szombathely, 9700
Spain6 sites
Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron
Barcelona, 08035
Hospital Universitario de Princesa
Madrid, 28006
Hospital Universitario Ramon y Cajal
Madrid, 28034
Hospital Madrid North Universitaro de Sanchinnaro
Madrid, 28050
Complejo Hospitalario Univ. de Santiago
Santiago de Compostela, 15706
Consorsio Hospital General Universitario de valencia
Valencia, 46014
United States5 sites
Medical College Of South Carolina MSC550
Charleston, South Carolina, 29435
University of Cincinnati Medical Center
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45219
Henry Ford Health System Henry Ford Hospital
Detroit, Michigan, 48202
VA Puget Sound Healthcare System & University of WA
Seattle, Washington, 98108
Simmons Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University
Springfield, Illinois, 62794
Bosnia and Herzegovina4 sites
Clinical Center Banja Luka
Banja Luka, 78 000
University Clinical Hospital Mostar
Mostar, 88000
Clinical Centre University of Sarejevo Clinic for ENT
Sarajevo, 71000
University Clinical Centre Tuzla
Trnovac, Tuzla, 75 000
Canada3 sites
St. Josephs Healthcare Department of Surgery
Hamilton, Ontario, L8N4A6
CHU de Quebec - L'Hotel Dieu de Quebec
Québec, G1R2J6
Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke
Sherbrooke, Quebec, JiH 5N4
Belarus2 sites
N.N. Alexandrov Research Istitute of Oncology and Medical Radiology
Lyasny, Minsk Oblast, 223040
Vitebsk Regional Oncology Dispensary
Vitebsk, 210603
Israel2 sites
Rabin Medical Center
Petah Tikva, Tikva, 49100
Rambam Health Care Campus
Sha‘ar Ha‘Aliya, Saint Haifa, 31906
Italy2 sites
National Tumor Institute of Italy
Naples, 80131
Ospedale S.G. Moscati Santissima Annunziata
Taranto, 74010
Malaysia2 sites
University Kabangsan Medical Center
Kuala Lumpur, 56000
Dept of Head and Neck Surgery School of Medical Sciences Univ. Sains
Kuantan, Pulau Pinang, 16150
Romania2 sites
Regional Institute of Oncology IASI
Iași, 700483
Spital Clinic Judetean Mures
Târgu Mureş, 540072
Sri Lanka2 sites
National Cancer Institute Dept of Clinical Oncology & Radiotherapy
Colombo, 10280
Oncology Unit Teaching Hospital Karapitya
Galle
Turkey (Türkiye)2 sites
Haceteppe University Dept of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Ankara, 06100
Acibadem University Maslak Hospital ENT Department
Istanbul
About this study
Official title: Phase III Study of LI [Multikine®] Plus SOC (Surgery + Radiotherapy or Surgery + Concurrent Radiochemotherapy) in Subjects With Advanced Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity/Soft Palate vs. SOC Only
The purpose of this study was to determine whether LI administered in combination with cyclophosphamide, indomethacin and zinc in a multivitamin (CIZ) combination prior to standard of care therapy (surgery followed by radiotherapy or concurrent radiochemotherapy) is safe and will increase the overall survival of subjects with previously untreated locally advanced primary squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity or soft palate at a median of 3 to 5 years
Read the detailed description
Head and neck carcinomas constitute about 5% of all cancers annually worldwide. In the US there are about 65,000 new cases annually. Ninety percent are squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Approximately 2/3 of SCCHN patients present on their first visit with locally advanced disease. The median 3 year overall survival (OS) for these patients with existing standard of care (SOC) therapies - surgery followed by radiotherapy or concurrent radiochemotherapy - is estimated to be between 52 and 55%; the 5 year OS is approximately 43%. There are clearly many of SCCHN patients not well served by available modalities.
Regional intra or perilymphatic and/or intratumoral or peritumoral low dose cytokine therapy may have important therapeutic effects in SCCHN patients and constitute an additional anti-tumor mechanism of action different and distinct from current SOC. Leukocyte Interleukin Injection (LI) [Multikine] contains a defined mixture of naturally derived cytokines and chemokines with demonstrated safety and immunomodulatory activity in animals and in man in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. LI is administered prior to SOC and in combination with low non-chemotherapeutic doses of cyclophosphamide, indomethacin, and zinc (CIZ) in studies with LI. The results of these studies indicate that the local/regional injection of mixed interleukins (LI) with CIZ prior to SOC can overcome local immunosuppression, break tumor tolerance to tumor antigens and allow for a sustainable and effective anti-tumor immune response.
LI was tested in this large, global, multinational Phase III clinical trial to develop definitive proof of its efficacy and safety in treating SCCHN. The trial is an open-label randomized multi-center controlled study of LI + CIZ + SOC in subjects with advanced primary SCCHN of the oral cavity/soft palate vs. SOC [the comparator arm]. OS is the primary efficacy endpoint.
- Being tested
- LI, Cyclophosphamide, Indomethacin, Zinc, Surgery
- Medical subject headings
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
LIBiological
Also called Multikine, Leukocyte interleukin, injection
LI 400 IU (2.0mL total daily) 1.0 mL peritumoral, 1.0 mL perilymphatic 5x weekly x3 consecutive weeks administered as neoadjuvant therapy prior to SOC, (surgery followed by radiation or concurrent radiochemotherapy with cisplatin 100 mg/m^2 intravenously x3) to determine if LI plus CIZ affects the 3-5 year overall survival.
CyclophosphamideDrug
Cyclophosphamide was administered IV bolus (one time only) at a dose of 300mg/m^2 three days prior to beginning treatment with LI. Standard of care (SOC) for previously untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is currently surgery followed by radiotherapy (60-70Gy in 30 to 35 fractions over 6 to 7 weeks) for higher risk subjects (subjects determined at surgery to have adverse features per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, such as, positive surgical margins, 2 or more clinically positive nodes or extracapsular nodal spread, etc. that would pre-dispose them for higher risk of recurrence) radiotherapy is combined with concurrent chemotherapy (cisplatin 100mg/m^2 intravenously on day 1 of weeks 1, 4 and 7 of radiotherapy.
IndomethacinDrug
One 25mg capsule of indomethacin was self administered orally (BID) beginning on day one of LI treatment daily until the day before surgery.
ZincDietary supplement
Also called Multivitamins
One capsule daily self administered beginning on day one of treatment with LI until one day before surgery
SurgeryProcedure or surgery
Excise tumor and nodes
CisplatinDrug
Cisplatin was administered 100mg/m^2 IV concurrent with radiotherapy. The chemotherapy agent (cisplatin 100mg/m^2) was administered intravenously on day 1 of weeks 1, 4 and 7 of radiotherapy.
RadiotherapyRadiation
Total 60 to 70 Gy (2Gy per day) in 30 to 35 fractions over 6 to 7 weeks to subjects determined at surgery to be at lower risk for recurrence (per NCCN guidelines). For subjects determined at surgery to be at higher risk for recurrence due to having positive surgical margins, 2 or more clinically positive nodes or extracapsular nodal spread etc. (per NCCN guidelines), radiotherapy (as above) is combined with concurrent chemotherapy (cisplatin 100 mg/m^2) intravenously on day 1 of weeks 1, 4 and 7 of radiotherapy.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| LI + CIZ + SOC | Experimental | LI plus CIZ (cyclophosphamide, indomethacin and zinc-multivitamins) was given as neoadjuvant therapy prior to standard of care (SOC). Receives: Biological: LI; Drug: Cyclophosphamide; Drug: Indomethacin; Dietary Supplement: Zinc; Procedure: Surgery; Drug: Cisplatin; Radiation: Radiotherapy |
| Standard of Care (SOC) only | Active comparator | SOC for previously untreated SCCHN patients is currently surgery (with curative intent) followed by either radiotherapy or combined radiochemotherapy depending on the patient's risk status for recurrence as determined at surgery. Receives: Procedure: Surgery; Drug: Cisplatin; Radiation: Radiotherapy |
| LI + SOC | Experimental | LI was administered without CIZ to determine the contribution of CIZ to the effects of LI. Receives: Biological: LI; Procedure: Surgery; Drug: Cisplatin; Radiation: Radiotherapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Overall Survival (OS)
OS was assessed using Kaplan-Meier life-table using a log rank test and confirmed further with tumor stage, tumor location, and geographic stratified log rank test. Both Stratified and unstratified log rank test are presented with the unstratified log rank test constituting the primary analysis. A two-sided p-value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant for comparing the two groups (i.e., Study comparator arms: LI+CIZ+SOC vs. SOC alone). Interim analyses were performed (by the iDMC) periodically throughout the study to assess safety, sample size and futility.
Measured: From the date of treatment assignment to death or the last follow-up date. Maximum follow-up was approximately 113 months.
OS in Low Risk Subjects
OS was assessed using Kaplan-Meier life-table using a log rank test and confirmed further with tumor stage, tumor location, and geographic stratified log rank test. Both Stratified and unstratified log rank test are presented with the unstratified log rank test constituting the primary analysis. A two-sided p-value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant for comparing the two groups (i.e., Study comparator arms: LI+CIZ+SOC vs. SOC alone). Low-risk assessment and data analysis was never performed during the study and was done only after database lock.
Measured: From the date of treatment assignment to death or the last follow-up date. Maximum follow-up was approximately 113 months.
Secondary outcomes (9)
Local Regional Control (LRC)
LRC is defined as the number of months from randomization to the date of documented local or regional failure (recurrence or progression) or date of last follow-up or death. LRC failure includes the reappearance (recurrence) of disease (at the original tumor sites), progressive disease (but not distant metastases), or any new disease (including new disease in lymph nodes), above the clavicle, not present at baseline. This is the traditional RTOG measure of local-regional control, also referred to as Freedom from Local Progression.
Measured: From the date of treatment assignment to LRC or the last follow-up date. Maximum follow-up was approximately 113 months.
LRC in Low Risk Subjects
LRC is defined as the number of months from randomization to the date of documented local or regional failure (recurrence or progression) or date of last follow-up or death. LRC failure includes the reappearance (recurrence) of disease (at the original tumor sites), progressive disease (but not distant metastases), or any new disease (including new disease in lymph nodes), above the clavicle, not present at baseline. This is the traditional RTOG measure of local-regional control, also referred to as Freedom from Local Progression. Low risk assessment and data analysis was never performed during the study and was done only after database lock.
Measured: From the date of treatment assignment to LRC or the last follow-up date. Maximum follow-up was approximately 113 months.
Progression Free Survival (PFS)
PFS is defined as the number of months from randomization to the date of first documented, progressive disease (any tumor recurrence, any new disease above clavicle or distant metastases) or the date of last follow-up or death. Progressive Disease (PD) is defined using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Criteria (RECIST v1.0), as at least a 20% increase in the sum of the longest dimension (LD) of target lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum of LD recorded since the treatment started or the appearance of one or more new lesions.
Measured: From the date of treatment assignment to PFS or the last follow-up date. Maximum follow-up was approximately 113 months.
PFS in Low Risk Subjects
PFS is defined as the number of months from randomization to the date of first documented, progressive disease (any tumor recurrence, any new disease above clavicle or distant metastases) or the date of last follow-up or death. Progressive Disease (PD) is defined using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Criteria (RECIST v1.0), as at least a 20% increase in the sum of the longest dimension (LD) of target lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum of LD recorded since the treatment started or the appearance of one or more new lesions. Low risk assessment and data analysis was not performed during the study and was performed only after database lock.
Measured: From the date of treatment assignment to PFS or the last follow-up date. Maximum follow-up was approximately 113 months.
Quality of Life by EORTC QLQ-C30 Global Health Status [GHS] at Month 2
The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionaire C-30 Version 3.0 (EORTC QLQ-C30) V3.0 is composed of both multi-item scales and single-item measures. The Global Health Scale/QoL multi-item scale [GHS] is a comprised of two Items: Item 29 "How would you rate your overall health during the past week?", and item 30: "How would you rate your overall quality of life during the past week?". Both items are 7 point scales ranging from a score of 1 (very poor) to 7 (Excellent). The GHS is constructed by averaging Items 29 and 30 to obtain a raw score (RS). The RS is then transformed to a 0-100 scale by the equation GHS=100*[(RS-1)/6]. A higher score represents a higher ("better") QoL. Change in GHS is calculated as Observed - Baseline, so a positive change in GHS is improved QoL. Treatment comparisons are active treatment arms minus SOC, so a positive difference favors active treatment.
Measured: Global Health Status (GHS) at Baseline [pre-randomization], Long Term Follow-up Month 2
Quality of Life by EORTC QLQ-C30 Global Health Status [GHS] at Month 36
The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionaire C-30 Version 3.0 (EORTC QLQ-C30) V3.0 is composed of both multi-item scales and single-item measures. The Global Health Scale/QoL multi-item scale [GHS] is a comprised of two Items: Item 29 "How would you rate your overall health during the past week?", and item 30: "How would you rate your overall quality of life during the past week?". Both items are 7 point scales ranging from a score of 1 (very poor) to 7 (Excellent). The GHS is constructed by averaging Items 29 and 30 to obtain a raw score (RS). The RS is then transformed to a 0-100 scale by the equation GHS=100*[(RS-1)/6]. A higher score represents a higher ("better") QoL. Change in GHS is calculated as Observed - Baseline, so a positive change in GHS is improved QoL. Treatment comparisons are active treatment arms minus SOC, so a positive difference favors active treatment.
Measured: Global Health Status (GHS) at Baseline [pre-randomization], Long Term Follow-up Month 36
EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) - Head & Neck Cancer Module: QLQ-H&N35 at Month 2
The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionaire C-30 Version 3.0 supplementary Head \& neck cancer module (EORTC QLQ-C30 - QLQ H\&N35) items 1-4 make up the symptom score for pain, items 5-8 for swallowing. The 4 pain questions score: "pain in your mouth, pain in your jaw, soreness in your mouth, a painful throat?" The 4 swallowing questions score "problems swallowing: liquids, pureed food, solid food, choking? Item are scored as 1 (Not at all) to 4 (Very much). Each symptom scale is constructed by averaging the 4 items to obtain a raw score (RS). The RS is then transformed to a 0-100 scale by the equation symptom score (pain or swallowing)=100*[(RS-1)/3]. A high score for these symptom scales represents a high level of symptoms.Change in symptom is calculated as Observed - Baseline, so a negative change is reduced symptomatology . Treatment comparisons are active treatment arms minus SOC, so a negative difference favors active treatment.
Measured: Baseline [pre-randomization], Long Term Follow-up Month 2
EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) - Head & Neck Cancer Module: QLQ-H&N35 at Month 36
The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionaire C-30 Version 3.0 supplementary Head \& neck cancer module (EORTC QLQ-C30 - QLQ H\&N35) items 1-4 make up the symptom score for pain, items 5-8 for swallowing. The 4 pain questions score: "pain in your mouth, pain in your jaw, soreness in your mouth, a painful throat?" The 4 swallowing questions score "problems swallowing: liquids, pureed food, solid food, choking? Item are scored as 1 (Not at all) to 4 (Very much). Each symptom scale is constructed by averaging the 4 items to obtain a raw score (RS). The RS is then transformed to a 0-100 scale by the equation symptom score (pain or swallowing)=100*[(RS-1)/3]. A high score for these symptom scales represents a high level of symptoms.Change in symptom is calculated as Observed - Baseline, so a negative change is reduced symptomatology . Treatment comparisons are active treatment arms minus SOC, so a negative difference favors active treatment.
Measured: Baseline [pre-randomization], Long Term Follow-up Month 36
Statistical Comparisons of Time-to-event Outcomes (OS, LRC, PFS) Were Repeated for Varying Levels of Histopathology (HP) Markers in Low Risk Subjects
HP analysis was performed in a blinded manner by a central pathology laboratory at the end of the study on available samples. To examine potential effects of HP markers on time-to-event efficacy outcomes (OS, LRC, PFS), participants were classified by HP marker levels: 20 HP markers were classified as (low, medium, high), 2 HP ratios as (low, medium, high) and 14 HP combinations as (low, high), resulting in 94 (20*3+2*3+2*14) possible treatment comparisons of LI + CIZ + SOC to SOC. A total of 282 (94 x 3 efficacy outcomes) statistical tests (Cox proportional hazards regressions to test for a significant treatment effect in the model) were made. Significance (two-sided p<0.05 favoring LI + CIZ + SOC) were reported under LI + CIZ + SOC. Significant test results favoring SOC were reported under SOC. The total number of statistical comparisons between LI + CIZ + SOC and SOC (282) is reported under both arms.
Measured: From the date of treatment assignment to event (LRC,PFS,OS) or the last follow-up date. Maximum follow-up was approximately 113 months.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted23 Dec 2010 (estimated)
- Study startDec 2010
- Primary completion15 May 2020
- Study completion4 Dec 2020
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, outcome measures and adverse events reported by the sponsor.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral CavityStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 928 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- CEL-SCI Corporation
- Sponsor type
- Industry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Collaborators
- Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc., Orient Europharma Co., Ltd.
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Eyal Talor, PhD, Study director, CEL-SCI Corporation
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01265849
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CS001P3
- Other IDs
- 2010-019952-35
- Acronym
- IT-MATTERS
- Status last verified
- Aug 2022
- First submitted
- 22 Dec 2010
- Last updated
- 19 Aug 2022
- Results posted
- Yes, on ClinicalTrials.gov
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- Individual data sharing
- No: There is no plan
Publications
Talor E, Lavin P, Cipriano J, Markovic D, Ladanyi A, Timar J; IT-MATTERS Investigators. A novel neoadjuvant immunotherapy confers improved overall survival in oral cancer patients with low tumor PD-L1 expression The IT-MATTERS Clinical trial - Prognostic role of tumor PD-L1 expression. Oral Oncol. 2026 Jul 31;181:108092. doi: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.108092. Online ahead of print.
PubMed 42537452Talor E, Timar J, Lavin P, Cipriano J, Markovic D, Ladanyi A, Karpenko A, Bondarenko I, Stosic S, Sobat H, Zhukavets A, Imamovic N, Chien CY, Bankowska-Wozniak M, Kisely M, Jovic R, Young JEM, Hao SP. Neoadjuvant leukocyte interleukin injection immunotherapy improves overall survival in low-risk locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma -the IT-MATTERS study. Pathol Oncol Res. 2025 Mar 21;31:1612084. doi: 10.3389/pore.2025.1612084. eCollection 2025.
PubMed 40191245
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 19 Aug 2022. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Phase III Study of LI [Multikine®] Plus SOC (Surgery + Radiotherapy or Surgery + Concurrent Radiochemotherapy) in Subjects With Advanced Primary Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity/Soft Palate vs. SOC Only
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT01265849
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- IT-MATTERS / CS001P3
- Phase
- Phase 3
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 928 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- CEL-SCI CorporationIndustry (pharma, biotech, devices)
- Collaborators
- Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc., Orient Europharma Co., Ltd.
- Study start
- Dec 2010 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 15 May 2020 (actual)
- Study completion
- 4 Dec 2020 (actual)
- First posted
- 23 Dec 2010 (estimated)
- Results
- Posted 19 Aug 2022
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose of this study was to determine whether LI administered in combination with cyclophosphamide, indomethacin and zinc in a multivitamin (CIZ) combination prior to standard of care therapy (surgery followed by radiotherapy or concurrent radiochemotherapy) is safe and will increase the overall survival of subjects with previously untreated locally advanced primary squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity or soft palate at a median of 3 to 5 years
Detailed description
Head and neck carcinomas constitute about 5% of all cancers annually worldwide. In the US there are about 65,000 new cases annually. Ninety percent are squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Approximately 2/3 of SCCHN patients present on their first visit with locally advanced disease. The median 3 year overall survival (OS) for these patients with existing standard of care (SOC) therapies - surgery followed by radiotherapy or concurrent radiochemotherapy - is estimated to be between 52 and 55%; the 5 year OS is approximately 43%. There are clearly many of SCCHN patients not well served by available modalities.
Regional intra or perilymphatic and/or intratumoral or peritumoral low dose cytokine therapy may have important therapeutic effects in SCCHN patients and constitute an additional anti-tumor mechanism of action different and distinct from current SOC. Leukocyte Interleukin Injection (LI) [Multikine] contains a defined mixture of naturally derived cytokines and chemokines with demonstrated safety and immunomodulatory activity in animals and in man in Phase I and Phase II clinical trials. LI is administered prior to SOC and in combination with low non-chemotherapeutic doses of cyclophosphamide, indomethacin, and zinc (CIZ) in studies with LI. The results of these studies indicate that the local/regional injection of mixed interleukins (LI) with CIZ prior to SOC can overcome local immunosuppression, break tumor tolerance to tumor antigens and allow for a sustainable and effective anti-tumor immune response.
LI was tested in this large, global, multinational Phase III clinical trial to develop definitive proof of its efficacy and safety in treating SCCHN. The trial is an open-label randomized multi-center controlled study of LI + CIZ + SOC in subjects with advanced primary SCCHN of the oral cavity/soft palate vs. SOC [the comparator arm]. OS is the primary efficacy endpoint.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 3
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| LI + CIZ + SOC | Experimental | Biological: LI, Drug: Cyclophosphamide, Drug: Indomethacin, Dietary Supplement: Zinc, Procedure: Surgery, Drug: Cisplatin, Radiation: RadiotherapyLI plus CIZ (cyclophosphamide, indomethacin and zinc-multivitamins) was given as neoadjuvant therapy prior to standard of care (SOC). |
| Standard of Care (SOC) only | Active comparator | Procedure: Surgery, Drug: Cisplatin, Radiation: RadiotherapySOC for previously untreated SCCHN patients is currently surgery (with curative intent) followed by either radiotherapy or combined radiochemotherapy depending on the patient's risk status for recurrence as determined at surgery. |
| LI + SOC | Experimental | Biological: LI, Procedure: Surgery, Drug: Cisplatin, Radiation: RadiotherapyLI was administered without CIZ to determine the contribution of CIZ to the effects of LI. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (10 listed)
- Untreated SCCHN of oral cavity (anterior tongue, floor of mouth, cheek)/soft palate, categories T1N1-2M0,T2N1-2M0,T3N0-2M0,T4N0-2M0 (T4 allowed only if invasion of mandible is negligible i. e. 5mm or less) scheduled for SOC
- Primary tumor and any positive node(s) measurable in 2 dimensions
- Normal immune function
- No immunosuppressives with 1 year of entry
- KPS>70/100
Key exclusion criteria (11 listed)
- Subjects to be treated with other than SOC
- Tumor invasion of bone (also see inclusion criteria)
- Tumor classifications T1N0, T2N0, T4N3, any TN classification with M1
- Tumors in locations other than those specified in inclusion criteria
- Active peptic ulcer (or on full-dose therapeutic anti-coagulants)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| LIAlso: Multikine, Leukocyte interleukin, injectionLI 400 IU (2.0mL total daily) 1.0 mL peritumoral, 1.0 mL perilymphatic 5x weekly x3 consecutive weeks administered as neoadjuvant therapy prior to SOC, (surgery followed by radiation or concurrent radiochemotherapy with cisplatin 100 mg/m^2 intravenously x3) to determine if LI plus CIZ affects the 3-5 year overall survival. | Biological | LI + CIZ + SOC, LI + SOC |
| CyclophosphamideCyclophosphamide was administered IV bolus (one time only) at a dose of 300mg/m^2 three days prior to beginning treatment with LI. Standard of care (SOC) for previously untreated squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is currently surgery followed by radiotherapy (60-70Gy in 30 to 35 fractions over 6 to 7 weeks) for higher risk subjects (subjects determined at surgery to have adverse features per the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines, such as, positive surgical margins, 2 or more clinically positive nodes or extracapsular nodal spread, etc. that would pre-dispose them for higher risk of recurrence) radiotherapy is combined with concurrent chemotherapy (cisplatin 100mg/m^2 intravenously on day 1 of weeks 1, 4 and 7 of radiotherapy. | Drug | LI + CIZ + SOC |
| IndomethacinOne 25mg capsule of indomethacin was self administered orally (BID) beginning on day one of LI treatment daily until the day before surgery. | Drug | LI + CIZ + SOC |
| ZincAlso: MultivitaminsOne capsule daily self administered beginning on day one of treatment with LI until one day before surgery | Dietary supplement | LI + CIZ + SOC |
| SurgeryExcise tumor and nodes | Procedure or surgery | LI + CIZ + SOC, LI + SOC, Standard of Care (SOC) only |
| CisplatinCisplatin was administered 100mg/m^2 IV concurrent with radiotherapy. The chemotherapy agent (cisplatin 100mg/m^2) was administered intravenously on day 1 of weeks 1, 4 and 7 of radiotherapy. | Drug | LI + CIZ + SOC, LI + SOC, Standard of Care (SOC) only |
| RadiotherapyTotal 60 to 70 Gy (2Gy per day) in 30 to 35 fractions over 6 to 7 weeks to subjects determined at surgery to be at lower risk for recurrence (per NCCN guidelines). For subjects determined at surgery to be at higher risk for recurrence due to having positive surgical margins, 2 or more clinically positive nodes or extracapsular nodal spread etc. (per NCCN guidelines), radiotherapy (as above) is combined with concurrent chemotherapy (cisplatin 100 mg/m^2) intravenously on day 1 of weeks 1, 4 and 7 of radiotherapy. | Radiation | LI + CIZ + SOC, LI + SOC, Standard of Care (SOC) only |
Primary outcome
Overall Survival (OS)
Time frame: From the date of treatment assignment to death or the last follow-up date. Maximum follow-up was approximately 113 months.
OS was assessed using Kaplan-Meier life-table using a log rank test and confirmed further with tumor stage, tumor location, and geographic stratified log rank test. Both Stratified and unstratified log rank test are presented with the unstratified log rank test constituting the primary analysis. A two-sided p-value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant for comparing the two groups (i.e., Study comparator arms: LI+CIZ+SOC vs. SOC alone). Interim analyses were performed (by the iDMC) periodically throughout the study to assess safety, sample size and futility.
OS in Low Risk Subjects
Time frame: From the date of treatment assignment to death or the last follow-up date. Maximum follow-up was approximately 113 months.
OS was assessed using Kaplan-Meier life-table using a log rank test and confirmed further with tumor stage, tumor location, and geographic stratified log rank test. Both Stratified and unstratified log rank test are presented with the unstratified log rank test constituting the primary analysis. A two-sided p-value of 0.05 or less was considered statistically significant for comparing the two groups (i.e., Study comparator arms: LI+CIZ+SOC vs. SOC alone). Low-risk assessment and data analysis was never performed during the study and was done only after database lock.
9 secondary outcomes
Local Regional Control (LRC)
Time frame: From the date of treatment assignment to LRC or the last follow-up date. Maximum follow-up was approximately 113 months.
LRC in Low Risk Subjects
Time frame: From the date of treatment assignment to LRC or the last follow-up date. Maximum follow-up was approximately 113 months.
Progression Free Survival (PFS)
Time frame: From the date of treatment assignment to PFS or the last follow-up date. Maximum follow-up was approximately 113 months.
PFS in Low Risk Subjects
Time frame: From the date of treatment assignment to PFS or the last follow-up date. Maximum follow-up was approximately 113 months.
Quality of Life by EORTC QLQ-C30 Global Health Status [GHS] at Month 2
Time frame: Global Health Status (GHS) at Baseline [pre-randomization], Long Term Follow-up Month 2
Quality of Life by EORTC QLQ-C30 Global Health Status [GHS] at Month 36
Time frame: Global Health Status (GHS) at Baseline [pre-randomization], Long Term Follow-up Month 36
EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) - Head & Neck Cancer Module: QLQ-H&N35 at Month 2
Time frame: Baseline [pre-randomization], Long Term Follow-up Month 2
EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ) - Head & Neck Cancer Module: QLQ-H&N35 at Month 36
Time frame: Baseline [pre-randomization], Long Term Follow-up Month 36
Statistical Comparisons of Time-to-event Outcomes (OS, LRC, PFS) Were Repeated for Varying Levels of Histopathology (HP) Markers in Low Risk Subjects
Time frame: From the date of treatment assignment to event (LRC,PFS,OS) or the last follow-up date. Maximum follow-up was approximately 113 months.
Results and safety
Loading the posted results from ClinicalTrials.gov…
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 19 Aug 2022.
- Posted resultsParticipant flow, baseline, all outcome measures and adverse events.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 42537452Talor E, Lavin P, Cipriano J, Markovic D, Ladanyi A, Timar J; IT-MATTERS Investigators. A novel neoadjuvant immunotherapy confers improved overall survival in oral cancer patients with low tumor PD-L1 expression The IT-MATTERS Clinical trial - Prognostic role of tumor PD-L1 expression. Oral Oncol. 2026 Jul 31;181:108092. doi: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2026.108092. Online ahead of print.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40191245Talor E, Timar J, Lavin P, Cipriano J, Markovic D, Ladanyi A, Karpenko A, Bondarenko I, Stosic S, Sobat H, Zhukavets A, Imamovic N, Chien CY, Bankowska-Wozniak M, Kisely M, Jovic R, Young JEM, Hao SP. Neoadjuvant leukocyte interleukin injection immunotherapy improves overall survival in low-risk locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma -the IT-MATTERS study. Pathol Oncol Res. 2025 Mar 21;31:1612084. doi: 10.3389/pore.2025.1612084. eCollection 2025.
- Click here for more information about this study: Phase 3 Efficacy and Safety Study of Leukocyte Interleukin,Injection (LI) to Treat Cancer of the Oral Cavity (IT-MATTERS)Link provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. There is no plan
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Eyal Talor, PhD study director
CEL-SCI Corporation
102 sites in 23 countries: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 3 study testing LI, Cyclophosphamide and Indomethacin in people with Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity and Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Soft Palate, run by CEL-SCI Corporation at 102 sites in 23 countries.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 10 inclusion and 11 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 19 Aug 2022. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 102 sites in India, Ukraine, Poland, Taiwan, Serbia and 18 more countries. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
What does this phase mean?
Phase 3 studies compare the treatment with the current standard treatment or a placebo in a large group, to confirm how well it works and watch for side effects.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
Yes. Results are posted in the registry (first posted 19 Aug 2022). A summary is in the For doctors view, and the full results are on ClinicalTrials.gov.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Overall Survival (OS) (time frame: From the date of treatment assignment to death or the last follow-up date. Maximum follow-up was approximately 113 months.). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT01265849, which also lists 2 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 19 Aug 2022.