CancerPhase 2NCT03708224
Preoperative Immunotherapy in Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
A Phase 2 study testing Atezolizumab, Tocilizumab and Tiragolumab in people with Cancer and Carcinoma, run by Alain Algazi at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
To determine the effect of neoadjuvant atezolizumab alone or in combination with other immune modulating agents on T-cell infiltration in advanced SCCHN. To determine the impact of neo-adjuvant immunotherapy on surgical outcomes. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Cancer, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- What is being tested?
- Atezolizumab, Tocilizumab and Tiragolumab
- Type of treatment
- Injection or infusion
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 55 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 8 Mar 2019to 31 Jul 2027
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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
- Participants must have clinically suspected SCCHN that is amenable to surgical resection with therapeutic intent
- Be willing and able to provide written informed consent/assent for the trial
- Be >=18 years of age on day of signing informed consent.
- Agree to research analysis of an existing pre-treatment biopsy available that was obtained within 90 days prior to the day of consent or agree to a new biopsy for research (or clinical diagnosis) within the screening window. Needle biopsies must be at least 20 Gauge in diameter.
- Have a performance status of 0 or 1 on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance scale
- Demonstrate adequate organ function as defined below. All screening labs should be performed within 14 days of treatment initiation
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- Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) >=1,500 /microliter (mcL)
- Platelets >=100,000 / mcL
- Hemoglobin >= 9 g/dL
- Lymphocyte count >= 500/mcL
- White blood count >=3,000/mcL or <=14,000/mcL
- Serum creatinine =< 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) OR ≥50 mL/min creatinine clearance by Cockcroft-Gault formula for participants in whom, in the Investigator's judgment, serum creatinine levels do not adequately reflect renal function. * Creatinine clearance should be calculated per institutional standard
- Serum total bilirubin =< 1.5 x ULN OR direct bilirubin =< ULN for subjects with total bilirubin levels > 1.5 ULN
- Excluding Gilbert's syndrome. Participants with Gilbert's syndrome will be eligible for the study. The diagnosis of Gilbert's syndrome is suspected in people who have persistent, slightly elevated levels of unconjugated bilirubin (<= 3.0 x ULN) without any other apparent cause. A diagnosis of Gilbert's syndrome will be based on the exclusion of other diseases on the basis of the following criteria: i. Unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia noted on several occasions ii. No evidence of hemolysis (normal hemoglobin, normal haptoglobin levels, reticulocyte count), and lactate dehydrogenase iii. Normal liver function tests iv. Absence of other diseases associated with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia
- Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) [serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT)] and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) [serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT)] =< 3 x ULN
- Albumin >= 2.5 mg/dL
- International normalized ratio (INR) or prothrombin time (PT) =< 1.5 x ULN unless subject is receiving anticoagulant therapy as long as PT or partial thromboplastin time (PTT) is within therapeutic range of intended use of anticoagulants
- Activated partial thromboplastin rime (aPTT) =< 1.5 x ULN unless subject is receiving anticoagulant therapy as long as PT or PTT is within therapeutic range of intended use of anticoagulants
- Female subject of childbearing potential should have a negative urine or serum pregnancy within 7 days prior to receiving the first dose of study medication. If the urine test is positive or cannot be confirmed as negative, a serum pregnancy test will be required
- Female subjects of childbearing potential must be willing to use an adequate method of contraception for the course of the study through 5 months after the last dose of study medication.
- Male subjects must agree to use an adequate method of contraception and refrain from donating sperm, starting with the first dose of study therapy through 5 months after the last dose of study therapy
- Note: Abstinence is acceptable if this is the usual lifestyle and preferred contraception for the subject.
Who cannot join
- Is currently participating and receiving study therapy or has participated in a study of an investigational agent and received study therapy or used an investigational device within 4 weeks of the first dose of treatment
- Has a diagnosis of immunodeficiency or is receiving systemic steroid therapy or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to the first dose of trial treatment. Participants who have received acute and/or low-dose systemic immunosuppressive medications (e.g., a one-time dose of dexamethasone for nausea or chronic use of <=10 mg/day of prednisone or dose-equivalent corticosteroid) may be enrolled in the study after discussion with and approval by the Sponsor. The use of inhaled corticosteroids and mineralocorticoids (e.g., fludrocortisone) is allowed
- Has a known history of active Bacillus tuberculosis (TB).
- Has an acute primary infection or reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the study drugs or their excipients.
- Has had a prior anti-cancer monoclonal antibody (mAb) within 4 weeks prior to study day 1 or who has not recovered (i.e., =< grade 1 or at baseline) from adverse events due to agents administered more than 4 weeks earlier
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- Has had prior targeted small molecule therapy, or radiation therapy within 2 weeks prior to study day 1 or who has not recovered (i.e., =< grade 1 or at baseline) from adverse events due to a previously administered agent or radiation therapy
- Has a known additional malignancy that is progressing or requires active treatment. Exceptions include basal cell carcinoma of the skin or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin that has undergone potentially curative therapy, in situ cervical cancer, low-grade thyroid cancer and prostate cancer that is in remission under androgen deprivation-therapy for > 2 years or under watchful waiting with Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) doubling time > 6 months. Additional malignancies may be permitted after consultation with the Principal Investigator. Other exceptions may apply and require discussion between the Investigator and the Sponsor
- Has active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in the past 2 years (i.e., with use of disease modifying agents, corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drugs). Replacement therapy (e.g., thyroxine, insulin, or physiologic corticosteroid replacement therapy for adrenal or pituitary insufficiency, etc.) is not considered a form of systemic treatment
- Has known history of, or any evidence of active, non-infectious pneumonitis requiring corticosteroids
- Participant has known history of stage 2 or higher chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Stage 2 COPD is defined as forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) < 70%; 50% < FEV1 < 80% predicted, with dyspnea on exertion
- Participant has asthma requiring systemic corticosteroids at the time of screening. Inhaled corticosteroids for the treatment of asthma are permitted
- Has a history or current evidence of any condition, therapy, or laboratory abnormality that might confound the results of the trial, interfere with the subject's participation for the full duration of the trial, or is not in the best interest of the subject to participate, in the opinion of the treating investigator
- Has known medical, psychiatric or substance abuse disorders/conditions that in the opinion of the principal investigator would interfere with cooperation or interfere with safe completion of the trial.
- Is pregnant or breastfeeding, or expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the trial, starting with the pre-screening or screening visit through 120 days after the last dose of trial treatment
- Has received prior therapy with an anti-CTLA4, anti-PD-1, anti-PD-L1, or anti-PD-L2 agent
- Has known active hepatitis B [e.g., hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)] reactive) or hepatitis C [e.g., hepatitis C virus (HCV) ribonucleic acid (RNA) quantitative has been detected]. HBsAg reactive on appropriate antiviral therapy with suppressed hepatitis B virus (HBV) deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) less than 100 IU/mL and eligible liver function will be allowed
- Current New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or higher heart failure. Participants with a prior history of heart failure that has resolved to class II or lower may participate
- Participant has been treated with a live, attenuated vaccine within 4 weeks prior to initiation of study treatment, or is anticipated to need such a vaccine during the course of the study or within 5 months after the last dose of atezolizumab. Note for Arm C (atezolizumab + tocilizumab): Because IL-6 inhibition may interfere with the normal immune response to new antigen, participants should be brought up to date on all recommended vaccinations, except for live vaccines, prior to initiation of therapy with tocilizumab to maximize vaccine response.
- Known human immunodeficiency virus positive (HIV+) participants may be included but must have:
- A stable regimen of highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART)
- No requirement for concurrent antibiotics or antifungal agents for the prevention of opportunistic infections
- A cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count above 250 cells/mcL and an undetectable HIV viral load on standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based tests
- Major surgery (including joint surgery, excluding needle biopsies) within 8 weeks prior to screening or planned major surgery within 6 months following treatment allocation.
- Previous or Concomitant Medications
- Previous treatment with any cell-depleting therapies, including investigational agents or approved therapies, some examples include: CAMPATH, anti-CD4, anti-cluster of differentiation 5 (CD5), anti-CD3, anti-Cluster of Differentiation 19 (CD19) and anti-cluster of differentiation 20 (CD20).
- Treatment with intravenous gamma globulin, plasmapheresis or Prosorba column within 6 months of baseline.
- Previous treatment with tocilizumab (an exception to this criterion may be granted for upon application to the sponsor on a case-by-case basis).
- History of severe allergic or anaphylactic reactions to human, humanized or murine monoclonal antibodies.
- Evidence of serious uncontrolled concomitant cardiovascular, nervous system, pulmonary (including obstructive pulmonary disease), renal, hepatic, endocrine (include uncontrolled diabetes mellitus) or gastrointestinal disease (including complicated diverticulitis, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease.)
- Any major episode of infection requiring hospitalization or treatment with IV antibiotics within 4 weeks of screening or oral antibiotics within 2 weeks prior to screening.
- Participants who receive prophylactic antibiotics for biopsy are eligible for the study.
- Participants with reproductive potential not willing to use an effective method of contraception.
- Participants with lack of peripheral venous access.
- Additional Exclusion Criteria for Arm B (Atezolizumab + Tiragolumab)
- Participants with a history of anaphylactic reactions to human, chimeric, or mouse monoclonal antibodies or to any components of tiragolumab.
- Additional Exclusion Criteria for Arm C (Atezolizumab + Tocilizumab)
- Known active infection of bacterial, viral, fungal, mycobacterial or other infections, including, but not limited to, TB (i.e., has signs and symptoms of TB) and atypical mycobacterial disease, hepatitis B and C, and herpes zoster, but excluding fungal infections of nail beds.
- Pre-existing central nervous system (CNS) demyelinating or seizure disorders.
- History of diverticulitis, chronic ulcerative lower gastrointestinal (GI) disease (e.g., crohn disease, ulcerative colitis), or other symptomatic lower GI conditions that might predispose a participants to GI perforation.
- Current liver disease unrelated to the underlying cancer diagnosis, as determined by the investigator.
- History of, or currently active, primary or secondary immunodeficiency.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
University of San Francisco, California
San Francisco, California, 94143
About this study
Official title: A Phase II Study of Preoperative Immunotherapy in Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
To determine the effect of neoadjuvant atezolizumab alone or in combination with other immune modulating agents on T-cell infiltration in advanced SCCHN. To determine the impact of neo-adjuvant immunotherapy on surgical outcomes.
Read the detailed description
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
- To determine the effect of neoadjuvant atezolizumab alone or in combination with tiragolumab, tocilizumab, or other immune modulating agent(s) on T-cell infiltration in advanced in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). (Translational).
II. To determine the impact of neo-adjuvant immunotherapy on surgical outcomes. (Clinical).
SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
- To describe the changes in T-cell subtypes and other mediators of antitumor immune response induced by neoadjuvant atezolizumab alone or in combination with tiragolumab, tocilizumab, or other immune-modulating agent(s) in advanced SCCHN patients. (Translational).
II. To describe the impact of neoadjuvant, surgical, and adjuvant therapy on peripheral immune responses. (Translational).
III. To establish the safety/toxicity profile of each regimen in the perioperative settings for patients with advanced SCCHN. (Clinical).
EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVES:
- To characterize changes in the gut microbiome associated with each therapeutic combination. (Translational).
II. To assess the correlation of disease status with C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. (Translational).
III. To assess the correlation of disease status with Interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels for participants in Arm C (atezolizumab + tocilizumab). (Translational).
IV. If leftover tissue and funding are available: To develop immune-competent tumor xenograft models. (Translational).
- To determine whether neo-adjuvant immune therapy improves 2-year relapse-free survival (RFS) in patients with SCCHN (Clinical).
VI. To develop immune-competent tumor xenograft models (If leftover tissue and funding are available). (Translational).
OUTLINE: This is a phase II multi-site, open-label prospective clinical trial of neoadjuvant atezolizumab alone and in combination with tiragolumab, tocilizumab, or additional immune-modulating agents in patients with SCCHN. Participants will be enrolled sequentially into each arm.
Arm A: Patients receive 2 infusions of atezolizumab intravenously (IV) over 30-60 minutes between 15 - 42 days prior to definitive surgery and radiation, depending on response and per Investigator's discretion. For the first 9 participants in Arm A (atezolizumab monotherapy), atezolizumab will be administered following surgery and radiation or chemoradiation therapies.
Arm A (Adjuvant): Patients received 2 infusions of atezolizumab intravenously (IV) over 30-60 minutes between 15 - 42 days prior to definitive surgery and radiation. In addition to neoadjuvant atezolizumab, the first 9 participants in Arm A (atezolizumab monotherapy) received adjuvant atezolizumab beginning 16 weeks after surgery and radiation, or chemoradiation therapy, every 3 weeks for up to 12 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Adjuvant atezolizumab will only be initiated if radiation-associated adverse events have resolved to grade 2 or better.
Arm B: Patients receive atezolizumab IV over 30-60 minutes for up to 2 courses and tiragolumab administered by IV infusion on Cycle 1 Day 1 of neoadjuvant treatment prior to standard surgery.
Arm C: Patients receive atezolizumab IV over 30-60 minutes for up to 2 courses and tocilizumab administered by IV infusion on Cycle 1 Day 1 of neoadjuvant treatment prior to standard surgery. Tocilizumab will be administered (prior to atezolizumab administration) as an intravenous infusion Atezolizumab will be administered 2 hours after the conclusion of the tocilizumab infusion.
After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up at 30 days post surgery, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and at 24 months.
The last participant is anticipated to be enrolled no later than July 31, 2026
- Conditions
- Cancer, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Head and Neck Cancer
- Being tested
- Atezolizumab, Tocilizumab, Tiragolumab
- Keywords
- Cancer, Non-Virally Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Head and Neck
- Medical subject headings
- Neoplasms, Carcinoma, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell, Head and Neck Neoplasms
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
AtezolizumabBiological
Also called Tecentriq
Given intravenously (IV)
TocilizumabBiological
Also called Actemra
Given IV
TiragolumabBiological
Also called anti-TIGIT
Given IV
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Arm A: Atezolizumab Monotherapy | Experimental | Participants will receive 840mg of atezolizumab between 15 - 42 days prior to definitive surgery. In addition to neoadjuvant atezolizumab, the first 9 participants in Arm A (atezolizumab monotherapy) will also receive atezolizumab administered at a fixed dose of 1200 mg IV every 3 weeks following surgery. |
| Arm A (Adjuvant): Atezolizumab (Adjuvant) | Experimental | Participants will receive 840mg of atezolizumab over 15 days prior to definitive surgery. The first 9 participants in Arm A (atezolizumab monotherapy) will also receive adjuvant atezolizumab 16 weeks after standard of care surgery and radiation, or chemoradiation therapy, at a fixed dose of 1200 mg IV every 3 weeks for an additional 12 cycles. Receives: Biological: Atezolizumab |
| Arm B: Atezolizumab + Tiragolumab | Experimental | Participants will receive 840 mg of atezolizumab IV and 600 mg of Tiragolumab during the 15-day neoadjuvant period prior to definitive surgery. |
| Arm C: Atezolizumab + Tocilizumab | Experimental | Participants will receive 840 mg of atezolizumab IV and 6 mg/kg of Tocilizumab during the 15-day neoadjuvant period prior to definitive surgery. |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Proportion of subjects with a >= 40% increase in the cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3) counts
Intratumoral CD3+ T-cells will be identified by immunohistochemistry in pre- and post-treatment tumor specimens. The analysis population for the primary outcome will be all patients who received at least 2 weeks of neoadjuvant therapy with pre- and post-treatment tumor specimens that are evaluable for CD3+ T-cells. The proportion of patients with a >= 40% increase (from pre- to post-treatment) will be calculated. The exact 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the Pearson-Clopper method and an exact binomial test will be used as an exploratory purpose. The change from pre-treatment to post-treatment CD3 count per mm^3 as a continuous measure will also be summarized.
Measured: Up to 12 months
R0 resection rate
Participants who undergo surgery will be evaluable for R0 resection rate. R0 resection rate will be described by point estimate and 95% CI using the Pearson-Clopper method.
Measured: Up to 12 months
Secondary outcomes (11)
Frequency of Tumor infiltrating immune cell (TIIC) populations
The frequency of not yet determined tumor infiltrating immune cell (TIIC) populations by Multiplexed ion beam imaging (MIBI) and Immunohistochemistry (IHC) will be reported. These could possibly include Cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8), Granzyme B (GZMB), Cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68), and Cluster of differentiation 163 (CD163) populations.
Measured: Up to 12 months
T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domains (TIGIT) expression in tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) (Arm B)
The proportion of participants with TIGIT expression in the TIICs by IHC for Arm B will be reported.
Measured: Up to 12 months
Proportion of participants with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in TIICs
The proportion of participants with PD-L1 expression in the TIICs by IHC will be reported.
Measured: Up to 12 months
Change in T-cell repertoires and clonality
Change in T-cell repertoires and clonality by next-generation sequencing (NGS) will be reported. Moristas' distance will be used to assess the change of T-cell repertoires.
Measured: Up to 12 months
Frequency of peripheral immune responses using Cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) (Pre-treatment)
The study will describe immune parameters by enumerating circulating immune cell populations (phenotypes and frequencies) using CyTOF.
Measured: Up to 30 days
Frequency of peripheral immune responses using CyTOF (Day of Surgery)
The study will describe immune parameters by enumerating circulating immune cell populations (phenotypes and frequencies) using CyTOF.
Measured: Day of surgery (1 day)
Frequency of peripheral immune responses using CyTOF (First post-operative visit)
The study will describe immune parameters by enumerating circulating immune cell populations (phenotypes and frequencies) using CyTOF.
Measured: First post-operative visit (1 day)
Frequency of peripheral immune responses using CyTOF (3 months)
The study will describe immune parameters by enumerating circulating immune cell populations (phenotypes and frequencies) using CyTOF.
Measured: 3 months
Frequency of peripheral immune responses using CyTOF (6 months)
The study will describe immune parameters by enumerating circulating immune cell populations (phenotypes and frequencies) using CyTOF.
Measured: 6 months
Frequency of peripheral immune responses using CyTOF (12 months)
The study will describe immune parameters by enumerating circulating immune cell populations (phenotypes and frequencies) using CyTOF.
Measured: 12 months
Number of participants with treatment-related adverse events
Treatment-related adverse events will be classified according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 5. Evaluation of Safety Analyses will be performed for all patients having received at least one dose of treatment on study.
Measured: Up to 30 days post-treatment
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted17 Oct 2018
- Study start8 Mar 2019
- Primary completion31 Jul 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Jul 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for CancerStudies 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 2
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Sequential
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 55 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Alain Algazi
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Genentech, Inc., American Head and Neck Society
- Responsible party
- Sponsor-investigator, Alain Algazi, University of California, San Francisco
- Investigators
- Alain Algazi, MD, Principal investigator, University of California, San Francisco
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03708224
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 177018
- Other IDs
- NCI-2018-01992, ML40180
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 12 Oct 2018
- Last updated
- 11 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- Yes
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Rahim MK, Okholm TLH, Jones KB, McCarthy EE, Liu CC, Yee JL, Tamaki SJ, Marquez DM, Tenvooren I, Wai K, Cheung A, Davidson BR, Johri V, Samad B, O'Gorman WE, Krummel MF, van Zante A, Combes AJ, Angelo M, Fong L, Algazi AP, Ha P, Spitzer MH. Dynamic CD8+ T cell responses to cancer immunotherapy in human regional lymph nodes are disrupted in metastatic lymph nodes. Cell. 2023 Mar 16;186(6):1127-1143.e18. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.02.021.
PubMed 36931243
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 11 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Phase II Study of Preoperative Immunotherapy in Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT03708224
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 177018
- Conditions
- Cancer, Carcinoma, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Head and Neck Cancer
- Keywords
- Cancer, Non-Virally Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Head and Neck
- Phase
- Phase 2
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Active, not recruiting
- Enrolment
- 55 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Alain AlgaziUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Genentech, Inc., American Head and Neck Society
- Study start
- 8 Mar 2019 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jul 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Jul 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 17 Oct 2018 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
To determine the effect of neoadjuvant atezolizumab alone or in combination with other immune modulating agents on T-cell infiltration in advanced SCCHN. To determine the impact of neo-adjuvant immunotherapy on surgical outcomes.
Detailed description
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:
- To determine the effect of neoadjuvant atezolizumab alone or in combination with tiragolumab, tocilizumab, or other immune modulating agent(s) on T-cell infiltration in advanced in advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). (Translational).
II. To determine the impact of neo-adjuvant immunotherapy on surgical outcomes. (Clinical).
SECONDARY OBJECTIVES:
- To describe the changes in T-cell subtypes and other mediators of antitumor immune response induced by neoadjuvant atezolizumab alone or in combination with tiragolumab, tocilizumab, or other immune-modulating agent(s) in advanced SCCHN patients. (Translational).
II. To describe the impact of neoadjuvant, surgical, and adjuvant therapy on peripheral immune responses. (Translational).
III. To establish the safety/toxicity profile of each regimen in the perioperative settings for patients with advanced SCCHN. (Clinical).
EXPLORATORY OBJECTIVES:
- To characterize changes in the gut microbiome associated with each therapeutic combination. (Translational).
II. To assess the correlation of disease status with C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels. (Translational).
III. To assess the correlation of disease status with Interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels for participants in Arm C (atezolizumab + tocilizumab). (Translational).
IV. If leftover tissue and funding are available: To develop immune-competent tumor xenograft models. (Translational).
- To determine whether neo-adjuvant immune therapy improves 2-year relapse-free survival (RFS) in patients with SCCHN (Clinical).
VI. To develop immune-competent tumor xenograft models (If leftover tissue and funding are available). (Translational).
OUTLINE: This is a phase II multi-site, open-label prospective clinical trial of neoadjuvant atezolizumab alone and in combination with tiragolumab, tocilizumab, or additional immune-modulating agents in patients with SCCHN. Participants will be enrolled sequentially into each arm.
Arm A: Patients receive 2 infusions of atezolizumab intravenously (IV) over 30-60 minutes between 15 - 42 days prior to definitive surgery and radiation, depending on response and per Investigator's discretion. For the first 9 participants in Arm A (atezolizumab monotherapy), atezolizumab will be administered following surgery and radiation or chemoradiation therapies.
Arm A (Adjuvant): Patients received 2 infusions of atezolizumab intravenously (IV) over 30-60 minutes between 15 - 42 days prior to definitive surgery and radiation. In addition to neoadjuvant atezolizumab, the first 9 participants in Arm A (atezolizumab monotherapy) received adjuvant atezolizumab beginning 16 weeks after surgery and radiation, or chemoradiation therapy, every 3 weeks for up to 12 courses in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Adjuvant atezolizumab will only be initiated if radiation-associated adverse events have resolved to grade 2 or better.
Arm B: Patients receive atezolizumab IV over 30-60 minutes for up to 2 courses and tiragolumab administered by IV infusion on Cycle 1 Day 1 of neoadjuvant treatment prior to standard surgery.
Arm C: Patients receive atezolizumab IV over 30-60 minutes for up to 2 courses and tocilizumab administered by IV infusion on Cycle 1 Day 1 of neoadjuvant treatment prior to standard surgery. Tocilizumab will be administered (prior to atezolizumab administration) as an intravenous infusion Atezolizumab will be administered 2 hours after the conclusion of the tocilizumab infusion.
After completion of study treatment, patients are followed up at 30 days post surgery, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and at 24 months.
The last participant is anticipated to be enrolled no later than July 31, 2026
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Non-randomised
- Intervention model
- Sequential
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 4
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Arm A: Atezolizumab Monotherapy | Experimental | –Participants will receive 840mg of atezolizumab between 15 - 42 days prior to definitive surgery. In addition to neoadjuvant atezolizumab, the first 9 participants in Arm A (atezolizumab monotherapy) will also receive atezolizumab administered at a fixed dose of 1200 mg IV every 3 weeks following surgery. |
| Arm A (Adjuvant): Atezolizumab (Adjuvant) | Experimental | Biological: AtezolizumabParticipants will receive 840mg of atezolizumab over 15 days prior to definitive surgery. The first 9 participants in Arm A (atezolizumab monotherapy) will also receive adjuvant atezolizumab 16 weeks after standard of care surgery and radiation, or chemoradiation therapy, at a fixed dose of 1200 mg IV every 3 weeks for an additional 12 cycles. |
| Arm B: Atezolizumab + Tiragolumab | Experimental | –Participants will receive 840 mg of atezolizumab IV and 600 mg of Tiragolumab during the 15-day neoadjuvant period prior to definitive surgery. |
| Arm C: Atezolizumab + Tocilizumab | Experimental | –Participants will receive 840 mg of atezolizumab IV and 6 mg/kg of Tocilizumab during the 15-day neoadjuvant period prior to definitive surgery. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (22 listed)
- Participants must have clinically suspected SCCHN that is amenable to surgical resection with therapeutic intent
- Be willing and able to provide written informed consent/assent for the trial
- Be >=18 years of age on day of signing informed consent.
- Agree to research analysis of an existing pre-treatment biopsy available that was obtained within 90 days prior to the day of consent or agree to a new biopsy for research (or clinical diagnosis) within the screening window. Needle biopsies must be at least 20 Gauge in diameter.
- Have a performance status of 0 or 1 on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance scale
Key exclusion criteria (42 listed)
- Is currently participating and receiving study therapy or has participated in a study of an investigational agent and received study therapy or used an investigational device within 4 weeks of the first dose of treatment
- Has a diagnosis of immunodeficiency or is receiving systemic steroid therapy or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to the first dose of trial treatment. Participants who have received acute and/or low-dose systemic immunosuppressive medications (e.g., a one-time dose of dexamethasone for nausea or chronic use of <=10 mg/day of prednisone or dose-equivalent corticosteroid) may be enrolled in the study after discussion with and approval by the Sponsor. The use of inhaled corticosteroids and mineralocorticoids (e.g., fludrocortisone) is allowed
- Has a known history of active Bacillus tuberculosis (TB).
- Has an acute primary infection or reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).
- Known allergy or hypersensitivity to any of the study drugs or their excipients.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| AtezolizumabAlso: TecentriqGiven intravenously (IV) | Biological | Arm A (Adjuvant): Atezolizumab (Adjuvant) |
| TocilizumabAlso: ActemraGiven IV | Biological | – |
| TiragolumabAlso: anti-TIGITGiven IV | Biological | – |
Primary outcome
Proportion of subjects with a >= 40% increase in the cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3) counts
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Intratumoral CD3+ T-cells will be identified by immunohistochemistry in pre- and post-treatment tumor specimens. The analysis population for the primary outcome will be all patients who received at least 2 weeks of neoadjuvant therapy with pre- and post-treatment tumor specimens that are evaluable for CD3+ T-cells. The proportion of patients with a >= 40% increase (from pre- to post-treatment) will be calculated. The exact 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using the Pearson-Clopper method and an exact binomial test will be used as an exploratory purpose. The change from pre-treatment to post-treatment CD3 count per mm^3 as a continuous measure will also be summarized.
R0 resection rate
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Participants who undergo surgery will be evaluable for R0 resection rate. R0 resection rate will be described by point estimate and 95% CI using the Pearson-Clopper method.
11 secondary outcomes
Frequency of Tumor infiltrating immune cell (TIIC) populations
Time frame: Up to 12 months
T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domains (TIGIT) expression in tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) (Arm B)
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Proportion of participants with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression in TIICs
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Change in T-cell repertoires and clonality
Time frame: Up to 12 months
Frequency of peripheral immune responses using Cytometry by time of flight (CyTOF) (Pre-treatment)
Time frame: Up to 30 days
Frequency of peripheral immune responses using CyTOF (Day of Surgery)
Time frame: Day of surgery (1 day)
Frequency of peripheral immune responses using CyTOF (First post-operative visit)
Time frame: First post-operative visit (1 day)
Frequency of peripheral immune responses using CyTOF (3 months)
Time frame: 3 months
Frequency of peripheral immune responses using CyTOF (6 months)
Time frame: 6 months
Frequency of peripheral immune responses using CyTOF (12 months)
Time frame: 12 months
Number of participants with treatment-related adverse events
Time frame: Up to 30 days post-treatment
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 11 Aug 2026.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 36931243Rahim MK, Okholm TLH, Jones KB, McCarthy EE, Liu CC, Yee JL, Tamaki SJ, Marquez DM, Tenvooren I, Wai K, Cheung A, Davidson BR, Johri V, Samad B, O'Gorman WE, Krummel MF, van Zante A, Combes AJ, Angelo M, Fong L, Algazi AP, Ha P, Spitzer MH. Dynamic CD8+ T cell responses to cancer immunotherapy in human regional lymph nodes are disrupted in metastatic lymph nodes. Cell. 2023 Mar 16;186(6):1127-1143.e18. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.02.021.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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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.
Alain Algazi, MD principal investigator
University of California, San Francisco
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A Phase 2 study testing Atezolizumab, Tocilizumab and Tiragolumab in people with Cancer and Carcinoma, run by Alain Algazi at 1 site in United States.
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 22 inclusion and 42 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: under way, not looking for participants, as of the sponsor's last update on 11 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. 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 2 studies give the treatment to a larger group to see whether it has the intended effect and to keep checking safety.
Not every study follows the same path, and some studies (observational studies, device studies) have no phase.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
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?
Proportion of subjects with a >= 40% increase in the cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3) counts (time frame: Up to 12 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 NCT03708224, which also lists 1 linked publication.
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 11 Aug 2026.