Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Australia27 participantsStarted 2022-06-28
Plain-language summary
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (cSCC) is typically associated with a high tumour mutation burden, with the majority caused by Ultraviolet (UV) exposure (Pickering et al., 2014).
The use of this trial using neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab in patients with cSCC who will otherwise undergo highly morbid radical surgical resection has multiple potential advantages, including:
1. Reduction in surgical and radiotherapy morbidity by reducing tumour burden and allowing the appropriate selection of patients to undergo post-operative radiotherapy;
2. Provision of immediate information about pathological response and
3. Access to tissue to provide insight into resistance mechanisms and identification of biomarkers of response.
The Investigators hypothesized that the use of neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab could reduce tumour burden allowing appropriate selection of patients undergoing radical surgical resection and adjuvant radiotherapy.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Histologically confirmed diagnosis of invasive cSCC that is locally advanced (Stage II-IV on AJCC 8th edition) assessed preoperatively as sufficiently high risk that they will warrant post-operatively RT (as recommended by MDT) who is a candidate for a complete resection.
Note: Participants with tumors arising on cutaneous non-glabrous (hair-bearing) lip with extension onto vermillion (dry red lip) may be eligible after communication and approval from the principal investigator. Participants for whom the primary site is the nose may be eligible after communication and approval from the MDT if the primary site is skin, not nasal mucosa with outward extension to skin. Participants who have squamous cell parotid metastases and have been treated previously for cSCC are permitted. cSCC that has recurred in the same location after 2 or more surgical procedures are not eligible.
* Participants must have measurable disease based on RECIST 1.1. Lesions situated in a previously irradiated area are considered measurable if progression has been demonstrated in such lesions.
* Participants must have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 to 1 within 10 days prior to the start of treatment.
* Participants must have adequate organ function
* Participants must have a tissue sample adequate for translational research. This tissue sample may be obtained from either a newly obtained core or excisional biopsy.
* Participants must have a life…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Assess the rate of pathological response to neo-adjuvant Pembrolizumab
Timeframe: Will be assessed at the end of Cycle 4 (each cycle is 21 days) of Neo-adjuvant Pembrolizumab.