search
Back to results

Study of MK-3475 (Pembrolizumab) in Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma After Treatment With Platinum-based and Cetuximab Therapy (MK-3475-055/KEYNOTE-055)

Primary Purpose

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Status
Completed
Phase
Phase 2
Locations
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
pembrolizumab
Sponsored by
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional treatment trial for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma focused on measuring Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD1, PD-1), Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand 1 (PDL1, PD-L1)

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - undefined (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion criteria:

  • Histologically- or cytologically-confirmed recurrent or metastatic HNSCC of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx that is considered incurable by local therapies
  • Tumor progression or recurrence within 6 months of the last dose of any number of platinum-based and cetuximab therapy lines in the adjuvant, primary, recurrent, or metastatic setting; must be resistant (not responding) to both platinum and cetuximab
  • Available tissue for biomarker analysis
  • Measurable disease based on RECIST 1.1 as determined by central review
  • Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1
  • Adequate organ function
  • Female participants of childbearing potential must have a negative urine or serum pregnancy test and must be willing to use 2 adequate methods of contraception starting with the screening visit through 120 days after the last dose of pembrolizumab
  • Male participants with a female partner(s) of childbearing potential must be willing to use 2 adequate methods of contraception from screening through 120 days after the last dose of pembrolizumab

Exclusion criteria:

  • Disease that is suitable for local therapy administered with curative intent
  • Currently receiving treatment in a study of an investigational agent or using an investigational device <= 4 weeks prior to the first dose of trial medication
  • Diagnosis of immunodeficiency or receiving systemic steroid therapy or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to the first dose of trial medication
  • Not recovered from AEs due to a previously administered therapy
  • Known additional malignancy that is progressing or requires active treatment excluding basal cell carcinoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin that has undergone potentially curative therapy or in situ cancer
  • Known active central nervous system (CNS) metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis
  • Has an active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in past 2 years
  • Active, non-infectious pneumonitis
  • Active infection requiring systemic therapy
  • Pregnant, breastfeeding, or expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the trial, starting with the screening visit through 120 days after the last dose of trial medication
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
  • Hepatitis B or C
  • Received live vaccine within 30 days of planned start of study therapy

Sites / Locations

    Arms of the Study

    Arm 1

    Arm Type

    Experimental

    Arm Label

    Pembrolizumab

    Arm Description

    Participants receive pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously (IV) on Day 1 of each 3-week cycle (Q3W) for up to 24 months

    Outcomes

    Primary Outcome Measures

    Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in All Participants
    ORR was assessed by RECIST 1.1 by performing imaging every 6-9 weeks after the first dose of treatment. ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a Complete Response (CR) defined as a disappearance of all target lesions with pathological lymph nodes having a reduction in short axis to <10 mm or Partial Response (PR) defined as at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, using the baseline sum diameters as a reference. Participants with missing data were considered non-responders.
    Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in Strong Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Participants with a strong PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for ORR by RECIST 1.1. The expression of PD-L1 was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and strong PD-L1 positive was defined as a PD-L1 tumor proportion score ≥50%. ORR was assessed by performing imaging every 6-9 weeks after the first dose of treatment. ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a CR defined as a disappearance of all target lesions with pathological lymph nodes having a reduction in short axis to <10 mm or PR defined as at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, using the baseline sum diameters as a reference. Participants with missing data were considered non-responders.
    Number of Participants Experiencing an Adverse Event (AE)
    An AE was defined as any untoward medical occurrence in a participant administered a pharmaceutical product and which did not necessarily have to have a causal relationship with treatment. An AE could therefore be any unfavorable and unintended sign, symptom, or disease temporally associated with the use of the product, whether or not considered related to the product. Worsening of a preexisting condition temporally associated with the use of the product was also an AE. A serious adverse event (SAE) was an AE that resulted in death, was life threatening, resulted in persistent or significant disability/incapacity, resulted in or prolonged an existing inpatient hospitalization, was a congenital anomaly/birth defect, was a cancer, was associated with an overdose, or was another important medical event. Per protocol, analysis for this outcome measure was planned to be performed during the initial (first) course of therapy only.
    Number of Participants Discontinuing Study Drug Due to an AE
    An AE was defined as any untoward medical occurrence in a participant administered a pharmaceutical product and which did not necessarily have to have a causal relationship with treatment. An AE could therefore be any unfavorable and unintended sign, symptom, or disease temporally associated with the use of the product, whether or not considered related to the product. Worsening of a preexisting condition temporally associated with the use of the product was also an AE. A serious adverse event (SAE) was an AE that resulted in death, was life threatening, resulted in persistent or significant disability/incapacity, resulted in or prolonged an existing inpatient hospitalization, was a congenital anomaly/birth defect, was a cancer, was associated with an overdose, or was another important medical event. Per protocol, analysis for this outcome measure was planned to be performed during the initial (first) course of therapy only.

    Secondary Outcome Measures

    Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Participants with a positive PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for ORR by RECIST 1.1. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and PD-L1 positive was defined as a PD-L1 tumor proportion score ≥1%. ORR was assessed by performing imaging every 6-9 weeks after the first dose of treatment. ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a CR defined as a disappearance of all target lesions with pathological lymph nodes having a reduction in short axis to <10 mm or PR defined as at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, using the baseline sum diameters as a reference. Participants with missing data were considered non-responders.
    Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Positive Tumors
    Participants with a HPV-positive tumor biopsy were evaluated for ORR by RECIST 1.1. ORR was assessed by performing imaging every 6-9 weeks after the first dose of treatment. ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a CR defined as a disappearance of all target lesions with pathological lymph nodes having a reduction in short axis to <10 mm or PR defined as at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, using the baseline sum diameters as a reference. Participants with missing data were considered non-responders.
    Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in All Participants
    ORR was assessed by modified RECIST 1.1 by performing imaging every 6-9 weeks after the first dose of treatment. ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a CR defined as a disappearance of all target lesions with pathological lymph nodes having a reduction in short axis to <10 mm or PR defined as at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, using the baseline sum diameters as a reference. If imaging shows disease progression (PD) imaging was repeated 4 weeks later to confirm progression. PD was defined as at least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions and new measurable lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum recorded since treatment started. Participants with missing data were considered non-responders.
    Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in in Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Participants with a positive PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for ORR by modified RECIST 1.1. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and PD-L1 positive was defined as a tumor proportion score ≥1%. ORR was assessed by performing imaging every 6-9 weeks after the first dose of treatment. ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a CR defined as a disappearance of all target lesions with pathological lymph nodes having a reduction in short axis to <10 mm or PR defined as at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, using the baseline sum diameters as a reference. If imaging shows disease progression (PD) imaging was repeated 4 weeks later to confirm progression. PD was defined as at least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions and new measurable lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum recorded since treatment started. Participants with missing data were considered non-responders.
    Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in Strong Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Participants with a strong positive PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for ORR by modified RECIST 1.1. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and strong PD-L1 positive was defined as a tumor proportion score ≥50%. ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a CR defined as a disappearance of all target lesions with pathological lymph nodes having a reduction in short axis to <10 mm or PR defined as at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, using the baseline sum diameters as a reference. If imaging shows disease progression (PD) imaging was repeated 4 weeks later to confirm progression. PD was defined as at least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions and new measurable lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum recorded since treatment started. Participants with missing data were considered non-responders.
    Response Duration (DOR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in All Participants
    DOR was based on RECIST 1.1 and measured from the time measurement criteria were first met for CR/PR (whichever was first recorded) until the first date that recurrent or PD was objectively documented (taking as reference for PD the smallest measurements recorded on study). DOR was censored at the last tumor assessment date if a responder did not have PD or death. Non-responders were not included in the analysis. The lower and upper limits were estimated at the time of data cutoff. DOR was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months.
    Response Duration (DOR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Participants with a positive PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for DOR based on RECIST 1.1. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and PD-L1 positive was defined as a PD-L1 combined positive score ≥1%. DOR was measured from the time measurement criteria were first met for CR/PR (whichever was first recorded) until the first date that recurrent or PD was objectively documented (taking as reference for PD the smallest measurements recorded on study). DOR was censored at the last tumor assessment date if a responder did not have PD or death. Non-responders were not included in the analysis. The lower and upper limits were estimated at the time of data cutoff. DOR was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months.
    Response Duration (DOR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in Strong Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Participants with a strong PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for DOR based n RECIST 1.1. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and strong PD-L1 positive was defined as a PD-L1 tumor proportion score ≥50%. DOR was measured from the time measurement criteria were first met for CR/PR (whichever was first recorded) until the first date that recurrent or PD was objectively documented (taking as reference for PD the smallest measurements recorded on study). DOR was censored at the last tumor assessment date if a responder did not have PD or death. Non-responders were not included in the analysis. The lower and upper limits were estimated at the time of data cutoff. DOR was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months.
    Progression-free Survival (PFS) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in All Participants
    PFS was defined as the time from the first day of study treatment to the first documented PD per RECIST 1.1 or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. Using RECIST 1.1, PD was defined as either a 20% relative increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum on study OR an absolute increase of >5 mm the sum of lesions, OR the appearance of new lesions. PFS was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months. Participant data were censored at last assessment.
    Progression-free Survival (PFS) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Participants with a positive PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for PFS. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and PD-L1 positive was defined as a PD-L1 combined positive score ≥1%. PFS was defined as the time from the first day of study treatment to the first documented PD per RECIST 1.1 or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. Using RECIST 1.1, PD was defined as either a 20% relative increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum on study OR an absolute increase of >5 mm the sum of lesions, OR the appearance of new lesions. PFS was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months. Participant data were censored at last assessment.
    Progression-free Survival (PFS) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in Strong Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Participants with a strong PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for PFS by modified RECIST 1.1. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and strong PD-L1 positive was defined as a PD-L1 tumor proportion score ≥50%. PFS was defined as the time from the first day of study treatment to the first documented PD per RECIST 1.1 or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. Using RECIST 1.1, PD was defined as either a 20% relative increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum on study OR an absolute increase of >5 mm the sum of lesions, OR the appearance of new lesions. PFS was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months. Participant data were censored at last assessment.
    Overall Survival (OS) in All Participants
    OS was defined as the time from the first day of study treatment to death due to any cause. OS was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months. Participant data were censored at last assessment.
    Overall Survival (OS) in Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Participants with a positive PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for OS. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and PD-L1 positive was defined as a PD-L1 combined positive score ≥1%. OS was defined as the time from the first day of study treatment to death due to any cause. OS was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months. Participant data were censored at last assessment.
    Overall Survival (OS) in Strong Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Participants with a strong PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for OS. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and strong PD-L1 positive was defined as a PD-L1 tumor proportion score ≥50%. OS was defined as the time from the first day of study treatment to death due to any cause. OS was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months. Participant data were censored at last assessment.

    Full Information

    First Posted
    September 30, 2014
    Last Updated
    June 23, 2022
    Sponsor
    Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
    search

    1. Study Identification

    Unique Protocol Identification Number
    NCT02255097
    Brief Title
    Study of MK-3475 (Pembrolizumab) in Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma After Treatment With Platinum-based and Cetuximab Therapy (MK-3475-055/KEYNOTE-055)
    Official Title
    A Phase II Clinical Trial of Single Agent Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Subjects With Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) Who Have Failed Platinum and Cetuximab
    Study Type
    Interventional

    2. Study Status

    Record Verification Date
    June 2022
    Overall Recruitment Status
    Completed
    Study Start Date
    October 24, 2014 (Actual)
    Primary Completion Date
    April 22, 2016 (Actual)
    Study Completion Date
    June 18, 2021 (Actual)

    3. Sponsor/Collaborators

    Responsible Party, by Official Title
    Sponsor
    Name of the Sponsor
    Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC

    4. Oversight

    Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
    Yes
    Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
    No
    Data Monitoring Committee
    No

    5. Study Description

    Brief Summary
    This is a study of single-agent pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in participants with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who have progressed on platinum-based and cetuximab therapy. The primary study hypothesis is that pembrolizumab will provide a clinically meaningful objective response rate (ORR). With protocol amendment 05 (02-Jan-2018), once study participants have achieved the study objective or the study has ended, participants will be discontinued from this study and enrolled in an extension study to continue protocol-defined assessments and treatment.

    6. Conditions and Keywords

    Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
    Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
    Keywords
    Programmed Cell Death-1 (PD1, PD-1), Programmed Cell Death 1 Ligand 1 (PDL1, PD-L1)

    7. Study Design

    Primary Purpose
    Treatment
    Study Phase
    Phase 2
    Interventional Study Model
    Single Group Assignment
    Masking
    None (Open Label)
    Allocation
    N/A
    Enrollment
    172 (Actual)

    8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

    Arm Title
    Pembrolizumab
    Arm Type
    Experimental
    Arm Description
    Participants receive pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously (IV) on Day 1 of each 3-week cycle (Q3W) for up to 24 months
    Intervention Type
    Biological
    Intervention Name(s)
    pembrolizumab
    Other Intervention Name(s)
    MK-3475, KEYTRUDA®
    Primary Outcome Measure Information:
    Title
    Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in All Participants
    Description
    ORR was assessed by RECIST 1.1 by performing imaging every 6-9 weeks after the first dose of treatment. ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a Complete Response (CR) defined as a disappearance of all target lesions with pathological lymph nodes having a reduction in short axis to <10 mm or Partial Response (PR) defined as at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, using the baseline sum diameters as a reference. Participants with missing data were considered non-responders.
    Time Frame
    Up to 36 months
    Title
    Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in Strong Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Description
    Participants with a strong PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for ORR by RECIST 1.1. The expression of PD-L1 was determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and strong PD-L1 positive was defined as a PD-L1 tumor proportion score ≥50%. ORR was assessed by performing imaging every 6-9 weeks after the first dose of treatment. ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a CR defined as a disappearance of all target lesions with pathological lymph nodes having a reduction in short axis to <10 mm or PR defined as at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, using the baseline sum diameters as a reference. Participants with missing data were considered non-responders.
    Time Frame
    Up to 36 months
    Title
    Number of Participants Experiencing an Adverse Event (AE)
    Description
    An AE was defined as any untoward medical occurrence in a participant administered a pharmaceutical product and which did not necessarily have to have a causal relationship with treatment. An AE could therefore be any unfavorable and unintended sign, symptom, or disease temporally associated with the use of the product, whether or not considered related to the product. Worsening of a preexisting condition temporally associated with the use of the product was also an AE. A serious adverse event (SAE) was an AE that resulted in death, was life threatening, resulted in persistent or significant disability/incapacity, resulted in or prolonged an existing inpatient hospitalization, was a congenital anomaly/birth defect, was a cancer, was associated with an overdose, or was another important medical event. Per protocol, analysis for this outcome measure was planned to be performed during the initial (first) course of therapy only.
    Time Frame
    Up to 27 months
    Title
    Number of Participants Discontinuing Study Drug Due to an AE
    Description
    An AE was defined as any untoward medical occurrence in a participant administered a pharmaceutical product and which did not necessarily have to have a causal relationship with treatment. An AE could therefore be any unfavorable and unintended sign, symptom, or disease temporally associated with the use of the product, whether or not considered related to the product. Worsening of a preexisting condition temporally associated with the use of the product was also an AE. A serious adverse event (SAE) was an AE that resulted in death, was life threatening, resulted in persistent or significant disability/incapacity, resulted in or prolonged an existing inpatient hospitalization, was a congenital anomaly/birth defect, was a cancer, was associated with an overdose, or was another important medical event. Per protocol, analysis for this outcome measure was planned to be performed during the initial (first) course of therapy only.
    Time Frame
    Up to 24 months
    Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
    Title
    Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Description
    Participants with a positive PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for ORR by RECIST 1.1. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and PD-L1 positive was defined as a PD-L1 tumor proportion score ≥1%. ORR was assessed by performing imaging every 6-9 weeks after the first dose of treatment. ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a CR defined as a disappearance of all target lesions with pathological lymph nodes having a reduction in short axis to <10 mm or PR defined as at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, using the baseline sum diameters as a reference. Participants with missing data were considered non-responders.
    Time Frame
    Up to 76.9 months
    Title
    Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Positive Tumors
    Description
    Participants with a HPV-positive tumor biopsy were evaluated for ORR by RECIST 1.1. ORR was assessed by performing imaging every 6-9 weeks after the first dose of treatment. ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a CR defined as a disappearance of all target lesions with pathological lymph nodes having a reduction in short axis to <10 mm or PR defined as at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, using the baseline sum diameters as a reference. Participants with missing data were considered non-responders.
    Time Frame
    Up to 76.9 months
    Title
    Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in All Participants
    Description
    ORR was assessed by modified RECIST 1.1 by performing imaging every 6-9 weeks after the first dose of treatment. ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a CR defined as a disappearance of all target lesions with pathological lymph nodes having a reduction in short axis to <10 mm or PR defined as at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, using the baseline sum diameters as a reference. If imaging shows disease progression (PD) imaging was repeated 4 weeks later to confirm progression. PD was defined as at least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions and new measurable lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum recorded since treatment started. Participants with missing data were considered non-responders.
    Time Frame
    Up to 76.9 months
    Title
    Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in in Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Description
    Participants with a positive PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for ORR by modified RECIST 1.1. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and PD-L1 positive was defined as a tumor proportion score ≥1%. ORR was assessed by performing imaging every 6-9 weeks after the first dose of treatment. ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a CR defined as a disappearance of all target lesions with pathological lymph nodes having a reduction in short axis to <10 mm or PR defined as at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, using the baseline sum diameters as a reference. If imaging shows disease progression (PD) imaging was repeated 4 weeks later to confirm progression. PD was defined as at least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions and new measurable lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum recorded since treatment started. Participants with missing data were considered non-responders.
    Time Frame
    Up to 76.9 months
    Title
    Objective Response Rate (ORR) by Modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in Strong Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Description
    Participants with a strong positive PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for ORR by modified RECIST 1.1. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and strong PD-L1 positive was defined as a tumor proportion score ≥50%. ORR was defined as the percentage of participants in the analysis population who had a CR defined as a disappearance of all target lesions with pathological lymph nodes having a reduction in short axis to <10 mm or PR defined as at least a 30% decrease in the sum of diameters of target lesions, using the baseline sum diameters as a reference. If imaging shows disease progression (PD) imaging was repeated 4 weeks later to confirm progression. PD was defined as at least a 20% increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions and new measurable lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum recorded since treatment started. Participants with missing data were considered non-responders.
    Time Frame
    Up to 76.9 months
    Title
    Response Duration (DOR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in All Participants
    Description
    DOR was based on RECIST 1.1 and measured from the time measurement criteria were first met for CR/PR (whichever was first recorded) until the first date that recurrent or PD was objectively documented (taking as reference for PD the smallest measurements recorded on study). DOR was censored at the last tumor assessment date if a responder did not have PD or death. Non-responders were not included in the analysis. The lower and upper limits were estimated at the time of data cutoff. DOR was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months.
    Time Frame
    Up to 76.9 months
    Title
    Response Duration (DOR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Description
    Participants with a positive PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for DOR based on RECIST 1.1. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and PD-L1 positive was defined as a PD-L1 combined positive score ≥1%. DOR was measured from the time measurement criteria were first met for CR/PR (whichever was first recorded) until the first date that recurrent or PD was objectively documented (taking as reference for PD the smallest measurements recorded on study). DOR was censored at the last tumor assessment date if a responder did not have PD or death. Non-responders were not included in the analysis. The lower and upper limits were estimated at the time of data cutoff. DOR was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months.
    Time Frame
    Up to 76.9 months
    Title
    Response Duration (DOR) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in Strong Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Description
    Participants with a strong PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for DOR based n RECIST 1.1. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and strong PD-L1 positive was defined as a PD-L1 tumor proportion score ≥50%. DOR was measured from the time measurement criteria were first met for CR/PR (whichever was first recorded) until the first date that recurrent or PD was objectively documented (taking as reference for PD the smallest measurements recorded on study). DOR was censored at the last tumor assessment date if a responder did not have PD or death. Non-responders were not included in the analysis. The lower and upper limits were estimated at the time of data cutoff. DOR was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months.
    Time Frame
    Up to 76.9 months
    Title
    Progression-free Survival (PFS) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in All Participants
    Description
    PFS was defined as the time from the first day of study treatment to the first documented PD per RECIST 1.1 or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. Using RECIST 1.1, PD was defined as either a 20% relative increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum on study OR an absolute increase of >5 mm the sum of lesions, OR the appearance of new lesions. PFS was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months. Participant data were censored at last assessment.
    Time Frame
    Up to 76.9 months
    Title
    Progression-free Survival (PFS) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Description
    Participants with a positive PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for PFS. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and PD-L1 positive was defined as a PD-L1 combined positive score ≥1%. PFS was defined as the time from the first day of study treatment to the first documented PD per RECIST 1.1 or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. Using RECIST 1.1, PD was defined as either a 20% relative increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum on study OR an absolute increase of >5 mm the sum of lesions, OR the appearance of new lesions. PFS was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months. Participant data were censored at last assessment.
    Time Frame
    Up to 76.9 months
    Title
    Progression-free Survival (PFS) by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors Version 1.1 (RECIST 1.1) in Strong Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Description
    Participants with a strong PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for PFS by modified RECIST 1.1. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and strong PD-L1 positive was defined as a PD-L1 tumor proportion score ≥50%. PFS was defined as the time from the first day of study treatment to the first documented PD per RECIST 1.1 or death due to any cause, whichever occurred first. Using RECIST 1.1, PD was defined as either a 20% relative increase in the sum of diameters of target lesions, taking as reference the smallest sum on study OR an absolute increase of >5 mm the sum of lesions, OR the appearance of new lesions. PFS was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months. Participant data were censored at last assessment.
    Time Frame
    Up to 76.9 months
    Title
    Overall Survival (OS) in All Participants
    Description
    OS was defined as the time from the first day of study treatment to death due to any cause. OS was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months. Participant data were censored at last assessment.
    Time Frame
    Up to 76.9 months
    Title
    Overall Survival (OS) in Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Description
    Participants with a positive PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for OS. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and PD-L1 positive was defined as a PD-L1 combined positive score ≥1%. OS was defined as the time from the first day of study treatment to death due to any cause. OS was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months. Participant data were censored at last assessment.
    Time Frame
    Up to 76.9 months
    Title
    Overall Survival (OS) in Strong Programmed Cell Death Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Positive Participants
    Description
    Participants with a strong PD-L1 expression status were evaluated for OS. PD-L1 expression was determined by IHC and strong PD-L1 positive was defined as a PD-L1 tumor proportion score ≥50%. OS was defined as the time from the first day of study treatment to death due to any cause. OS was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method for censored data and reported in months. Participant data were censored at last assessment.
    Time Frame
    Up to 76.9 months

    10. Eligibility

    Sex
    All
    Minimum Age & Unit of Time
    18 Years
    Accepts Healthy Volunteers
    No
    Eligibility Criteria
    Inclusion criteria: Histologically- or cytologically-confirmed recurrent or metastatic HNSCC of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, and larynx that is considered incurable by local therapies Tumor progression or recurrence within 6 months of the last dose of any number of platinum-based and cetuximab therapy lines in the adjuvant, primary, recurrent, or metastatic setting; must be resistant (not responding) to both platinum and cetuximab Available tissue for biomarker analysis Measurable disease based on RECIST 1.1 as determined by central review Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0 or 1 Adequate organ function Female participants of childbearing potential must have a negative urine or serum pregnancy test and must be willing to use 2 adequate methods of contraception starting with the screening visit through 120 days after the last dose of pembrolizumab Male participants with a female partner(s) of childbearing potential must be willing to use 2 adequate methods of contraception from screening through 120 days after the last dose of pembrolizumab Exclusion criteria: Disease that is suitable for local therapy administered with curative intent Currently receiving treatment in a study of an investigational agent or using an investigational device <= 4 weeks prior to the first dose of trial medication Diagnosis of immunodeficiency or receiving systemic steroid therapy or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to the first dose of trial medication Not recovered from AEs due to a previously administered therapy Known additional malignancy that is progressing or requires active treatment excluding basal cell carcinoma of the skin, squamous cell carcinoma of the skin that has undergone potentially curative therapy or in situ cancer Known active central nervous system (CNS) metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis Has an active autoimmune disease that has required systemic treatment in past 2 years Active, non-infectious pneumonitis Active infection requiring systemic therapy Pregnant, breastfeeding, or expecting to conceive or father children within the projected duration of the trial, starting with the screening visit through 120 days after the last dose of trial medication Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Hepatitis B or C Received live vaccine within 30 days of planned start of study therapy
    Overall Study Officials:
    First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
    Medical Director
    Organizational Affiliation
    Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
    Official's Role
    Study Director

    12. IPD Sharing Statement

    Plan to Share IPD
    Yes
    IPD Sharing Plan Description
    http://engagezone.msd.com/doc/ProcedureAccessClinicalTrialData.pdf
    IPD Sharing URL
    http://engagezone.msd.com/ds_documentation.php
    Citations:
    PubMed Identifier
    28328302
    Citation
    Bauml J, Seiwert TY, Pfister DG, Worden F, Liu SV, Gilbert J, Saba NF, Weiss J, Wirth L, Sukari A, Kang H, Gibson MK, Massarelli E, Powell S, Meister A, Shu X, Cheng JD, Haddad R. Pembrolizumab for Platinum- and Cetuximab-Refractory Head and Neck Cancer: Results From a Single-Arm, Phase II Study. J Clin Oncol. 2017 May 10;35(14):1542-1549. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2016.70.1524. Epub 2017 Mar 22.
    Results Reference
    result
    PubMed Identifier
    35101941
    Citation
    Cristescu R, Aurora-Garg D, Albright A, Xu L, Liu XQ, Loboda A, Lang L, Jin F, Rubin EH, Snyder A, Lunceford J. Tumor mutational burden predicts the efficacy of pembrolizumab monotherapy: a pan-tumor retrospective analysis of participants with advanced solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer. 2022 Jan;10(1):e003091. doi: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003091.
    Results Reference
    derived
    PubMed Identifier
    31395089
    Citation
    van Vugt MJH, Stone JA, De Greef RHJMM, Snyder ES, Lipka L, Turner DC, Chain A, Lala M, Li M, Robey SH, Kondic AG, De Alwis D, Mayawala K, Jain L, Freshwater T. Immunogenicity of pembrolizumab in patients with advanced tumors. J Immunother Cancer. 2019 Aug 8;7(1):212. doi: 10.1186/s40425-019-0663-4.
    Results Reference
    derived
    PubMed Identifier
    25979390
    Citation
    Guo T, Califano JA. Molecular biology and immunology of head and neck cancer. Surg Oncol Clin N Am. 2015 Jul;24(3):397-407. doi: 10.1016/j.soc.2015.03.002. Epub 2015 Apr 20.
    Results Reference
    derived
    Links:
    URL
    http://merckoncologyclinicaltrials.com
    Description
    Merck Oncology Clinical Trials Information

    Learn more about this trial

    Study of MK-3475 (Pembrolizumab) in Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma After Treatment With Platinum-based and Cetuximab Therapy (MK-3475-055/KEYNOTE-055)

    We'll reach out to this number within 24 hrs