NCT07371897

Toripalimab ± Chemo as Neoadjuvant Therapy in LA-HNSCC: A Phase III Trial

A Randomized, Open-label, Multi-center Phase III Clinical Study of Toripalimab Combined With Cisplatin and Docetaxel Versus Toripalimab Alone as Neoadjuvant Therapy for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: Phase 3
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 154 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Sun Yat-sen University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 70 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study compares two short pre-surgery treatments for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer to see which one keeps the cancer from coming back longer. Eligible patients (18-70 years, newly diagnosed, operable) will be randomly assigned to receive either toripalimab (immunotherapy) alone or toripalimab plus two cycles of chemotherapy (docetaxel and cisplatin). After the two cycles, all patients will have standard surgery followed by radiation (or chemo-radiation). We will track tumor response, side effects, and quality of life. Possible benefits: tumor shrinkage and lower chance of recurrence; possible risks: low blood counts, rash, tiredness, or other drug-related side effects. Taking part is voluntary and you can leave the study at any time.

Conditions

• Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma HNSCC

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DRUG	Docetaxel and Cisplatin	Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: docetaxel 75 mg/m² IV Day 1 + cisplatin 75 mg/m² IV Day 1, repeated every 21 days for 2 cycles, given together with toripalimab in the combination arm.
DRUG	Toripalimab	Humanised anti-PD-1 IgG4κ monoclonal antibody. 240 mg IV infusion Day 1 of each 21-day cycle for 2 neoadjuvant cycles, then 3 cycles concurrent with post-op radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy, followed by 12 adjuvant cycles every 3 weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-06-30
• Primary completion: 2026-06-30
• Completion: 2026-09-30
• First posted: 2026-01-28
• Last updated: 2026-01-28