Phase 2 study of pembrolizumab plus cabozantinib for recurrent metastatic head an neck squamous cell carcinoma

Anti-PD-1 therapy is a standard of care in recurrent metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RMHNSCC). The response to this therapy is poor, and new strategies are needed. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors have immunomodulatory properties and have offered promising results when combined with anti-PD-1 agents. A phase 2 trial at Emory University (Atlanta, GA) found that among patients with RMHNSCC, the combination of pembrolizumab and cabozantinib was well tolerated and showed promising clinical activity (clinical benefit rate 91%; median progression-free and overall survival were 14.6 months and 22.3 months, respectively.