Plain-English translation of NCT05280314 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
Read our Melanoma research guide →Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.
This trial is testing a combination of two immunotherapy drugs — and pembrolizumab (Keytruda) — given before and after surgery for people with melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The goal is to help shrink tumors before surgery and reduce the chance of cancer coming back after surgery. Researchers want to see if this combination works better than current standard treatments.
Currently, surgery is a main treatment for these cancers, but tumors can return even after successful surgery. This medication combination is designed to wake up the immune system to fight any remaining cancer cells before and after surgery, potentially improving long-term survival and reducing recurrence.
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You will receive the medication combination by injection under the skin and intravenous infusion every three weeks for several doses before your scheduled surgery. After surgery (once you've recovered, usually 1–2 months later), you'll continue receiving the same medication combination for up to 15 additional cycles over about 45 weeks. Throughout the trial, you'll have blood tests, imaging scans, and regular clinic visits to monitor how you're responding and check for any side effects.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 12, 2026 · Not medical advice
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