NCT06819228 · Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Window Trial of Fluorescently Labeled Panitumumab (Panitumumab-IRDye800) in Head and Neck Cancer
What this study is about
This study is exploring the use of Panitumumab in Head and Neck Cancer. Panitumumab is an approved drug named Vectibix and is used as an anti-cancer agent in other cancers such as colorectal cancer. It works by attaching to the cancer cell in a unique way that allows the drug to get into the cancer tissue.
View original scientific description
This study is exploring the use of Panitumumab in Head and Neck Cancer. Panitumumab is an approved drug named Vectibix and is used as an anti-cancer agent in other cancers such as colorectal cancer. It works by attaching to the cancer cell in a unique way that allows the drug to get into the cancer tissue. In addition to the Panitumumab, participants will also receive a Panitumumab-IRDye800 (Pan800) or a fluorescently labeled Panitumumab infusion. IRDye800 is an investigational dye that, when tested in the lab, helps various characteristics of human tissue show up better when using a special camera during surgery. Panitumumab-IRDye800 is a combination of the drug and the dye that attaches to cancer cells and appears to make them visible to the doctor when he or she uses the special camera during surgery. The goal of this study is to use a novel and possibly safer approach to identify an optimal dose for panitumumab to treat cancer patients by using a new light-based therapy. In this study, different drug levels will be analyzed using this approach to understand how much drug reaches the tumor at different administered doses, which may help us provide safer and/or more effective therapies in the future. The goal is to identify the correct amount or dose of a drug that is needed for effective cancer therapies. Often, clinical studies look at how much of the drug can be tolerated before patients become sick, rather than how much of the drug is required to be effective. IRDye800 is an investigational dye that, when tested in the lab, helps various characteristics of human tissue show up better when using a special camera during surgery. Panitumumab-IRDye800 is a combination of the drug and the dye that attaches to cancer cells and appears to make them visible to the doctor when he or she uses the special camera during surgery. This will help the surgeon with clinical margins during surgery and will may have a clearer way to differentiate between cancer and healthy tissue.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Willing to review and sign written informed consent.
- Male or female patients age \> 18 years.
- Tissue confirmation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
- Patients for whom a potentially curative resection is planned as standard of care.
- ECOG performance status of 0 or 1
- Adequate hematologic and end-organ function appropriate for surgery as determined by routine preoperative evaluation. If liver function, renal function and hematologic laboratory test results are acceptable for elective surgery, the patient is considered eligible for the study. Laboratory results that will need to be obtained within 30 days prior to initiation of study treatment: Magnesium, Phosphorus, serum pregnancy test (for females of childbearing age).
- For women of childbearing potential: Agreement to remain abstinent (refrain from heterosexual intercourse) or use contraceptive methods as defined below: • A woman is considered to be of childbearing potential if she is post-menarchal, has not reached a postmenopausal state (12 continuous months of amenorrhea with no identified cause other than menopause), and has not undergone surgical sterilization (removal of the uterus and/or both ovaries and/or both fallopian tubes). Post-menarchal is defined as either:
- age \>55 years old
- age \<55 years or less and
- at least 12 months since last menstrual period,
- at least 6 months since last menstrual period and FSH \> 40 IU
- Women of childbearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test result within 14 days prior to initiation of study treatment.
- Women must remain abstinent or use effective contraceptive methods during the treatment period and for 5 months after the final dose of panitumumab.
- Men must agree to remain abstinent or use a condom during the treatment period and for 5 months after the final dose of panitumumab/pan800 to avoid exposing the embryo. Men must agree to refrain from donating sperm during this same period.
Exclusion criteria
- Patients not eligible for standard of care surgical resection
- Patients with a history of infusion reactions or allergic reactions to panitumumab.
- History of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, organizing pneumonia (e.g., bronchiolitis obliterans), drug-induced pneumonitis, or idiopathic pneumonitis, or evidence of active pneumonitis on screening chest computed tomography (CT) scan. • History of radiation pneumonitis in the radiation field (fibrosis) is permitted.
- Active tuberculosis. Patients do NOT have to be screened for tuberculosis for this trial.
- Significant cardiovascular disease (such as New York Heart Association Class II or greater cardiac disease, myocardial infarction, or cerebrovascular accident) within 3 months prior to initiation of study treatment, unstable arrhythmia, or unstable angina.
- History of severe allergic anaphylactic reactions to chimeric or humanized antibodies or fusion proteins.
- Patients receiving Class IA (quinidine, procainamide) or Class III (dofetilide, amiodarone, sotalol) antiarrhythmic agents. The following drugs are known to interact with panitumumab and therefore any patients taking these medications within 30 days will be ineligible for the trial.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding, or intention of becoming pregnant during study treatment or within 5 months after the final dose of study treatment.
- Magnesium or phosphorus lower than normal institutional values, patient is symptomatic, and the values are unable to be corrected through standard repletion strategies.
- Evidence of QTcF prolongation on pretreatment ECG.
Where
- Nashville, Tennessee
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 7, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations