About this trial
This phase II pilot trial studies how well pembrolizumab works in treating leukoplakia. Monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread.
Eligibility criteria
Qualifiers
Be willing and able to provide written informed consent/assent for the trial.
Subjects must have leukoplakia, erythroleukoplakia or proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) with lesions measurable in 2 dimensions, not amenable to surgical resection or radiation or who have refused surgery or radiation. Patients must have at least 1 lesion that can be followed on treatment. (Patients who have undergone complete excision of lesions and are clinically without evidence of disease will not be eligible for study.)
Evidence of moderate or severe dysplasia or carcinoma in situ.
Baseline biopsy specimen available for biomarker analysis or willingness to undergo fresh baseline biopsy.
Disqualifiers
Patients with leukoplakia, erythroleukoplakia or PVL who have only mild dysplasia or hyperplasia are excluded.
Is currently participating and receiving study therapy or has participated in a study of an investigational agent and received study therapy or used an investigational device within 4 weeks of the first dose of treatment.
Has a diagnosis of immunodeficiency or is receiving systemic steroid therapy > prednisone 10 mg daily or equivalent, or any other form of immunosuppressive therapy within 7 days prior to the first dose of trial treatment.
Has a known history of active TB (Bacillus tuberculosis).
Trial design
Treatments tested in this trial
- Pembrolizumab
Treatment groups
Sponsors and collaborators
Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
Lead sponsor
Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC
Collaborator