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Updated May 2026 · ClinicalTrials.gov

RECRUITINGPhase 2INTERVENTIONAL

Study of Cetuximab Plus/Minus Weekly Paclitaxel After Progression To First-Line Pembrolizumab Plus Platinum-5FU in Subjects With Recurrent/Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck.

TTCC-2022-02: A Phase II, Multicenter, Randomized Study of Cetuximab Plus/ Minus Weekly Paclitaxel After Progression To First-Line Pembrolizumab Plus Platinum-5FU in Subjects With Recurrent/Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (ERBIOTAX)

Study of Cetuximab Plus/Minus Weekly Paclitaxel After Progression To First-Line Pembrolizumab Plus Platinum-5FU in Subjects With Recurrent/Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck. (NCT06856213) is a Phase 2 interventional studying Recurrent / Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, sponsored by Grupo Español de Tratamiento de Tumores de Cabeza y Cuello. RECRUITING as of the most recent ClinicalTrials.gov update. Talk to your doctor before contacting the trial site.

Important: This information is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial is right for you.

About This Trial

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) arises from epithelial cells and occurs in the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. SCCHN is the seventh most common cancer worldwide with an annual incidence of approximately 90.000 cases per year in Europe. Recurrent / metastatic SCCHN remains a grievous diagnosis and optimal treatment options after progression to first-line ICI treatment are not determined yet. Previous reports showed that cetuximab plus paclitaxel after progression to ICI therapy may have an enhanced activity as second line after ICI therapy ERBIOTAX is multi-center, open-label, randomized, non-comparative two-arm, phase 2 trial Investigator Initiated Study. The primary study aims is to evaluate the efficacy of weekly cetuximab combined with paclitaxel (Arm A) or cetuximab monotherapy (Arm B) after progression to pembrolizumab plus platinum / 5-FU. The efficacy of treatment will be assessed through objective response rate (ORR). Patients will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to ERBITAX (cetuximab + paclitaxel) and cetuximab, respectively, assigning 2 patients to Arm A and 1 patient to Arm B out of 3 patients. No stratification for the randomization process is planned as this is a non-comparative study. A total of 65 evaluable patients will be included in the trial; 41 in Arm A and 24 in Arm B. The main hypothesis is that treatment with the cetuximab +/- paclitaxel regimen maybe more effective after immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) failure in patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

What Stage of Research Is This?

Phase 2 trials evaluate whether a treatment actually works against Recurrent / Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma and continue monitoring side effects. Phase 2 enrolls larger groups (typically 100–300 patients) and produces the first real efficacy signal. A successful Phase 2 readout is what unlocks the much larger Phase 3 confirmatory trials needed for FDA approval.

This trial is currently recruiting participants. The sponsor has registered the study with ClinicalTrials.gov as actively enrolling, which means new applicants who meet the eligibility criteria can be considered for screening. Trial status can change between updates — confirm current recruiting status with the study contact before traveling for a screening visit.

Target enrollment of 65 participants puts this in the typical range for a Phase 2-style efficacy study or a moderate Phase 3 trial in a focused Recurrent / Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma subpopulation. At this scale, the study has enough statistical power to detect a clear treatment effect but is not the largest cohort in the field.

Who May Be Eligible (Plain English)

Who May Qualify: \- willing to sign a consent form 1. Signed written and voluntary willing to sign a consent form. 2. Patients must be willing and able to comply with scheduled visits, treatment plan, laboratory tests and other study procedures. 3. Age \> 18 years old. Disease characteristics 4. Have diagnosed by tissue sample (biopsy-confirmed) diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. 5. The eligible primary tumor locations are oropharynx, oral cavity, hypopharynx, and larynx. 6. Known Human papillomavirus (HPV) status in oropharyngeal primaries and tested by p16 and/or HPV DNA testing by ISH or PCR. Local testing is acceptable. 7. Have confirmed disease progression per RECIST 1.1 on or after receiving platinum / 5-FU and pembrolizumab as first-line therapy for recurrent/metastatic disease. Patients must have measurable disease assessed by computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on RECIST 1.1 as assessed by the local site investigator/radiology. Tumor lesions situated in a previously irradiated area are considered measurable if progression has been demonstrated in such lesions. 8. All patients must provide a tumor biopsy obtained prior to the start of cetuximab +/- paclitaxel. A newly obtained biopsy -after progression to pembrolizumab + platinum-based chemotherapy - of a tumor lesion not previously irradiated for central biomarker analysis prior to start of study treatment is strongly preferred, but an archival sample may be acceptable upon discussion with the sponsor, if obtained in the prior 12 months. Note: Fine needle aspirate \[FNA\] is not adequate. Repeat samples may be required if adequate (quality and quantity) tissue is not provided. Formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue blocks are preferred to slides Patient characteristics 9. Have a performance status of 0 or 1 on the ECOG Performance Scale ...See full criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov Always talk to your doctor about whether this trial is right for you.

These are translations of the protocol\'s inclusion and exclusion criteria, simplified for patients and caregivers. The original clinical text appears below. Eligibility is ultimately confirmed by the trial site\'s screening process — this summary is a starting point for a conversation with your doctor, not a final determination.

Original Eligibility Criteria

View original clinical language
Inclusion Criteria: \- Informed consent 1. Signed written and voluntary informed consent. 2. Patients must be willing and able to comply with scheduled visits, treatment plan, laboratory tests and other study procedures. 3. Age \> 18 years old. Disease characteristics 4. Have histologically confirmed diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. 5. The eligible primary tumor locations are oropharynx, oral cavity, hypopharynx, and larynx. 6. Known Human papillomavirus (HPV) status in oropharyngeal primaries and tested by p16 and/or HPV DNA testing by ISH or PCR. Local testing is acceptable. 7. Have confirmed disease progression per RECIST 1.1 on or after receiving platinum / 5-FU and pembrolizumab as first-line therapy for recurrent/metastatic disease. Patients must have measurable disease assessed by computed tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) based on RECIST 1.1 as assessed by the local site investigator/radiology. Tumor lesions situated in a previously irradiated area are considered measurable if progression has been demonstrated in such lesions. 8. All patients must provide a tumor biopsy obtained prior to the start of cetuximab +/- paclitaxel. A newly obtained biopsy -after progression to pembrolizumab + platinum-based chemotherapy - of a tumor lesion not previously irradiated for central biomarker analysis prior to start of study treatment is strongly preferred, but an archival sample may be acceptable upon discussion with the sponsor, if obtained in the prior 12 months. Note: Fine needle aspirate \[FNA\] is not adequate. Repeat samples may be required if adequate (quality and quantity) tissue is not provided. Formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissue blocks are preferred to slides Patient characteristics 9. Have a performance status of 0 or 1 on the ECOG Performance Scale 10. Patients must have adequate organ function as determined by the following. Screening labs should be performed within -7 days of treatment initiation: a. Hematology * Absolute neutrophils \> 1.5 x 109/L * Platelets \> 100 x 109/L * Hemoglobin \> 90 g/L * Biochemistry * Bilirubin \< 1.5 x upper limit of normal (ULN) * AST and ALT \< 2.5 x ULN * Creatinine or measured or calculated creatinine clearance (GFR can also be used in place of creatinine or CrCl) ≤ 1.5xULN or ≥ 60 mL/min, respectively. Note: Hematology test should be obtained without transfusion or receipt of colony stimulating factors within 4 weeks prior to obtaining the sample. 11. Evidence of post-menopausal status, or negative urinary or serum pregnancy test for female pre-menopausal patients. Women will be considered post-menopausal if they have been amenorrheic for 12 months without an alternative medical cause. The following age-specific requirements apply: 1. Women \<50 years of age would be considered post-menopausal if they have been amenorrheic for 12 months or more following cessation of exogenous hormonal treatments and if they have luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone levels in the post-menopausal range for the institution or underwent surgical sterilization (bilateral oophorectomy, bilateral salpingectomy, or hysterectomy). 2. Women ≥50 years of age would be considered post-menopausal if they have been amenorrheic for 12 months or more following cessation of all exogenous hormonal treatments, had radiation-induced menopause with last menses \>1 year ago, had chemotherapy-induced menopause with last menses \>1 year ago, or underwent surgical sterilization (bilateral oophorectomy, bilateral salpingectomy, or hysterectomy). 12. Female subjects of childbearing potential should have a negative blood pregnancy test within 72 hours prior to receiving the first dose of study medication. A urine test can be considered if a blood test is not appropriate. 13. Female subjects of childbearing potential should be willing to use 2 methods of birth control or be surgically sterile or abstain from heterosexual activity for the course of the study through 180 days after the last dose of study medication (6 months for paclitaxel). Subjects of childbearing potential are those who have not been surgically sterilized or have not been free from menses for \>1 year. Note: Abstinence is acceptable if this is the usual lifestyle and preferred method of contraception for the subject. 14. Male subjects should agree to use an adequate method of contraception starting with the first dose of study therapy through 180 days after the last dose of study therapy (6 months for paclitaxel). Note: Abstinence is acceptable if this is the usual lifestyle and preferred method of contraception for the subject. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients with tumors of the head and neck region, arising from the nasopharynx, nasal cavity, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands, skin, unknown primary site. 2. Patients not treated or not progressing to pembrolizumab + platinum / 5-FU as the first line prior to their enrollment in the study. Progression to platinum / 5-FU plus pembrolizumab or other antiPD-(L)1 agents in combination with other immunotherapies including but not limited to other checkpoint regulatory monoclonal/bispecific antibodies such as anti CTLA-4, anti LAG-3 , anti TIGIT or anti TIM-3 may be allowed upon discussion with the sponsor. 3. Any previous treatment with paclitaxel and/or cetuximab in the recurrent or metastatic setting. 4. Has known active central nervous system (CNS) metastases and/or carcinomatous meningitis. Note: Subjects with previously treated brain metastases may participate provided they are stable (without evidence of progression by imaging (using the identical imaging modality for each assessment, either MRI or CT scan) for at least 4 weeks prior to the first dose of trial treatment and any neurologic symptoms have returned to baseline), have no evidence of new or enlarging brain metastases, and are not using steroids for at least 7 days prior to trial treatment. This exception does not include carcinomatous meningitis which is excluded regardless of clinical stability. 5. Has a life expectancy of less than 3 months and/or has rapidly progressing disease (e.g. tumor bleeding, uncontrolled tumor pain) in the opinion of the treating investigator. 6. History of another primary malignancy, except for: 1. Malignancy treated with curative intent and with no known active disease ≥3 years before the first dose of study drug and of low potential risk for recurrence, 2. Adequately treated non-melanoma skin cancer without evidence of disease, 3. Adequately treated carcinoma in situ without evidence of disease. 7. Any previous surgical treatment of the current cancer (except for a diagnostic biopsy) and no major surgery within 28 days prior to study treatment initiation. Performance of a tracheostomy or placement of a percutaneous gastrostomy tube within the 28 days prior to study treatment initiation will be allowed if the patient is clinically stable with no complications derived from those interventions. 8. Focal radiotherapy (RT) with palliative intent that is not completed 2 weeks prior to the first dose of Cetuximab +/- Paclitaxel. 9. History of allergic or hypersensitivity reactions to any study drugs or their excipients. 10. History of allogeneic organ transplant that requires therapeutic immunosuppression and the use of immunosuppressive agents within 28 days of study treatment initiation or a prior history of severe (grade 3 or 4) immune mediated toxicity from other immune therapy or grade ≥ 3 infusion reaction. 11. Any concurrent chemotherapy, biologic, immunologic or hormonal therapy for cancer treatment. Concurrent use of hormones for non-cancer-related conditions (eg, insulin for diabetes and hormone replacement therapy) is acceptable. 12. Current or prior use of immunosuppressive medication within 7 days prior to starting dosing. The following are exceptions to these criteria: 1. Intranasal, inhaled, topical steroids, or local steroid injections (eg, intra-articular injection). 2. Adrenal replacement steroid \> 10 mg daily prednisone equivalent are permitted in the absence of active autoimmune disease. 3. Steroids as premedication for hypersensitivity reactions (eg, computed tomography scan premedication). 4. \< 10 mg prednisone or equivalent are permitted for the treatment of G1 IRAEs. 13. Any prior unresolved immune-related (ir) AE Grade \> 2 not properly controlled as described in the exclusion criteria 14 and considered limiting according to physician criteria. 14. History of primary immune deficiency. History of organ transplant that requires use of immunosuppressive medications. Subjects who are human immunodeficiency (HIV) positive. Participants under definitive treatment for HIV (HAART) with undetectable viral load and \>500 CD4+ T lymphocytes per μL at Screening Visit, are allowed. 15. History of stroke or transient ischemic attack within the previous 6 months. 16. Any of the following cardiac abnormalities: 1. Unstable angina pectoris, 2. Congestive heart failure ≥ NYHA Class 2, 3. QTc (Fridericia formula) \> 450 for males and \> 470 ms for females, 4. Known Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) \< 50, 5. Unstable cardiac arrhythmia. 17. Pre-existing neuropathy ≥ Grade 2 per NCI CTCAE v5.0. 18. With history of interstitial lung disease, noninfectious pneumonitis, severe COPD, or uncontrolled lung diseases, including pulmonary fibrosis. However, specific cases may be allowed upon discussion with the sponsor. 19. Has a known history of or is positive for active hepatitis B (defined as hepatitis B surface antigen \[HBsAg\] reactive) or hepatitis C (defined as HCV RNA \[qualitative\] is detected). Note: HBV DNA must be undetectable and HBsAg negative at Screening Visit. Active chronic hepatitis B on antiviral treatment with a negative viral load and preserved liver function is permitted upon consultation with the sponsor. Participants who have had definitive treatment for HCV are permitted if HCV RNA is undetectable at Screening Visit. 20. Female patients who are pregnant or breast-feeding. 21. Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active clinically significant infection requiring parenteral antibiotics 2 weeks before treatment start, 22. Uncontrolled intercurrent psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements. 23. Any condition that, in the opinion of the Investigator, would interfere with evaluation of the study regimen or interpretation of patient safety or study results.

Treatments Being Tested

DRUG

Cetuximab

Cetuximab 250 mg/m2 will be administered as an intravenous infusion over 60 minutes. Cetuximab loading dose is 400 mg/m2 infusion and will be administered over 120 minutes. During maintenance, cetuximab at 500 mg/m2 will be administered as an intravenous infusion over 120 minutes.

DRUG

Paclitaxel

Paclitaxel at a dose of 80 mg/m² will be administered after cetuximab as an intravenous infusion over 60 minutes weekly.

Locations (11)

Trial sites listed on ClinicalTrials.gov for this study. Site activation status can vary — confirm with the specific site before traveling for a screening visit.

Instituto Catalán de Oncología - Hospital Duran i Reynals
Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Hospital Universitario Marqués de Valdecilla (Santander)
Santander, Cantabria, Spain
Centro Oncológico de Galicia (La Coruña)
A Coruña, La Coruña, Spain
Hospital Clínico San Carlos
Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre (Madrid)
Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Hospital Infanta Leonor (Madrid)
Vallecas, Madrid, Spain
Complejo Hospitalario de Navarra (Pamplona)
Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
Complejo Hospitalario de Salamanca (Salamanca)
Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
Hospital Universitario de Canarias (La laguna)
San Cristóbal de La Laguna, Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Spain
Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío (Sevilla)
Seville, Sevilla, Spain
Hospital Universitario Virgen de Valme (Sevilla)
Seville, Sevilla, Spain

How to Talk to Your Doctor About This Trial

Bring the printable summary of this trial — including the NCT ID (NCT06856213), the sponsor (Grupo Español de Tratamiento de Tumores de Cabeza y Cuello), and the key eligibility criteria — to your next appointment. Your doctor can review the inclusion and exclusion criteria against your medical history, lab values, and current treatments to assess whether you are likely to qualify. They can also help you weigh whether trial participation makes sense alongside your existing care plan.

Useful questions to walk through together: What does the trial protocol require beyond standard care? How long is the active treatment phase, and how long is follow-up? Are there study visits at sites I can reach? Who pays for the trial-specific procedures, and who pays for standard-of-care portions? See our 25 questions to ask about clinical trials guide for a more complete checklist.

Authoritative Sources

The official record for this trial lives on ClinicalTrials.gov — the federal registry maintained by the National Library of Medicine at NIH. For background on how this trial fits into the FDA approval pathway, see the FDA drug approval process. For oncology-specific guidance for patients considering trials, the National Cancer Institute publishes patient-oriented overviews. International trial registries are aggregated by the WHO ICTRP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NCT06856213 clinical trial studying?

Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) arises from epithelial cells and occurs in the oral cavity, pharynx and larynx. SCCHN is the seventh most common cancer worldwide with an annual incidence of approximately 90.000 cases per year in Europe. Recurrent / metastatic SCCHN remains a grievous diagnosis and optimal treatment options after progression to first-line ICI treatment are not determined yet. Previous reports showed that cetuximab plus paclitaxel after progression to ICI therapy may have an enhanced activity as second line after ICI therapy ERBIOTAX is multi-center, open-l… The full protocol is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov and includes the primary outcome measures, eligibility criteria, and study endpoints.

Who can participate in NCT06856213?

Eligibility for this trial depends on the specific inclusion and exclusion criteria set by the sponsor. The plain-English summary above translates the most important criteria into accessible language; the official clinical text is preserved in the collapsible section underneath. Whether you fit any specific trial is a medical decision your doctor needs to confirm — bring the trial information to your treating physician for a full review against your medical history.

How do I contact the trial site for NCT06856213?

Contact information registered with ClinicalTrials.gov is shown in the sidebar of this page. Before reaching out, confirm with your treating physician that this trial is appropriate for your situation. The trial site will then walk you through the screening process to determine final eligibility.

Is participating in a clinical trial safe?

Clinical trials in the United States are regulated by the FDA and overseen by Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) that review the protocol for safety. Risk varies by trial — Phase 1 studies test new treatments in humans for the first time, while Phase 3 trials use treatments that have already passed earlier safety screening. The informed consent document for any specific trial details the known risks and what to expect. Discuss those risks with your physician before deciding whether to participate.

Where can I verify the data on this page?

Every detail on this page comes directly from the ClinicalTrials.gov API. Click "View on ClinicalTrials.gov" in the sidebar to see the official, unmodified record. The federal record is always authoritative; this page is a structured presentation with a plain-English eligibility translation. For background on how clinical trials are regulated, see the FDA drug approval process documentation.

How This Page Is Built

Every field on this page is pulled directly from the ClinicalTrials.gov API v2 — no estimates, no proxies. The plain-English eligibility translation is generated from the original protocol text and reviewed for fidelity to the underlying clinical criteria. The original clinical text remains visible in the collapsible section above so users and clinicians can verify the translation. Read the full methodology for the data pipeline and known limitations.

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov API v2 record for NCT06856213. Maintained by the National Library of Medicine at NIH. Public domain. Cite as: "TrialFinderData. NCT06856213. Data: ClinicalTrials.gov."

Medical disclaimer: This page is informational, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor about whether a clinical trial is right for you.

Last updated 2026-05-08 · Data from ClinicalTrials.gov.