ASP-1929 Photoimmunotherapy Shows Promise in Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer

Strategic Insights -

Research conducted at Thomas Jefferson University has demonstrated the efficacy of ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy in combination with pembrolizumab in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The phase Ib/II study evaluated the safety and efficacy of the treatment, which involved administering ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy in combination with pembrolizumab to 18 patients. The results showed a confirmed overall response rate (ORR) of 27.8%, with four of five responders experiencing complete responses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found that ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy plus pembrolizumab was generally tolerable, with promising efficacy in patients with recurrent/metastatic HNSCC.
  • The confirmed ORR was 27.8% (95% CI 9.7-53.5), with four of five responders experiencing complete responses (95% CI, 6.4-47.6).
  • The median overall survival (OS) was 25.6 months (95% CI, 14.6-not evaluable), and the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 2.9 months (95% CI, 1.4-14.6).
  • The most common serious adverse reactions were dysphagia and tongue edema (each n = 2; 10.5%).
  • The study concluded that ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy plus pembrolizumab is a promising treatment option for patients with recurrent or metastatic HNSCC.

Statistics:

  • Confirmed ORR: 27.8% (95% CI 9.7-53.5)
  • Complete responses: 4 of 5 responders (95% CI, 6.4-47.6)
  • Median overall survival: 25.6 months (95% CI, 14.6-not evaluable)
  • Median progression-free survival: 2.9 months (95% CI, 1.4-14.6)
  • Most common serious adverse reactions: dysphagia and tongue edema (each n = 2; 10.5%)

Sources:

  • Safety and Efficacy Findings From a Phase Ib/II Study of ASP-1929 Photoimmunotherapy With Pembrolizumab in Recurrent and/or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Head & Neck, 2025.
  • NewsRx. New Findings on Head and Neck Cancer from Thomas Jefferson University Summarized (Safety and Efficacy Findings From a Phase Ib/II Study of ASP-1929 Photoimmunotherapy With Pembrolizumab in Recurrent and/or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell ...). Immunotherapy Weekly. September 17, 2025; p 1616.