This Phase 1b study looked at whether adding ABBV-368 to existing cancer drugs would help treat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Thirty adult patients received ABBV-368 along with tilsotolimod, nab-paclitaxel, and/or budigalimab at different medical centers. The team measured safety, how the drugs moved through the body, and whether tumors shrank or stayed stable.
Most patients, about 80%, experienced some side effects linked to ABBV-368. However, serious side events were not reported, and the drugs were generally well tolerated. Despite this safety profile, the main finding was that tumor responses were limited. Only four out of 28 patients who could be evaluated showed a partial response to treatment.
Readers should understand that this is an early-stage trial with a small group of people. The results show preliminary activity but do not confirm that the treatment is effective for the broader population. Future larger studies will be needed to determine if these drug combinations can truly help patients with this difficult cancer.