Exploring the Role of a Novel HPV16-Targeted Cancer T-cell Stimulating Immunotherapy (TSI) (Versamune® HPV) for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Positive Head and Neck Cancer (HNSCC)

EP. 1: Introduction and Incidence of HPV-Positive Head and Neck Cancer

December 23rd 2024

A panelist discusses the incidence of HPV+ HNSCC, and how has it changed in recent years.

EP. 2: Understanding HPV-Positive HNSCC: Disease Presentation and Risk Factors

January 20th 2025

Panelists discuss how, HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HPV+ HNSCC) typically presents differently from HPV-negative cases. Patients often present with smaller primary tumors but more advanced nodal disease, commonly with cystic lymph node metastases in the neck. The most frequent site is the oropharynx, particularly the tonsils and base of tongue.

EP. 3: Navigating Treatment for HPV-Positive HNSCC Patients

January 20th 2025

Panelists discuss how, HPV+ head and neck cancer treatment typically follows NCCN guidelines: primary therapy includes surgery and/or chemoradiation based on staging. Immunotherapy like pembrolizumab is increasingly used, especially for recurrent/metastatic disease. Prognosis is generally better than HPV- cases.

EP. 4: Academic Perspectives for the Management of HPV-Positive HNSCC

January 27th 2025

Panelists discuss how human papillomavirus (HPV)–related tumors vary in aggressiveness, with HPV-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) presenting unique challenges. Key treatment hurdles include tumor heterogeneity, resistance development, and optimizing de-escalation strategies while maintaining efficacy.

EP. 5: Updates From VERSATILE-002: Pembrolizumab Plus PDS0101 (HPV-16–Targeted Cancer Vaccine) in HPV-Positive HNSCC

January 27th 2025

Panelists discuss how, PDS0101 uses Versamune® lipid nanoparticles to deliver HPV16 antigens, activating T-cells. Early Phase 2 data with pembrolizumab showed promise in HPV16+ head & neck cancer patients.

EP. 6: Emerging Phase 3 Trial: Pembrolizumab Plus PDS0101 (HPV-16 Targeted Cancer Vaccine) in HPV-Positive HNSCC (VERSATILE-003)

February 3rd 2025

Panelists discuss the priority next steps for PDS0101 plus pembrolizumab in recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC): expand clinical trials, identify predictive biomarkers, assess long-term safety, and explore additional combination approaches.

EP. 7: Treatment Insights for R/M HPV-Positive HNSCC

February 3rd 2025

Panelists discuss key research priorities for recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), which include expanding PDS0101/pembrolizumab trials to identify optimal patient subgroups, addressing resistance mechanisms, and exploring novel biomarkers. Emerging immunotherapy combinations and targeted therapies show promise.

EP. 8: Future Considerations for the Treatment of R/M HPV-Positive HNSCC

February 10th 2025

Panelists discuss how emerging areas in recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) research include novel immunotherapy combinations, biomarker development for treatment selection, targeted therapies against new molecular pathways, and strategies to overcome resistance to existing treatments.