losartan + pembrolizumab + stereotactic body radiation therapy

Losartan is an angiotensin II type 1 receptor antagonist traditionally used for hypertension that is being repurposed by the University of California, Davis, for the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In the context of a Phase Ib clinical trial (NCT06211335), it is administered in combination with the PD-1 checkpoint inhibitor pembrolizumab and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). The rationale for this combination is that losartan can modulate the tumor microenvironment by reducing stromal collagen and improving tumor perfusion, thereby alleviating hypoxia and enhancing the delivery and activity of both immunotherapy and radiation. This regimen is specifically targeted at patients with locoregionally recurrent, refractory, or oligometastatic HNSCC to evaluate safety and potential synergistic efficacy.

Brand names

KeytrudaCozaar

Other names

Losartan, Pembrolizumab and SBRTLosartan + Pembrolizumab + SBRT