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Innovative Injection-Based Therapy Offers Hope for Head and Neck Cancer Patients
London – A novel cancer treatment administered via a simple injection beneath the skin is demonstrating encouraging early results in individuals grappling with advanced head and neck cancer. Findings from the Phase Ib/II Orig-AMI 4 clinical trial,unveiled today at the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) 2025 Congress,suggest that the drug,known as amivantamab,has the potential to both shrink tumors and halt their growth.
The Challenge of Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancer ranks as the sixth most prevalent cancer globally, with approximately 12,800 new diagnoses occurring annually in the United Kingdom alone. Standard treatments typically involve surgery and radiation therapy.However, when the disease recurs or spreads, treatment typically shifts to immunotherapy and chemotherapy containing platinum. should these approaches prove ineffective, treatment options become severely limited, with the existing targeted therapy, cetuximab, benefiting only a select group of patients.
Orig-AMI 4 Trial: A New Avenue of Hope
The orig-AMI 4 trial is evaluating amivantamab, both as a standalone therapy and in combination with other medications, for patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). this aggressive cancer frequently returns even after conventional treatments.
the study encompassed 55 research sites across 11 nations, with a leading team based at The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust.
How Amivantamab Works: A Triple-Action Approach
developed by Johnson & Johnson and already approved for a specific form of lung cancer, amivantamab is a bispecific monoclonal antibody – a cutting-edge treatment that targets cancer cells in three distinct ways. It effectively blocks EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), a protein crucial for tumor growth, and it also inhibits MET, another pathway cancer cells exploit to evade treatment. Crucially, amivantamab also boosts the immune system’s ability to attack the tumor.
Trial Results: Important clinical benefit
A portion of the study participants, who had previously undergone both immunotherapy and chemotherapy, received amivantamab as a single agent. The results indicated that 76 percent of these patients experienced a clinical benefit, meaning their cancer either shrank or stabilized.
Responses were observed, on average, within six weeks, and the treatment was generally well-tolerated, with most side effects being mild to moderate.Patients receiving amivantamab alone demonstrated an average progression-free survival of 6.8 months. As of July 2025, 53 out of 86 patients (62 percent) in this group were still benefiting from the new treatment.
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Clinical Benefit Rate | 76% |
| Average Progression-Free Survival | 6.8 months |
| Patients Still Receiving Treatment (as of July 2025) | 62% |
Expanding Applications and Patient Impact
Amivantamab is now showing promise not only in lung cancer and head and neck cancer but also in colorectal cancer. Researchers are optimistic that this innovative therapy could become a significant new option for patients with limited remaining choices.
“This is the first time we’ve tested this kind of triple-action therapy in head and neck cancer patients whose disease has returned after initial treatment,” saeid a leading oncologist involved in the trial.”Amivantamab is a ‘smart’ drug that blocks key cancer pathways and enhances the immune response. Unlike many cancer treatments, it’s delivered as a simple injection, making it more convenient for patients.”
One patient, Carl Walsh, 59, from Birmingham, shared his experience: “Chemotherapy and immunotherapy hadn’t worked for me. Joining the Orig-AMI 4 trial was a turning point. I’m now on my 7th cycle, and it’s going well. I’m experiencing less pain, my ability to speak and eat has improved, and sometimes I almost forget I have cancer.”
Understanding Monoclonal Antibodies
Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules engineered to serve as substitute antibodies.They can be designed to specifically target cancer cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system or blocking their growth signals. Bispecific antibodies, like amivantamab, take this a step further by binding to two different targets simultaneously, enhancing their effectiveness. The global monoclonal antibody market is projected to reach USD 157.78 billion by 2030, according to Grand View research, demonstrating the increasing importance of this class of drugs in modern medicine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Amivantamab
What is amivantamab used for?
Amivantamab is a bispecific monoclonal antibody being investigated for the treatment of advanced head and neck cancer, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer.
How does amivantamab work?
Amivantamab targets cancer cells by blocking EGFR and MET pathways and activating the immune system to attack the tumor.
What are the side effects of amivantamab?
In clinical trials, amivantamab was generally well-tolerated, with most side effects being mild to moderate.
Is amivantamab a cure for cancer?
While promising, amivantamab is not currently a cure for cancer, but it offers a significant new treatment option for patients with limited alternatives.
How is amivantamab administered?
Amivantamab is administered via a subcutaneous injection (under the skin), making it more convenient than many other cancer treatments.
Do you think this new treatment will considerably improve outcomes for head and neck cancer patients? What concerns, if any, do you have about this novel approach to cancer therapy?
Disclaimer: This article provides facts for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
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