Head and neck cancer

This phase 2 trial is testing whether giving two drugs before surgery can help people with advanced oral cavity cancer. The drugs, becotatug vedotin and pucotenlimab, are designed to attack cancer cells and boost the immune system. Participants receive three cycles of the combina…

This trial is testing an experimental oral drug, LG00313112, in people with advanced solid tumors that carry a specific genetic change called TP53 Y220C. The drug aims to restore the function of the p53 protein, which normally helps stop cancer growth. The study includes adults w…

This phase 2 trial is testing whether a new drug called RiMO-301, given alongside radiation and the immunotherapy pembrolizumab (Keytruda), can shrink tumors before surgery in people with resectable, locally advanced head and neck cancer. The study will measure how many patients'…

This study tests a new drug called SX-682 (a tablet) combined with the chemotherapy docetaxel in people whose head/neck, salivary gland, or prostate cancer has spread or returned after treatment. The goal is to find the right dose and see if the combination shrinks tumors. About …

Researchers are testing whether adding nimotuzumab to intensity-modulated radiation therapy helps older adults with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who cannot tolerate standard chemotherapy. The study enrolls patients aged 65 and older with EGFR-positive tu…

Researchers are testing a new drug called TS-104 in adults with advanced solid tumors, including lung, head and neck, ovarian, endometrial, esophageal, and gastric cancers. TS-104 is a peptide drug conjugate: it uses a targeting peptide to carry the chemotherapy drug MMAE directl…

This phase 2 trial tests a combination of two drugs, XL-092 and pembrolizumab (Keytruda), given before surgery to people with a type of oral cancer that is HPV-negative and can be removed. The goal is to see if the drugs can shrink or eliminate the tumor before the operation. Abo…

This early-stage trial is testing an experimental drug called SI-B036, a bispecific antibody designed to target cancer cells in a unique way. The study involves adults with locally advanced or metastatic head and neck tumors or other solid tumors. The main goals are to assess the…

This phase II trial is testing whether adding a type of precise radiation called stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) to standard immunotherapy can help people with stage IV cancers, including head and neck, lung, cervical, esophageal, and gastric cancers. Participants will…

This trial tests whether repairing the facial vein during neck dissection can prevent lymphedema—painful swelling—in adults with head and neck cancer. Participants receive standard cancer surgery plus, if needed, immediate reconstruction of the facial vein. Researchers then compa…

This phase 2 trial is testing whether giving the immunotherapy drug penpulimab together with chemotherapy before surgery can help people with locally advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma, a type of head and neck cancer. The study will include about 15 adults aged 18 to 80 with resec…

This study tests whether a special scan (SPECT-CT) can show which side of the neck needs radiation in people with oropharyngeal cancer. Currently, both sides are treated to prevent hidden cancer spread, but this causes more side effects. The trial will enroll 128 patients to see …

This trial tests a 24-week virtual care program called BRIDGE NET for people with serious mental illness who are starting cancer treatment. The program brings together oncology and mental health teams to plan care, provide early psychiatric support, and regularly check in with pa…

This large Phase 3 trial is testing a new drug called APG-157, given as a pastille that dissolves in the mouth, for people with advanced head and neck cancer. The study will see if adding APG-157 before and after standard treatments (surgery or chemoradiation) helps keep the canc…

This trial tests whether a special dye called indocyanine green (ICG), injected during surgery, helps surgeons see blood flow in reconstructed tissue better than standard checks. About 244 adults having head and neck reconstruction will be randomly assigned to get the dye or stan…

This study tests a new treatment plan for people with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer (a type of throat cancer linked to HPV). The plan combines an immune-boosting drug (nogapendekin alfa inbakicept), a vaccine targeting HPV, chemotherapy, and a lower dose of radiation. The goa…

This study tests a new drug called TQB2922, given as a shot under the skin, for people with head and neck cancer that has come back or spread. The drug is a special antibody that targets two proteins (EGFR and c-Met) involved in cancer growth. The trial has two parts: first, find…

This early-stage trial tests a new drug (non-cationic peptide-CD47 siRNA) in about 9 people with advanced solid tumors that have not responded to other treatments. The drug works by blocking a 'don't eat me' signal on cancer cells, helping the immune system recognize and attack t…

This early-stage trial tests a new drug called CRPA1A2, which helps the body's immune cells attack cancer cells. It is for people with certain advanced solid tumors (like lung, esophagus, head and neck, or liver cancer) that have not responded to other treatments. The study will …

This study tests whether giving two drugs (vibecortamab and putilimab) before surgery can help shrink tumors in people with locally advanced laryngeal cancer. About 10 adults aged 18-80 with resectable cancer will receive the combination, then have surgery. The main goal is to se…

This phase 2 trial tests whether a combination of two chemotherapy drugs, cyclophosphamide and etoposide, can control advanced head and neck cancer in adults who have already tried standard treatment. 120 participants will receive either the drug combo or methotrexate for 6 month…

This study tests whether taking a short course of capecitabine pills before surgery can shrink tumors and improve outcomes for people with HPV-negative head and neck cancer. About 75 adults with stage III or IVa cancer will be randomly assigned to either standard care or capecita…

This early-phase trial is testing a new approach for people with recurrent or metastatic head/neck cancer or esophageal cancer. The treatment combines a virus that delivers endostatin directly into tumors with an immunotherapy drug (PD-1 inhibitor). The goal is to see if the comb…

This trial tests whether two imaging agents, Panitumumab-IRDye800 and [18F]NOTA-ABY-030, are safe and useful for helping surgeons identify head and neck tumors and cancer-containing lymph nodes during surgery. Adults with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are scheduled fo…

This trial is testing whether a breath analysis device can detect unique chemical patterns—called volatile organic compounds—that may signal the presence of cancer. Researchers will collect breath samples from 1,000 people with various cancers and 1,000 healthy volunteers, then u…

This pilot study is testing a new PET camera with 1-millimeter resolution to see if it can produce clearer images of head and neck cancers compared to standard PET scanners. Ten people scheduled for surgery will receive an extra scan with the high-resolution camera. The goal is t…

This study tests a new imaging tracer called [18F]FAPI-74, which attaches to a protein found on cells in tumors and scarred or inflamed tissue. Researchers want to see if it can show these areas more clearly than current scans. About 770 adults with various cancers or non-cancer …

This early-phase study will test two radioactive tracers designed to light up certain solid tumors on scans. Twenty adults with breast, head and neck, pancreatic cancer, or glioma will receive an injection of the tracers and then undergo PET/CT and SPECT/CT imaging. The goal is t…

This study will test artificial intelligence algorithms that analyze video from routine endoscopies of the head and neck. The AI will try to detect, classify (benign vs. malignant), and outline lesions, comparing its performance to doctors and lab results. About 283 adults with s…

This study will test whether a special CT scan (dual-energy CT) can be as good as MRI for mapping tumors and healthy organs before radiation therapy. Researchers will enroll 80 people with brain, bone, head/neck, or lung cancer. If DECT works well, it could save time and money co…

This Phase 2 trial tests whether psilocybin, a psychedelic compound, can prevent or lessen chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) in people with breast, colorectal, or head and neck cancer. About 83 participants will receive either psilocybin, a low-dose placeb…

This pilot study tests whether placing a soft tissue matrix over a nerve during forearm flap surgery can prevent chronic pain and numbness. Eighty head and neck cancer patients will be randomly assigned to receive either the matrix or standard closure. The main goal is to see if …

This study tests whether light therapy (photobiomodulation) can prevent mouth sores in children receiving chemotherapy. Fifty children aged 0-30 will receive daily light treatments during hospital stays and at home. Researchers will check if the therapy is easy to use and accepta…

This study tests an oral spray made from stem cell exosomes to prevent severe mouth sores in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation. 200 participants will use the spray three times daily, starting a week before radiation and continuing for two weeks after. The goal is…

This study looks at whether bringing in palliative care early during an unplanned hospital stay can reduce aggressive treatments at the end of life for people with advanced cancer. About 493 adults with metastatic digestive, gynecological, ENT, or sarcoma cancers will be randomly…

Researchers are testing a gel made from orange peel extract to see if it can reduce the severity of mouth sores caused by radiation therapy in people with head and neck cancer. Thirty adults receiving radiation will be split into two groups: one gets the orange peel gel, the othe…

This trial tests whether the TrachPhone, a device that adds heat and moisture to the air you breathe, can improve comfort and lung recovery in people who have a tracheostomy after head and neck cancer surgery. Half of the 80 participants will use the TrachPhone, while the other h…

This trial tests whether a structured swallowing rehabilitation program can improve swallowing function, reduce jaw stiffness, and ease pain in people with head and neck cancer. Researchers will randomly assign 80 patients who have had radiation or chemoradiotherapy to either the…

This trial tests whether a combination of antiemetic strategies can better prevent postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in patients undergoing flap surgery for head and neck cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a standard antiemetic protocol or a m…

This pilot study explores whether surface-guided radiotherapy (SGRT) can help head and neck cancer patients who feel anxious or claustrophobic during standard radiation treatment. Instead of a tight thermoplastic mask, SGRT uses a camera system to track patient position in real t…

This study tests if a ketamine oral rinse can relieve pain from mouth sores (mucositis) caused by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. About 62 adults receiving radiation will use the rinse and report their pain levels. The goal is to see if this simple rinse impro…

This study is for people with HPV-related oropharyngeal (throat) cancer, which often responds well to treatment. The goal is to see if lowering the radiation dose to certain areas can reduce side effects like dry mouth without hurting the chance of curing the cancer. About 132 pa…

This study tests whether a cough skill training program can help people with head and neck cancer cough more effectively. Participants practice voluntary coughs using a handheld device during sessions and at home. The goal is to see if the training is feasible and if it improves …

This study tests whether a 10-week home-based video game training program can improve cognitive function and driving performance in head and neck cancer survivors who report thinking difficulties after radiation or chemoradiation. Participants will complete questionnaires, use a …

This trial tests whether a digital platform that sends symptom check-ins and self-care tips via text message can help people with head and neck or lung cancer report their health more consistently. Participants either receive standard symptom questionnaires or get extra monitorin…

This trial tests whether a spray containing superoxide dismutase, an antioxidant enzyme, can reduce severe skin reactions caused by radiation therapy. Head and neck cancer patients scheduled for radiotherapy apply the spray five times daily to the treated skin area. The study com…

This trial tests whether a one-on-one peer support program is feasible for people with head and neck cancer. Patients (mentees) are matched with cancer survivors (mentors) for emotional and informational support. The study will enroll 56 participants and measure how many actually…

This study tests whether a traditional Chinese herbal drink called Sancai Fengsui Decoction can help heal painful mouth sores caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. About 126 adults who have developed moderate to severe mouth sores after radiation will receive eith…

This trial compares early versus delayed acupuncture to reduce dry mouth caused by chemoradiation in head and neck cancer patients. Participants receive acupuncture either during chemoradiation or after, and their dry mouth symptoms are tracked for a year. The goal is to find the…

This study tests whether adding palliative care early — alongside standard chemoradiotherapy — can improve symptoms and quality of life for people with advanced head and neck cancer that cannot be surgically removed. Researchers will compare two groups: one receiving standard tre…

This study tests a coordinated rehab program for 74 veterans with head and neck cancer. The program combines standard swallowing therapy with proactive hearing and balance checks and a nurse assessment to find other rehab needs. The goal is to reduce stress and improve well-being…

This study tests whether a common antibiotic ointment applied inside the nose can reduce severe mouth and throat pain caused by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. About 126 participants will receive either the antibiotic or a placebo, and neither they nor their d…

This study tests whether daily soaks with normal saline (salt water) can reduce severe skin reactions caused by radiation therapy. About 150 adults with head and neck cancer or sarcoma will either get standard care or standard care plus a 5-10 minute saline soak each day. Researc…

This study develops and tests a support program for cancer survivors who worry about their cancer returning. 150 adults who finished treatment for breast, head and neck, colon-rectal, or prostate cancer will join. Depending on their level of fear, they will receive education, psy…

This study tests if a daily protein drink can lower the chance of severe mouth sores caused by radiation therapy in people with head and neck cancer. About 504 adults will either get the protein supplement or a placebo drink without protein during their radiation treatment. The g…

This study compares two skin-protective strategies—a fragrance-free emollient plus foam dressing versus a silicone-based barrier film—in 104 head and neck cancer patients receiving TomoTherapy. The goal is to see which approach better prevents or reduces painful radiation dermati…

This study will test whether rinsing with cold water (15-20°C) reduces mouth soreness and improves comfort compared to room-temperature water in 200 head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Participants will rinse four times daily for six weeks. The goal is to see i…

This study looks at whether changes in regulatory T cells (a type of immune cell) after facial reconstruction surgery can predict how quickly patients heal and how long they stay in the hospital. Researchers will collect blood samples from about 60 adults before, during, and afte…

This study looks back at the medical records of 60 adults with head and neck cancer who received radiation therapy, with or without chemotherapy, and used a topical mouth rinse made from olive oil, betaine, and xylitol. The goal is to see how often severe mouth sores (oral mucosi…

This trial tests a new communication workflow called CORRECT that helps radiologists and radiation oncologists work together more effectively when planning radiation therapy for lung and head-and-neck cancers. About 194 patients will be involved, and doctors will use a shared sys…

This study looks at how a special program, called the Geriatric Surgery Verification Program, works at the James Cancer Hospital. The program helps doctors and nurses better care for patients aged 65 and older who need cancer surgery. It includes checking for age-related issues l…

This study looks at whether tiny plastic particles released from medical masks during radiation therapy could affect treatment for head and neck cancer. Researchers will measure microplastic exposure and track patient outcomes to see if there is any link. The goal is to improve s…

This study tests whether a new real-time imaging method can make radiation therapy more accurate for cancer patients. About 40 adults with various cancers will receive their normal radiation treatment while the new imaging tracks the tumor in real time. The goal is to see if the …

This study collects blood and tissue samples from 110 adults with advanced lung, head and neck, or mesothelioma cancer. The samples are stored in a biobank to help scientists study cancer genes and find better ways to predict treatment outcomes. Participants do not receive any ex…

This study tests whether injecting two dyes around the tumor and into cancerous lymph nodes can help surgeons spot hidden cancer spread in head and neck cancer. Twenty adults with oral cavity or head and neck skin cancer will receive the dyes before surgery. The goal is to see if…

This study looks at how cancer and its treatments change the way people experience food, including taste, mouth health, and overall eating pleasure. Researchers will ask 180 adults with different cancers to fill out a detailed questionnaire about their eating habits and feelings.…

This study creates a tissue bank and data registry for people with recurrent head and neck cancer. Researchers will collect samples and health information from thousands of participants to better understand the disease and find better treatments. The goal is to improve survival a…

This pilot study will test whether trained community health navigators can help head and neck cancer patients get diagnosed and treated faster after an emergency room visit. The navigators will call or text patients to help with barriers like transportation, insurance, or housing…