Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Researchers are testing a vaccine called BNT113 in people whose cancers are driven by HPV16, a common virus linked to head and neck, cervical, and anogenital tumors. The trial enrolls two groups: one with head and neck cancer that has been treated and shows no signs of disease, a…

Researchers are testing whether combining cetuximab, a drug that blocks tumor growth, with stereotactic body radiation therapy can help patients whose head and neck cancer has returned after earlier radiation and cannot be removed by surgery. The trial enrolls about 45 people wit…

This study tests a mix of antibodies that help the immune system fight cancer, block tumor growth signals, and cut off the tumor's blood supply. It is for adults with head and neck cancer that did not respond to prior treatment or has no standard options. Participants receive inf…

This early-phase trial tests a new approach for advanced head and neck cancer that has stopped responding to standard treatments. Doctors take a patient's own tumor-fighting immune cells (TILs), grow more of them in a lab, and give them back along with the immunotherapy drug Keyt…

This early-phase trial tests a new drug called AI-061, which combines two immune-boosting antibodies (anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4) into one treatment. The study will enroll 18 adults with advanced solid tumors that have spread or cannot be removed. The main goals are to find a safe…

Researchers are testing an experimental drug called MRG003, both by itself and combined with the immunotherapy drug HX008, in people with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has come back or spread. Participants have already tried standard treatments like platinum chemothe…

This early-stage trial tested a combination of two oral drugs, tipifarnib and alpelisib, in 45 adults with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has specific genetic changes (HRAS overexpression or PIK3CA mutations). The goal was to find a safe dose a…

This trial tests an experimental drug called FLX475, given alone or with the immunotherapy pembrolizumab, in people with advanced cancers that have not responded to standard treatments. The study aims to find the safest dose and to see whether the combination can shrink tumors. P…

This pilot study tests whether injecting a corticosteroid called dexamethasone directly into the salivary glands can prevent dry mouth in people receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Researchers will enroll 10 adults with certain types of throat cancer who are sch…

This phase 2 study tested two drugs—durvalumab and cetuximab—together in 35 people with head and neck cancer that had come back or spread and was no longer responding to standard treatments. The goal was to see if the combination could shrink tumors. The study is complete, and re…

This phase 2 trial is testing whether combining the immunotherapy drug tislelizumab with other experimental drugs (surzebiclimab or alcestobart) can shrink tumors or slow cancer growth in people with advanced head and neck cancer that has come back or spread. About 160 participan…

This phase 1 trial tests an experimental drug called MRG003 in people with advanced solid tumors, including colorectal cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The study aims to find a safe dose and to see whether the drug can shrink tumors. Pa…

This study tested whether giving the immunotherapy drug durvalumab alongside radiation works better than the standard cetuximab plus radiation for people with advanced head and neck cancer who cannot take the usual chemotherapy drug cisplatin. A total of 196 adults took part. The…

This study tests a gene therapy designed to help people with dry mouth after radiation for head and neck cancer. The treatment delivers a gene into one saliva gland to help it produce more saliva. The trial includes 17 adults and focuses on safety, with follow-up over three years…

This early-phase trial is testing a new way to deliver radiation therapy for people with advanced head and neck cancer. Using MRI guidance, doctors can adjust the radiation dose in real time—giving higher doses to remaining tumor while reducing doses to areas that have shrunk. Th…

This trial tests two aggressive radiation therapy schedules for people with advanced head and neck cancer that cannot be removed with surgery. One approach uses a very intense radiation schedule combined with chemotherapy, while the other uses a very accelerated radiation schedul…

This trial investigates an experimental oral drug, LY3143921 hydrate, which blocks a protein called Cdc7 that cancer cells need to divide. It is being tested in adults with advanced solid tumours, including colorectal, ovarian, lung, and pancreatic cancers, that have not responde…

This study tested a combination of two drugs, ramucirumab and pembrolizumab, in 43 people with head and neck cancer that had spread or come back. The goal was to first find a safe dose and then see if the combination could shrink tumors. The approach aims to block blood vessel gr…

This trial is testing two different ways of delivering a second course of radiation to people whose head or neck cancer has come back after prior radiation. One approach uses a single daily dose of radiation combined with two chemotherapy drugs given every other week over 11 week…

This trial is testing whether adding targeted radiation (SBRT) to two immunotherapy drugs, durvalumab and tremelimumab, can better control metastatic head and neck cancer. The study includes adults with this cancer that has spread, and the radiation is given between cycles of the…

This early-phase study tested an experimental drug called COM902, alone or with other drugs, in 94 people with advanced cancers like ovarian, lung, and colon cancer. The main goal was to check safety and find the right dose. Researchers also looked for early signs that the drug m…

This phase II trial is testing whether adding the experimental drug xevinapant to the standard post-surgery chemoradiation treatment can improve outcomes for people with high-risk head and neck cancer. The study enrolls adults with certain types of head and neck cancer who have h…

This phase 2 trial tested whether adding the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to standard surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy could help prevent head and neck cancer from coming back. The study enrolled 67 adults with advanced, surgically removable head and neck squam…

This trial is testing whether combining two drugs—toripalimab, an immunotherapy, and cetuximab, a targeted therapy—can shrink tumors in people with advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer. The study includes patients whose cancer has returned or spread after initial treatment…

This early-phase trial tested a new approach for people with advanced head and neck cancer that has come back or spread. It combined specially trained natural killer (NK) immune cells with drugs that help the immune system attack cancer. The study enrolled 11 participants to chec…

This phase 2 study tests whether adding the targeted drug Tarceva (erlotinib) to standard chemotherapy (cisplatin and docetaxel) can shrink tumors in people with head and neck cancer that has spread or returned. About 50 participants will receive the combination and be monitored …

This study tests whether a new drug called RPH-075, a biosimilar of pembrolizumab (Keytruda), works as well as the original in people with skin melanoma, lung cancer, or head and neck cancer. Participants receive a single dose of either RPH-075 or Keytruda, and researchers compar…

This phase 3 trial compares a new drug, RPH-002, to the standard treatment Erbitux in 161 patients with advanced head and neck cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. Both drugs are given with chemotherapy. The main goal is to see if RPH-002 works as well as Erbitux in shrinkin…

This Phase 1 trial compared a new biosimilar drug, RPH-002, to the standard cancer drug Erbitux in 118 patients with advanced head and neck cancer that could not be removed by surgery. The main goals were to see if RPH-002 reaches similar levels in the blood and has a similar saf…

This phase 2 trial investigates whether combining two drugs—RAD001 (everolimus) and erlotinib (Tarceva)—can help control recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The study enrolls adults whose cancer has returned after platinum-based chemotherapy. Participants take…

This study tested whether combining two drugs, brentuximab vedotin and pembrolizumab, can shrink tumors in people with advanced melanoma, lung cancer, or head and neck cancer that has spread. About 161 adults took part. The main goal was to see how many patients had their tumors …

This early-stage trial is testing a combination of two lab-made antibodies in people with advanced solid tumors that have not responded to standard treatments. One antibody (LDP) aims to reactivate the immune system against cancer, while the other (CDP1) blocks a growth signal on…

This study tests whether a daily dose of Taiwanese Green Propolis, a natural bee-derived supplement, can improve blood fat levels, reduce fatigue, and enhance quality of life in people who have completed treatment for oral cavity cancer. Participants take either propolis capsules…

This study compares two treatment approaches for people with operable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. One group receives low-dose radiotherapy plus targeted therapy and immunotherapy before surgery, while the other gets only targeted therapy and immunotherapy. The goal is …

This phase 2 trial tests a combination of two drugs—cetuximab and dalpicilib—in people with a type of head and neck cancer that has returned or spread and no longer responds to standard immunotherapy. The study includes 28 adults aged 18 to 75 whose tumors are HPV-negative. The g…

This phase 2 study tested a combination of the drug Tarceva (erlotinib) with RADPLAT (radiation and intra-arterial cisplatin) in 21 patients with advanced head and neck cancer. The goal was to see if the combination was safe and effective at shrinking tumors. Researchers measured…

This early-stage trial tested a new drug called PF-07257876 in 29 people with advanced lung, head/neck, or ovarian cancers that had stopped responding to other treatments. The drug is a bispecific antibody designed to help the immune system attack cancer cells. The main goals wer…

This phase II trial tested a combination of three treatments: specially engineered natural killer cells (PD-L1 CAR-NK cells), an immunotherapy drug (pembrolizumab), and an immune booster (N-803) in 18 adults with advanced gastric or head and neck cancer that had not responded to …

This phase 2 trial tested two chemotherapy drugs, paclitaxel and carboplatin, given before surgery to 79 people with locally advanced head and neck cancer. The goal was to see how well the drugs shrink tumors before surgery. The main measure was a major pathologic response, meani…

This early-phase study tested a single dose of an experimental antibody (MEDI0562) given before surgery to 13 patients with advanced head and neck cancer or melanoma. The goal was to see if the drug safely activates the immune system to fight the cancer. Researchers compared givi…

This early-stage trial tested the safety of adding olaparib to standard chemotherapy and radiation for people with advanced head and neck cancer. Sixteen patients took part to find the best dose and see how well they tolerated the combination. The goal was to control the disease,…

This early-phase trial tested a combination of four therapies to see if they could safely boost the immune system to fight cancer. 17 adults with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, metastatic breast cancer, or head & neck cancer received low-dose radiation and two immune-boosting drugs inje…

This study looked at whether adding cetuximab to avelumab works better than avelumab alone for people with advanced head and neck cancer that has come back or spread. The cancer in these patients is not curable, and average survival is less than a year. The trial first checked th…

This phase 2 trial tested a new approach for people with intermediate-risk HPV-related head and neck cancer. Participants received an HPV-16 vaccine (ISA101b) plus the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab alongside standard chemoradiation. The goal was to see if this combination coul…

This study tested whether giving the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab for one year after standard treatment could help prevent head and neck cancer from coming back in 100 patients at high risk for recurrence. Participants received either pembrolizumab or a placebo. The main goal…

This early-stage study tested a custom-made yeast vaccine designed to train the immune system to recognize and attack leftover cancer cells. Five adults with various cancers (like colorectal, breast, or lung) who had completed initial treatment received the vaccine. The goal was …

This study tested a combination of two drugs, niraparib and dostarlimab, in 10 people with head and neck cancer that had come back or spread. The goal was to see if the combination could shrink tumors or slow the cancer. Participants had to be able to swallow pills and have no ot…

This phase 2 trial tested whether adding tiragolumab to atezolizumab (Tecentriq) helps shrink tumors better than atezolizumab alone in people with advanced head and neck cancer that has come back or spread. The study enrolled 123 adults whose tumors have a specific protein (PD-L1…

This study tested the drug nivolumab (Opdivo) in 39 people with head and neck cancer who had already received radiation and then had a second surgery to remove remaining cancer. The goal was to see if nivolumab could help prevent the cancer from coming back and to check for side …

This phase 3 trial tested whether adding lenvatinib (Lenvima) to pembrolizumab (Keytruda) works better than pembrolizumab alone for people with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The study enrolled 511 participants whose tumors express PD-L1. Researche…

This study tested whether giving fewer, higher-dose radiation sessions after surgery for head and neck cancer is safe. Eighteen adults with certain risk factors received one of three shortened radiation schedules. The goal was to find the shortest course that does not cause sever…

This study tested a combination of two drugs, atezolizumab and bevacizumab, in 33 adults with advanced head and neck cancer that had worsened after chemotherapy. The goal was to see if the combo could shrink tumors or slow disease progression. Results may help guide future treatm…

This study tested a treatment plan for people with advanced head and neck cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. The plan combined the immunotherapy drug camrelizumab with chemotherapy and radiation. 39 adults took part. The goal was to see if the treatment could help control …

This study tested a combination of two immunotherapy drugs (eftilagimod alpha and pembrolizumab) in 187 people with advanced lung cancer or head/neck cancer that had not been treated or had stopped responding to prior therapy. The goal was to see if the combination could shrink t…

This phase 2 trial tested a new cancer vaccine (IO102-IO103) combined with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab as a first treatment for people with advanced lung, head/neck, or bladder cancer that had spread. The study enrolled 63 participants to see if the combination is safe a…

This study tested a new drug called TAK-676, alone and with pembrolizumab, in 248 adults with advanced solid tumors that had no standard treatment options. The main goal was to check safety and find the highest dose that causes few side effects. The study also looked at how well …

This early-phase trial tested the safety of combining two drugs—L-NMMA and pembrolizumab (Keytruda)—in 12 adults with various advanced cancers. Pembrolizumab helps the immune system recognize cancer cells, while L-NMMA may remove a chemical barrier that blocks immune attack. The …

This study tested an experimental drug called BMS-986016 (anti-LAG-3) alone or combined with nivolumab in people with advanced solid tumors that had spread or couldn't be removed by surgery. It included several cancer types like lung, stomach, liver, kidney, bladder, head and nec…

This phase 2 trial tests the drug utidelone in 126 people with advanced solid tumors (excluding breast, lung, and colorectal cancers) that have not responded to standard treatments. The study aims to see if the drug can shrink tumors and how safe it is. Participants receive utide…

This phase 2 trial tested a combination of three drugs—camrelizumab (an immunotherapy), cetuximab (a targeted therapy), and chemotherapy—as a first treatment for people with head and neck cancer that has come back or spread. The study enrolled 41 participants and measured how man…

This study tested combinations of three immunotherapy drugs—tislelizumab, surzebiclimab, and alcestobart—in 147 adults with advanced solid tumors that had not responded to prior treatments. The goal was to find safe doses and see if the drugs could shrink tumors. The trial is now…

This study tested whether combining two FDA-approved cancer drugs, cetuximab and nivolumab, could help people with advanced head and neck cancer that has returned or spread. A total of 95 participants received the drug combination to find the best dose and see if it improves surv…

This early-stage study tested the safety of adding the drug afatinib to standard radiation therapy for people with head and neck cancer at risk of recurrence. Afatinib blocks proteins that help cancer grow and may make cancer cells more sensitive to radiation. The study included …

This study tested a three-step treatment for head and neck cancer that uses chemotherapy before surgery, then adjusts further treatment based on risk. The goal was to see if this personalized approach could reduce side effects while still controlling the cancer. 40 adults with a …

This early study tested the safety of an experimental drug called MK-4700, given alone or with the approved immunotherapy Keytruda, in 5 people with advanced solid tumors that had stopped responding to other treatments. The main goal was to find a safe dose and see how the body h…

This Phase 3 trial tested whether adding lenvatinib to pembrolizumab (Keytruda) helps people with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has a specific marker (PD-L1). The study enrolled 112 participants and compared the combination against pembrolizum…

This study tested whether a short course of radiation to one tumor site could help immunotherapy drugs work better in people with advanced lung or head/neck cancers. 76 participants received radiation within two weeks of starting their immunotherapy. The main goal was to see if t…

This phase II trial tested whether adding sorafenib to cetuximab works better than cetuximab alone for patients with advanced head and neck cancer that has come back or spread. Fifty-five adults with various types of head and neck cancer took part. The study measured how long pat…

This phase 2 trial tested whether giving an extra dose of radiation to the most resistant parts of a tumor, identified by a special MRI scan (DCE-MRI), could improve outcomes for people with advanced head and neck cancer. 106 participants received standard chemoradiation (cisplat…

This phase 3 trial tested whether adding a targeted antibody (cetuximab) to standard chemotherapy (cisplatin) helps people with advanced head and neck cancer that has spread or come back. About 120 patients received either cisplatin plus cetuximab or cisplatin plus a placebo. The…

This phase 2 trial tested whether adding the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to standard chemotherapy and radiation after surgery could help prevent cancer from returning in people with advanced head and neck cancer. The study enrolled 211 patients who had their tumor…

This study tested a new way to give radiation for head and neck cancer. Instead of treating the whole neck, doctors used artificial intelligence to focus radiation only on the cancer spots. 67 patients took part to see if this approach could reduce side effects without increasing…

This study tested combinations of the immunotherapy drug durvalumab with other drugs (danvatirsen, AZD5069, or tremelimumab) in 340 adults with advanced solid tumors or head and neck cancer. The goal was to find safe doses and see if the combinations shrink tumors. The trial has …

This completed phase II study tested a combination of two drugs—tadalafil (Cialis) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda)—in 7 adults with advanced head and neck cancer that had spread or come back. The goal was to see if the combination was safe and could help control the disease. Because…

This early-stage trial tested a new oral drug, MSP008-22, in 7 adults with advanced solid tumors (breast, ovarian, prostate, head and neck cancers) that had spread or could not be removed. The main goal was to find a safe dose and check for side effects. This is a first step to s…

This large Phase 3 trial tested whether adding the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to standard chemoradiation helps people with locally advanced head and neck cancer live longer without the disease getting worse. Over 800 participants received either pembrolizumab plu…

This phase 2 trial tested a combination of two targeted drugs, afatinib and cetuximab, in 50 patients with advanced head and neck cancer that had spread or come back. All participants had already tried standard treatments like chemotherapy or immunotherapy. The main goal was to s…

This early-phase study tested whether genetically modified T-cells (MAGE-A10ᶜ⁷⁹⁶T) are safe for people with advanced urothelial cancer, melanoma, or head and neck cancer. Ten participants received their own engineered immune cells after chemotherapy. The main goal was to check fo…

This study tested a shorter radiation schedule (3 weeks instead of 6-7) for head and neck cancer in people aged 70 and older. The goal was to see if it could still control the cancer while reducing side effects and treatment gaps. 37 participants received either adjuvant or defin…

This early-phase study tests two experimental drugs, BI 765049 and ezabenlimab, in adults with advanced solid tumors like colorectal, lung, and pancreatic cancer. The main goal is to find the highest safe dose of BI 765049 alone and in combination with ezabenlimab. Participants r…

This study tested a combination of two drugs, pembrolizumab and cetuximab, in 78 people with advanced head and neck cancer that had returned or spread. The goal was to see if the combination could shrink tumors or slow the disease. Participants were grouped based on whether they …

This trial tested a new treatment for people with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive head and neck cancer that has spread or come back. The treatment uses specially engineered immune cells (TCR-T cells) that recognize EBV on cancer cells and also release a PD1 blocker to help them…

This early-phase study tested a new drug called CUE-101, alone or with pembrolizumab, in 80 adults with HPV16-positive head and neck cancer that had spread or returned. The main goals were to check safety and find the right dose. Researchers also looked at whether the drug helped…

This early-stage trial tested a new type of cell therapy for people with HPV-positive head & neck or cervical cancer. The treatment uses a patient's own immune cells, engineered to recognize and attack HPV-infected cancer cells. Some patients also received cells that produce an a…

This Phase 3 trial tested whether the oral drug afatinib works better than the standard injected drug methotrexate for people with advanced head and neck cancer that has worsened after platinum chemotherapy. The study enrolled 340 patients and measured how long they lived without…

This phase II trial tested a personalized approach for people with advanced head and neck cancer that had stopped responding to prior immunotherapy. Researchers used genetic testing to choose which drug to add to nivolumab—either relatlimab or ipilimumab. The study enrolled 20 pa…

This early-phase study tested a combination of low-dose radiation, an immunotherapy drug (tislelizumab), and a targeted therapy (afatinib) given before surgery to people with head and neck cancer. The main goal was to find a safe dose and see how well the treatment shrinks tumors…

This early-stage trial tested an oral drug called JAB-3312 in 40 adults with advanced solid tumors (like lung, colon, or breast cancer) that had stopped responding to standard treatments. The main goals were to find a safe dose and check for side effects. Researchers also looked …

This early-stage trial tested the safety of a new drug called SGN-B6A in 6 Chinese patients with advanced solid tumors (lung, head and neck, esophageal, stomach cancers). The main goal was to identify side effects and see how the body processes the drug. It is a first step to see…

This early-phase trial tested an experimental drug called BMS-986315, alone or combined with other immunotherapies (nivolumab or cetuximab), in 44 people with advanced solid tumors like head and neck, lung, or kidney cancer. The main goals were to check safety and find the right …

This study tested a new drug (TJ004309) combined with an approved immunotherapy (atezolizumab) in 25 people with advanced ovarian, head and neck, lung, gastrointestinal, or triple-negative breast cancers. The goal was to see if the combination could shrink tumors. Participants ha…

This phase 2 trial tested whether adding eftilagimod alpha to the immunotherapy pembrolizumab works better than pembrolizumab alone for people with advanced head and neck cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. The study included 171 participants whose tumors had certain marker…

This early-phase trial tested a personalized immunotherapy for people with advanced solid tumors. Doctors removed a sample of each patient's tumor, grew the immune cells (TILs) in a lab, and then infused them back along with another drug. The goal was to see if this approach is s…

This early-phase trial tested a combination of two drugs — IRX-2 and durvalumab — in 19 people with advanced head and neck cancer that could not be cured by standard treatments. The goal was to see if the combination was safe and could boost the immune response inside tumors. The…

This study tested whether adding an experimental drug (epacadostat) to an immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) works better than standard chemotherapy for people with advanced head and neck cancer that has come back or spread. 89 adults took part. The main goal was to see how many patie…

This study tested whether a combination of two drugs, lenvatinib and pembrolizumab, could help people with head and neck cancer that has returned or spread and is no longer responding to standard treatments. About 408 participants were randomly assigned to receive the combination…

This phase 2 study tested whether adding the drug erlotinib to standard chemotherapy (docetaxel plus cisplatin or carboplatin) helps shrink head and neck tumors before surgery. 55 patients with advanced but operable head and neck cancer took part. The main goal was to see how man…

This early-phase trial tested a new drug called CyPep-1, injected directly into tumors, combined with the immunotherapy pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in 6 people with advanced head and neck cancer, melanoma, or triple-negative breast cancer. The main goal was to check safety and side …

This study looked at 65 people with advanced head and neck cancer that had spread to lymph nodes. It compared two approaches: having surgery to remove affected lymph nodes before chemo-radiation, versus chemo-radiation alone. The goal was to see if upfront surgery could reduce tr…

This phase 2 trial tested a combination of a short, intense course of radiation (quad-shot) and the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab in 21 people with advanced, recurrent, or metastatic head and neck cancer. The goal was to see if the combination could shrink tumors and be safe. …

This phase 2 trial tested the chemotherapy drug mitomycin C in 48 patients with incurable head and neck cancer that had stopped responding to standard treatments. The goal was to see if the drug could shrink tumors. Researchers hope to find a new option for patients with very lim…

This study tested a new way of giving radiation to people with head and neck cancer. The goal was to lower the radiation dose to healthy neck areas to reduce side effects like trouble eating, while still keeping the cancer from coming back. About 300 patients took part, and the r…

This study tested whether adding the drug buparlisib to standard chemotherapy (paclitaxel) helps people with advanced head and neck cancer live longer. About 487 adults whose cancer had returned or spread and who had already tried other treatments took part. The goal was to see i…

This study tested an experimental drug called BDB001 in people with advanced solid tumors (like skin, lung, or kidney cancer) that had stopped responding to standard immunotherapy. The goal was to see if BDB001 could shrink tumors or slow their growth. Only one person took part, …

This pilot study tested whether applying prescription fluoride varnish to teeth every three months during the first year after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer can reduce cavities and gum problems. 13 adults with at least 4 natural teeth and certain cancers took part. T…

This early-phase trial tested a new drug called INCA32459 in 46 people with advanced cancers that had spread. The main goals were to check safety, find the right dose, and see how the body handles the drug. It is too early to know if the drug works, but the results will guide fut…

This study tested a combination of two drugs, duvelisib and docetaxel, in 26 people with head and neck cancer that had returned or spread and could not be cured. The goal was to see if the combination could shrink tumors or slow the disease. The approach aims to control the cance…

This study tested a new drug called DF9001, which helps the body's natural killer cells attack cancer cells. It was given alone or with another immunotherapy (pembrolizumab) to 24 adults with advanced solid tumors that have the EGFR protein. The goal was to check safety and find …

This study tested a new drug (MK-1454) injected directly into tumors, combined with the immunotherapy pembrolizumab, for people with advanced head and neck cancer that had not been treated before. The goal was to see if the combination worked better than pembrolizumab alone. 18 a…

This early-phase study tested an experimental drug (MK-1454) injected directly into tumors, either alone or with pembrolizumab (Keytruda), in 156 people with advanced solid tumors or lymphomas. The main goals were to find the safest dose and check for side effects. The study also…

This study tested a combination of two drugs—sEphB4-HSA and pembrolizumab—in 42 people with advanced non-small cell lung cancer or head & neck cancer that had spread or returned. The goal was to see if the combo could shrink tumors better than standard treatments. Participants ha…

This early-phase study tested an experimental drug called MK-4830, either by itself or combined with other cancer therapies like pembrolizumab, in 470 people with advanced solid tumors. The main goals were to check safety, find the right dose, and see if tumors shrank. The study …

This study tested a vaccine called PepCan in 17 people who had head and neck cancer and were in remission. The goal was to see if the vaccine is safe and can reduce the chance of the cancer returning. Participants received seven injections of either PepCan or a placebo over about…

This early-phase trial tested whether adding the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab to standard chemoradiation is safe and effective for people with advanced head and neck cancer. 59 participants received pembrolizumab before, during, and after their regular treatment. The goal was…

This early-phase study tested a combination of two immunotherapy drugs, BGB-A445 and tislelizumab, in 204 people with advanced solid tumors including lung, head and neck, and nasopharyngeal cancers. The main goals were to check safety and find the best dose. The trial is now comp…

This Phase 2 trial tested a combination of two immunotherapies—PDS0101 and pembrolizumab (Keytruda)—in 95 adults with HPV16-positive head and neck cancer that had returned or spread. The goal was to see if the combo could shrink tumors or slow the disease. Participants received b…

This early-phase study tested an experimental drug called ABBV-CLS-579, given alone or with other cancer treatments, in 101 adults with advanced solid tumors that had stopped responding to standard therapy. The main goal was to find safe and tolerable doses, not to prove the drug…

This study tested an experimental drug called ozuriftamab vedotin in 42 people with head and neck cancer that returned or spread. The goal was to see if the drug could shrink tumors and to check for side effects. Participants received the drug alone or with other treatments, and …

This early-phase study tested a combination of two drugs—oral decitabine and durvalumab—in 13 adults with advanced head and neck cancer that had stopped responding to standard immunotherapy. The goal was to see if the combo could safely boost the immune system's ability to fight …

This early-phase study tested combinations of immunotherapy drugs (atezolizumab and tiragolumab) plus chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel) in 12 people with advanced head and neck cancer that had not been treated before. The goal was to see if these combinations could comple…

This completed phase I/II trial tested two experimental vaccines, HB-201 and HB-202, in 198 people with HPV 16+ cancers. The goal was to find a safe dose and see if the vaccines could shrink tumors. Participants received the vaccines alone or with standard treatments like pembrol…

This early-phase study tested an experimental drug called TPST-1495, taken as a pill, either alone or combined with the immunotherapy Keytruda (pembrolizumab). The trial included 89 people with advanced solid tumors like colorectal, lung, head and neck, and endometrial cancers wh…

This study tested an enhanced tobacco intervention program (ETIP) for people with head and neck or lung cancer who smoke. The program combined counseling, nicotine replacement, and medications like bupropion or varenicline. Nineteen participants were enrolled to see if the progra…

This early-phase trial tested an experimental drug called TAK-676 combined with the immunotherapy pembrolizumab after radiation therapy in 34 adults with advanced lung, breast, or head/neck cancers that had stopped responding to checkpoint inhibitors. The main goals were to check…

This phase II trial tested a combination of three chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and docetaxel) at adapted doses in 105 patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer that could not be surgically removed. The goal was to see if this adjusted dosing could effe…

This Phase 2 trial tested whether adding setanaxib (an experimental oral drug) to the standard immunotherapy pembrolizumab (Keytruda) works better than pembrolizumab alone for people with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. 55 adults whose cancer…

Researchers are testing whether a fluorescent dye called cRGD-ZW800-1 can help surgeons see oral cancer tumors more clearly during surgery. The trial enrolls adults with squamous cell carcinoma of the mouth who are scheduled for tumor removal. Participants receive an injection of…

This study tests a special microscope that lets doctors check if all cancer cells have been removed during surgery for common skin cancers. About 42 adults with head, neck, or skin cancer will take part. The goal is to see if this quick method is as accurate as the standard lab t…

This trial investigates whether a blood test can detect circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with advanced head and neck cancer. Researchers will take blood samples before, during, and after surgery, and use two different methods to count these cells. The goal is to see if …

This study tested a device called an 'artificial nose' that analyzes breath to detect head and neck cancer. 45 people (some with cancer, some healthy) gave breath samples. The device used sensors to create a unique breath pattern, aiming to tell who had cancer and who did not.

This study tested whether a special type of MRI (diffusion-weighted MRI) can predict if head and neck cancer will come back after chemoradiotherapy. Fifty-nine patients had two MRIs: one before treatment and one three months after. The goal was to see if changes in water movement…

This trial tests whether a mouthwash containing lithium can prevent or reduce oral mucositis (painful mouth sores) and dysgeusia (taste changes) in people receiving radiation for head and neck tumors. Participants will rinse with either a lithium mouthwash or a placebo during the…

This study tests whether a heavy lifting strength training program is safe and helpful for people who have finished treatment for head and neck cancer at least one year ago. Researchers want to see if it improves muscle strength, physical function, fatigue, and quality of life co…

This study tests a new type of radiotherapy that uses daily MRI scans to precisely target head and neck cancer while avoiding the saliva glands. The goal is to reduce severe dry mouth, a common and lasting side effect. Forty-nine patients will receive this adaptive treatment and …

This trial tests a web-based tool called HN-STAR that helps head and neck cancer survivors and their doctors manage ongoing health issues after treatment. About 357 survivors from 20 to 36 cancer clinics will either use the tool or get usual care. The goal is to see if the tool i…

This trial tests whether a wearable sensor called the Alio Smart Patch can help catch early signs of febrile neutropenia, a serious infection risk from chemotherapy. Thirty adults with certain cancers will wear the patch and a glucose monitor at home, with a remote care team watc…

This study looked at whether a group resistance exercise program could help head and neck cancer patients maintain muscle and quality of life during chemoradiation. Twenty adults with advanced head and neck cancer took part in supervised strength training sessions. Researchers me…

This phase 2 trial tested whether adding venlafaxine (an antidepressant) to a standard pain regimen of gabapentin, methadone, and oxycodone could better control pain in 62 people with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiation. The study measured pain scores and side effects …

This study tested whether having a dietitian visit patients at home during radiotherapy could improve their quality of life. 117 adults with head and neck cancer took part. The goal was to see if personalized nutrition advice helps patients cope better with treatment side effects…

This study tested whether a short exercise program before chemoradiotherapy helps head and neck cancer patients maintain physical function. 47 adults with head and neck cancer were randomly assigned to either an exercise prehabilitation group or usual care. The exercise program l…

This study tested whether shining a red LED light on mouth sores caused by radiation therapy can help them heal. 28 people with head or neck cancer who already had mild sores received a 7-minute light treatment before each radiation session. The main goal was to see if the sores …

This study looked at skin problems in 57 patients with advanced head and neck cancer who received a combination of the drug cetuximab and radiation therapy. The goal was to track and understand skin side effects during treatment. Researchers also measured quality of life and tumo…

This early-phase study tested whether alpha lipoic acid, a dietary supplement, can reduce pain and side effects in people with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiation. Only 5 patients were enrolled to find a safe and tolerable dose. The goal was to see if it's worth studyi…

This study looked at whether head and neck cancer patients would use medical cannabis to help with side effects during chemotherapy and radiation. 30 patients were observed to see how many signed up for and obtained medical cannabis. The goal was to understand if cannabis could b…

This study looked at whether eating only during an 8-10 hour daytime window (without cutting calories) could help immunotherapy work better in people with advanced head and neck cancer. 29 patients were asked to follow this eating pattern, and researchers tracked how well they st…

This study tested whether pentoxifylline, a drug used for blood flow problems, can protect the kidneys from damage caused by cisplatin chemotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. 90 adults receiving cisplatin for the first time took part. Researchers measured kidney injury usi…

This study looked at whether a home-based exercise program can help people with head and neck cancer maintain movement, muscle strength, and posture while undergoing radiation therapy. Twenty-four adults who had surgery and were scheduled for radiation took part. The goal was to …

This study tested ozone therapy to treat painful mouth sores caused by radiation and chemotherapy in 58 head and neck cancer patients. Patients received professional ozone treatments at the dental clinic plus ozone-based toothpaste, mouthrinse, and gel to use at home for 15 days.…

This pilot study tested two different methods of planning radiation therapy for head and neck cancer: margin-based and robust planning. The goal was to see which method causes less dry mouth, a common side effect. Twenty-three patients participated, and researchers measured dry m…

This study looks at how a protein called AXL in head and neck tumors responds to a combination of two drugs, imatinib and cetuximab, given before standard treatment. About 15 adults with head and neck cancer will receive the drugs for a short time between diagnosis and surgery or…

This trial tests whether a 15-minute educational video and a list of suggested questions can improve understanding of immunotherapy among patients with advanced cancer and their caregivers. Participants are randomly assigned to receive the educational materials or usual care, and…

This study analyzes DNA and RNA from stored tumor samples of 401 people with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The goal is to classify each tumor by its genetic mutations and immune activity, potentially pointing toward which treatments—such as immunotherapy—might work best.…

This study follows head and neck cancer patients who received radiation therapy to see how many teeth they lose over two years. It also looks at other mouth problems like dry mouth and bone damage. The goal is to better understand and manage these long-term side effects.

This study enrolled 500 skin cancer patients in China and analyzed over 1.2 million of their social media posts using artificial intelligence. The goal was to see if AI could detect signs of psychological distress and suicidal thoughts. Researchers hope this approach could lead t…

This early-phase study tested very small amounts of several cancer drugs (rilvegostomig, volrustomig, sabestomig, AZD9592, and pembrolizumab) injected directly into head and neck tumors in 17 people. The goal was to see how each drug affects the tumor's environment at the injecti…

This completed study looked at 50 people with advanced head and neck cancer that had stopped responding to chemotherapy. Researchers gave them the drug nivolumab and analyzed their tumors and blood to find biological markers that could predict who would respond best. The goal was…

This study tested whether a defined mixture of live gut bacteria from a healthy donor (MET-4) is safe and can be detected in patients with advanced oropharyngeal cancer receiving standard chemoradiation. Thirty participants took the bacteria by mouth daily for up to four weeks. T…

This study tested whether a PET scan using a tracer called FMISO can measure oxygen levels (hypoxia) in head and neck cancers. Sixteen patients received the scan before starting radiotherapy. The goal was to see if the amount of hypoxia seen on the scan could predict how well the…

This completed study used artificial intelligence to examine electronic health records from 10,000 head and neck cancer patients. The goal was to create models that can predict the risk of cancer coming back or progressing, and to identify which patients might live longer after i…

This completed study tested whether a new biomarker called 'mass response' can predict how well a cancer therapy will work. Researchers collected tumor cells from 72 patients with various cancers through fluid drainage or biopsies. The goal was to see if this biomarker could guid…

This completed trial tested a mobile app and web platform (BD4QoL) to monitor quality of life in 410 head and neck cancer survivors after curative treatment. The goal was to see if the platform could reduce or catch early declines in quality of life compared to standard follow-up…

This early-phase study looked at whether a protein from the Maackia amurensis seed (MASL) can target a receptor called podoplanin found on oral cancer and precancerous cells. Researchers measured how much of this receptor was present in tissue samples from 18 adults with suspicio…

This study tested whether taking the drug BYL719 (Alpelisib) for 14 days before surgery could change certain biological markers in head and neck cancer tissue. Fifteen patients with resectable head and neck squamous cell cancer took the drug, and researchers compared tissue sampl…

This study looked at how 78 patients with high-risk skin cancer on the head or neck felt about their treatment decisions, quality of life, and satisfaction with care. Researchers used standard questionnaires to measure these factors at two points: right after a team of doctors di…

This study tested a personalized blood test that looks for tumor DNA in 40 patients with advanced head and neck cancer. The goal was to see if the test could help predict how the disease will progress and detect if the cancer comes back after treatment. Researchers took blood sam…

This study tested a new blood test (liquid biopsy) to find cancer markers in 135 people with head and neck, lung, or skin cancer. The goal was to see if the blood test works as well as a standard tissue biopsy. The study did not provide treatment but aimed to improve how doctors …

This study examined whether certain gene variations (FCGR2A and FCGR3A) influence how well the drug cetuximab works in people with advanced upper aerodigestive tract cancers that have spread or come back. Researchers analyzed blood samples from 121 participants to look for these …

This study looked at people with advanced solid tumors (like lung, bladder, or melanoma) who had been on immunotherapy for one year and whose disease was stable. Half stopped treatment and half continued. The goal was to see if stopping early affected how long until the cancer pr…

This study collected tumor samples from 419 people with head and neck cancer to create a biobank. Researchers will use these samples in future genomic studies to find factors that predict how well a person will respond to treatment. The goal is to improve personalized outcome pre…

This study looked at how head and neck cancer patients sense texture, temperature, and spice in their mouths after treatment. Researchers compared 72 patients to healthy volunteers using touch tests and food preference questionnaires. The goal was to understand if changes in mout…