HEAD AND NECK CANCER

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 early-phase trial tested an experimental drug called KVA12123, given alone or with the immunotherapy Keytruda, in 40 adults with advanced solid tumors (like lung, breast, or colon cancer) that had stopped responding to standard treatments. The main goals were to check safety…

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-phase study tested a personalized cancer vaccine (RO7198457) in 273 patients with advanced solid tumors like melanoma, lung, and breast cancer. The vaccine was given alone or with an immunotherapy drug (atezolizumab) to see if it was safe and how the body responded. Th…

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 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 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 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 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 early-stage study tested a new drug called BI 765049, alone or combined with another drug (ezabenlimab), in 21 Asian adults with advanced solid tumors (stomach, colorectal, pancreatic, liver, head and neck, or lung cancer) that have a specific marker called B7-H6. The main g…

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 early-stage trial tested an experimental drug called CTX-471, given alone or with the approved drug Keytruda, in 100 adults with advanced cancers like lung cancer, melanoma, and head and neck cancer. The goal was to see if the combination is safe and tolerable for patients w…

This pilot study tested whether tailored text messages could help head and neck cancer survivors stop drinking alcohol, which is a major risk factor for cancer recurrence. 126 survivors from a hospital and a VA medical center were randomly assigned to receive either the text mess…

This study tested a newer robotic surgery system (Da Vinci Xi) for removing head and neck tumors through the mouth. It included 100 adults with various types and stages of head and neck cancer. The main goal was to see if the procedure could be done successfully and safely. The a…

This study tested proton therapy in 87 adults whose head and neck cancer came back after prior radiation. The goal was to see if this precise type of radiation can control the tumor while limiting side effects. Participants had cancer that could not be removed by surgery or chose…

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 study looked at whether adding a structured addiction treatment program to standard cancer care helps patients with head and neck or lung cancer quit smoking and reduce alcohol use. 133 patients were randomly assigned to either the integrated program or usual care. The main …

This early study tested whether stem cells from donated umbilical cord tissue could help people with chronic dry mouth after radiation for head and neck cancer. Ten adults received a single injection of these stem cells and were monitored for safety and any improvement in saliva …

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 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-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 early-phase trial tested a new drug called SNB-101 in 21 people with advanced solid tumors (like colorectal, breast, and lung cancers) that had stopped responding to standard treatments. SNB-101 is a nanoparticle version of SN-38, the active part of a common chemotherapy dru…

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 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 large phase 3 trial studied nearly 1,000 people with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer to see if replacing chemotherapy with a targeted drug (cetuximab) during radiation could work as well or better. The goal was to find a treatment that controls the disease while possibly re…

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 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 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 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 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 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 phase II trial tested whether adding the targeted drug cetuximab to standard chemotherapy and radiation could help prevent head and neck cancer from coming back after surgery. The study enrolled 53 patients with certain high-risk features. The main goal was to see how many p…

This phase 3 trial tested whether giving a special nutritional supplement (immunonutrition) before and after surgery could reduce infections in 311 patients with head and neck cancer. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three nutrition regimens. The main goal was to see…

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 trial tested whether a special fluoride treatment (silver diamine fluoride) can prevent tooth decay in 56 head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Patients received a one-time professional application of the silver solution plus a fluoride gel …

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 trial tested two doses of the drug erlotinib (Tarceva) given before surgery in 48 people with head and neck cancer. The goal was to see how the drug affects a protein called phospho-Akt in tumor samples. Researchers hope erlotinib might slow tumor growth by block…

This early-phase study tested an investigational drug called CLR 131, which delivers radiation directly to tumor cells, combined with standard external beam radiation. It enrolled 12 people with head and neck cancer that had returned after prior treatment. The main goal was to ch…

This study tested whether a simple breath test can predict if cancer patients will respond to immunotherapy drugs. Researchers used an electronic nose device to analyze breath samples from 190 patients with lung, melanoma, kidney, bladder, or head and neck cancers. The goal is to…

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 looked at whether giving different doses of magnesium can help prevent kidney damage caused by the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. 100 people with head and neck cancer took part. Researchers compared three groups receiving 1, 2, or 3 grams of magnesium to find the best pr…

This pilot study tests whether a special cream (KeraStat) and a mobile app (MyCap) can help manage skin rashes caused by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. Sixteen participants will apply the cream at least twice daily during radiation and use the app to report t…

This early study tested whether injecting a patient's own stem cells into the saliva gland could safely help dry mouth caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Six participants received one injection, with a second offered later. The main goal was to check for side e…

This study tested whether a propolis mouth rinse could delay or prevent severe oral mucositis (painful mouth sores) in 140 head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation. Participants used either a 15% propolis solution or a placebo four times daily alongside standard oral ca…

This study tested a new swallowing exercise for people who have trouble swallowing after treatment for head and neck cancer. The exercise trains patients to start swallowing while breathing out, which may help prevent food or liquid from entering the airway. 88 survivors particip…

This study tested whether a 12-week supervised exercise program could improve quality of life for 133 head and neck cancer patients undergoing treatment. The program included supervised sessions at the hospital and home exercises. Researchers measured physical and mental function…

This study compared a capsaicin patch (Qutenza) to a standard nerve pain medication (amitriptyline) in 13 head and neck cancer survivors with long-term nerve pain. The goal was to see if the patch could reduce pain and improve quality of life. Participants received either the pat…

This study looked at whether giving head and neck cancer patients a special nutritional supplement (Nestle IMPACT AR) before and after major surgery could lower the chance of wound problems like infections or poor healing. Only 4 people took part, and researchers tracked complica…

This study tested whether a simple walking program, guided by a fitness tracker, could help cancer patients tolerate their chemoradiotherapy without missing treatments. 166 adults with brain, head and neck, lung, gastrointestinal, or cervical cancer participated. Patients were gi…

This study tested whether an education and support program can help family caregivers of cancer patients feel more confident and less anxious. About 484 caregivers and patients took part. Researchers compared different types of support to see which worked best.

This study looked at whether mindfulness exercises can lower stress and improve communication between patients with liver disease and their doctors. 56 adults took part, answering surveys about their stress, anxiety, and how well they felt they could share decisions with their he…

This study tested a new type of radiation therapy that adjusts the treatment beam each day based on the patient's current anatomy. The goal was to see if this daily adaptive approach could reduce chronic dry mouth (xerostomia) compared to standard radiation in 50 people with head…

This study tested whether a benzydamine hydrochloride (Difflam) oral spray can reduce the severity of mouth sores caused by high-dose radiation in head and neck cancer patients. Thirty-five adults receiving radiation without chemotherapy were randomly assigned to standard mouth c…

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 tested whether an advanced pneumatic compression device (Flexitouch Plus) could reduce swelling and symptoms in 236 head and neck cancer survivors with lymphedema. Participants either used the device daily or received usual care like manual drainage and compression gar…

This study tested a better pain management program for people who finished treatment for head and neck cancer. 33 survivors with ongoing pain took part. The goal was to see if the program could improve their daily physical function, mood, and overall quality of life.

This study tested whether a mobile app helps cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy report their symptoms more effectively. Over 200 participants used the app to track side effects for 8 weeks. The goal was to see if the app improves how patients recognize a…

This study looked at whether acupuncture can reduce dry mouth (xerostomia) caused by radiation therapy in people with head and neck cancer. A total of 258 participants were randomly assigned to receive acupuncture or usual care. The main goal was to see if acupuncture improved dr…

This study tested two hands-on therapy techniques—Kaltenborn mobilization and active release—to help head and neck cancer survivors who developed jaw tightness and pain after radiation. 115 adults who finished radiation at least 6 months earlier took part. The goal was to see whi…

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 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 whether mouth rinses containing the amino acids arginine or glutamine could reduce the severity of painful mouth sores caused by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. 69 participants swished and swallowed these supplements three times daily during …

This study looked at two ways to help older patients (65+) with head and neck cancer manage side effects during radiation and chemotherapy. One approach involved a geriatric specialist working with the cancer team, and the other provided extra supportive care guided by a geriatri…

This study tested whether adding a pressure biofeedback device to standard physical therapy could improve neck function in 50 people who had neck dissection surgery for head and neck cancer. Participants were split into two groups: one received standard therapy alone, and the oth…

This study tested whether laserpuncture (a needle-free form of acupuncture using lasers) could reduce low white blood cell counts caused by chemotherapy and improve quality of life in 30 adults with head and neck cancer. Participants received either real or sham laserpuncture dur…

This study tested whether manual acupuncture, compared to a sham (fake) version, could improve white blood cell counts and reduce fatigue in 34 head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation. Participants received 21 sessions over seven weeks at specific body points. The…

This study tested a mobile app called WeCanManage designed to help cancer survivors with disabilities manage long-term effects of their illness and treatment. Twenty adults who had breast cancer, head and neck cancer, or sarcoma used the app and reported on how helpful and easy i…

This study tested two treatments—laser therapy and ozone gas—to relieve painful mouth sores caused by cancer treatment. Forty adults with head and neck or blood cancers took part. Each received one treatment daily for five days. The goal was to see which therapy better reduced so…

This pilot study tested a mobile app called Oleena designed to help head and neck cancer patients track and manage symptoms like pain and nausea during chemoradiation. 33 patients used the app while their healthcare team monitored them remotely. The goal was to see if patients an…

This study tested whether giving the numbing drug lidocaine through a vein during and after ear, nose, and throat cancer surgery could lower the need for strong opioid painkillers and reduce long-term pain. 143 adults having major head and neck cancer surgery were randomly assign…

This study tested whether watching 360° virtual reality movies can reduce fear and anxiety in cancer patients about to start radiation therapy. 292 adults with breast, lung, prostate, head and neck cancer, or brain tumors participated. Patients watched a VR movie and then filled …

This completed study tested whether active nutritional support with high-protein drinks can reduce the occurrence of painful mouth sores (mucositis) and improve quality of life in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The study enrolled 47 newly diagnosed adults …

This study looked at whether having a special consultation with a radiotherapy technician (called a manipulator) helps cancer patients feel more informed about their treatment. Researchers enrolled 308 adults with various cancers who were getting radiation therapy. They compared …

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 follows up with head and neck cancer patients about 7 years after they finished radiation therapy. Researchers will check for cavities, gum disease, tooth loss, bone damage, and saliva flow. The goal is to understand the long-term dental side effects of cancer treatmen…

This study looks at a nerve in the neck called the ansa cervicalis, which controls muscles that help keep the airway open. Researchers will measure the nerve's size and shape in 50 adults having neck surgery for head and neck cancer. They will also test how stimulating the nerve …

This completed study collected information from 101 patients and healthcare providers to design a care pathway for COPD in people also being treated for lung or head and neck cancer. The goal was to identify common burdens and barriers to COPD care in oncology clinics. The findin…

This study tested whether a simple procedure called remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) could improve healing of tissue flaps in head and neck cancer patients who had prior radiotherapy. RIPC involves briefly inflating a blood pressure cuff on the arm to create short periods o…

This study looked at how repeatable and reproducible ADC maps are for measuring head and neck cancer in 58 adults. Participants had MRI scans using a standard method to see if results were consistent across different machines and sessions. The goal was to improve the reliability …

This study collected X-ray images from 32 head and neck cancer patients during their radiation therapy sessions. The goal was to measure how much the head moves or changes shape between treatments. Researchers also used the images to create realistic artificial X-rays for future …

This study tested a new ultrasound technique to see the smallest blood vessels in lymph nodes on the neck. Researchers wanted to know if this method could tell the difference between healthy and cancerous lymph nodes. Twenty adults with head and neck cancer, lymphoma, or healthy …

This study looked at how out-of-pocket costs affect the quality of life and treatment decisions of 60 head and neck cancer patients. Participants completed surveys about their finances, symptoms, and well-being during treatment. The goal was to understand the financial burden of …

This study tested a new on-couch imaging system called HyperSight, which takes 3D X-ray pictures (CBCT) of cancer patients right before their radiation treatment. 46 adults with head/neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvic cancers received both the new HyperSight scan and a standard scan…

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 study gathered medical information and tissue samples from 2,000 head and neck cancer patients in South Korea. The goal was to learn more about how the disease behaves in Asian populations, since most existing research comes from Western countries. By analyzing this data, re…

This study looked at how levels of a chemical called CGRP change in the blood during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Researchers wanted to see if these changes are linked to how much pain patients feel. A total of 23 patients took part, and the study is now complete.

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 study looked at 160 people with head and neck cancer who needed a diagnostic scope (panendoscopy) under anesthesia. Researchers compared standard oxygen therapy with a high-flow system called THRIVE to see which one better prevents drops in oxygen levels. The goal is to find…

This study looked at whether a 10-week exercise program is practical and helpful for people who have finished treatment for head and neck cancer. Twenty-two survivors took part in supervised and home exercises. The goal was to see if people would join, stick with it, and find it …

This completed study looked at how radiation therapy for head and neck cancers affects viruses in the mouth, specifically the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and how this might relate to gum disease. Researchers collected samples from 25 patients to measure virus levels. The goal was t…

This study looked at 385 adults diagnosed with their first lung or head & neck cancer to see how many continued using tobacco or alcohol over the next year. Researchers tracked smoking and drinking habits, as well as how long patients lived without the cancer getting worse. The g…

This completed study used a total-body PET scanner to track how a radioactive sugar (FDG) behaves in head and neck cancer and inflammation right after injection and many hours later. Seven adults with stage II-IVa oral cancer who were scheduled for radiotherapy took part. The goa…

This study tested whether a special imaging technique called OCT can detect skin damage from radiation therapy before it becomes visible. Researchers followed 30 head and neck cancer patients during their radiation treatment. The goal was to see if OCT could catch early warning s…

This study looked at 28 people treated for head and neck cancer to see if neck muscle endurance is related to swallowing problems, breathing, and mouth pressure. Participants completed tests like a neck endurance test, swallowing evaluation, and lung function tests. The goal was …

This study tested two devices that help doctors place a breathing tube before surgery in 143 head and neck cancer patients with difficult airways. One device is a flexible scope, and the other combines that scope with a video laryngoscope. The goal was to see which method reduces…

This study tested a simple hearing screening for head and neck cancer survivors who had chemotherapy and radiation. 55 adults completed a hearing questionnaire and a quick hearing test. The goal was to see if the screening was practical and helpful for catching hearing problems e…

This study tested a new cone-beam CT scanner designed to take clearer images while patients are on the radiotherapy couch. 41 adults with head-and-neck, lung, breast, abdominal, or pelvic cancer each had one or two scans with the new device. The goal was to see if the images were…

This study looked at why head and neck cancer patients may or may not get dental care. Researchers interviewed 32 people, including patients, dentists, and cancer doctors in Germany. The goal was to find out what helps and what gets in the way of dental care for these patients.

This pilot study tested a new maskless immobilization device (MID) for patients with head and neck cancers or brain tumors undergoing radiation therapy. The goal was to see if the device could keep patients as still and accurate as the standard thermoplastic mask. Only 12 patient…

This study followed 240 people with head and neck cancer to see how their swallowing changed from diagnosis to 18 months after their first treatment. Researchers used a questionnaire called the Deglutition Handicap Index (DHI) to measure patients' own experience of swallowing pro…

This completed study looked at 165 adults newly diagnosed with lung or head & neck cancer who smoked. Researchers interviewed them by phone about their smoking and drinking habits, and followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months. The goal was to understand what makes it harder or easier f…

This study tested whether a small microdialysis catheter placed directly into a bone graft could monitor blood flow and healing after head and neck reconstruction. Thirty-four people having surgery with bone from their hip or leg took part. The goal was to see if the catheter cou…

This study looked at why people with head and neck cancer experience a metallic taste before, during, and after treatment. Researchers tested saliva and measured quality of life in 100 patients over one year. The goal was to better understand the causes and impact of this often-o…

This study measured blood flow in the skin of 62 people, including cancer patients who received 5-FU chemotherapy, those on other treatments, cancer survivors, and healthy controls. Researchers used a non-invasive laser sensor to see how small blood vessels responded to substance…