HEAD AND NECK CANCER

This study was designed for people with advanced head and neck cancer that had spread or come back. It aimed to test a combination of two drugs: decitabine (a chemotherapy drug) and nivolumab (an immunotherapy drug). The goal was to see if the combination was safe and could help …

This early-phase trial tests a new drug called NT219 combined with either pembrolizumab or cetuximab in 29 adults with head and neck cancer that has returned or spread. The goal is to see if the combination shrinks tumors. Participants receive weekly NT219 plus one of the other d…

This phase 2 trial tests whether adding focused radiation to the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) can help people with head and neck cancer whose disease has worsened despite prior PD-1 therapy. The study enrolls 18 adults with metastatic or incurable head and neck can…

This early-phase trial tests whether injecting the cancer drug nivolumab directly into high-risk precancerous mouth lesions is safe and can shrink them. The study involves 18 adults with untreated oral lesions. The goal is to see if this local approach can reduce the risk of thes…

This early-phase study tests a new oral drug called E7386 in about 60 adults with advanced solid tumors (like desmoid tumors) that have not responded to other treatments. The main goals are to find the safest dose and check for side effects. Researchers will also watch for any tu…

This early-phase study tests a personalized cell therapy for people with certain cancers (bladder, melanoma, head/neck, ovarian, lung, esophageal, stomach, or sarcoma) whose tumors have a specific marker called MAGE-A4. The treatment involves taking a patient's own immune cells, …

This phase 2 trial tests an experimental drug called disitamab vedotin in people with advanced head and neck, lung, endometrial, or ovarian cancers that have a protein called HER2. The drug is designed to stick to cancer cells and kill them. Researchers want to see if it shrinks …

This study tests whether giving a combination of three drugs (finotonlimab, cetuximab, and docetaxel) before surgery can shrink tumors in people whose head and neck cancer has come back after prior immunotherapy and chemotherapy. The goal is to see if this approach leads to fewer…

This study looks at whether adding chemotherapy (cisplatin) to standard radiation therapy after surgery helps people with high-risk salivary gland tumors live longer without the cancer returning. About 252 adults whose tumors were removed took part. The goal is to see if the comb…

This phase 2 trial tests whether it is safe to skip radiation on one or both sides of the neck that show no signs of cancer after surgery. The goal is to reduce side effects like dry mouth and trouble swallowing without increasing the chance of cancer returning. The study include…

This phase II trial tests a combination of the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab and a short course of radiation called QUAD SHOT in 30 adults with recurrent head and neck cancer that cannot be cured. The goal is to see if the combination is safe and can shrink tumors or improve q…

This phase 2 trial is testing whether adding the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to standard treatment—surgery, radiation, and sometimes chemotherapy—can help people with head and neck cancer live longer without the cancer returning. About 96 participants will receive…

This study tests a three-drug combination called CACTUX (cisplatin, nab-paclitaxel, and cetuximab) in 74 people with head and neck cancer that cannot be cured. The goal is to see if this mix works better and causes fewer side effects than the standard treatment. Participants have…

This study tests two experimental vaccines (HB-201 and HB-202) given with standard chemotherapy drugs (carboplatin and paclitaxel) to people with HPV16-positive oropharyngeal cancer. The goal is to see if this combination can shrink tumors enough to allow less intensive follow-up…

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 phase 2 trial tests giving the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) along with a short course of targeted radiation before surgery for people with advanced head and neck cancer. The goal is to see if this combination can shrink tumors more effectively and help preserv…

This early-stage trial tests a personalized cell therapy called ADP-A2M4CD8 in people with certain cancers that have a specific marker (MAGE-A4). The therapy uses a patient's own immune cells, modified to better attack tumors, and is given alone or with standard immunotherapy dru…

This study tests whether adding two experimental drugs (INCAGN02385 and INCAGN02390) to the immunotherapy retifanlimab can better control advanced head and neck cancer that has returned or spread. About 176 adults with PD-L1-positive tumors who have not had prior systemic therapy…

This early-stage study tests a new drug called DS-1055a in about 40 adults with advanced solid tumors (like head and neck, stomach, or lung cancer) that have come back or spread and no longer respond to standard treatments. The main goal is to check the drug's safety and find the…

This early-phase study is testing whether giving a shorter, more intense course of radiation before surgery is safe for people with head and neck cancer. The trial involves 12 adults with HPV-negative, surgically removable tumors. The main goal is to see if this condensed radiati…

This early-phase study tests whether injecting methylene blue (a dye) directly into tumors can make radiation therapy work better for people with head and neck cancer that has come back and is resistant to radiation. Ten participants will receive weekly tumor injections plus dail…

This study tests whether a special scan (SPECT/CT) can map where a head and neck tumor drains lymph fluid. If the scan shows no drainage to the opposite side of the neck, doctors can safely avoid radiating that side, reducing side effects. About 90 patients with newly diagnosed h…

This study tests two immunotherapy drugs, nivolumab and ipilimumab, given before surgery to people with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. The goal is to see if these drugs can shrink tumors and are safe to use. About 30 adults with tumors larger than 2 cm or lymph node involve…

This study tests an oral drug called APG-157 given before standard treatment (surgery or radiation) for people with newly diagnosed head and neck cancer. The goal is to see if the drug can shrink tumors and improve outcomes. About 24 adults with early to advanced stage cancer wil…

This phase III trial studies whether adding the drug cetuximab to modern radiation therapy improves survival for people with advanced head and neck cancer that has been surgically removed. About 700 participants received either radiation alone or radiation plus cetuximab. The stu…

This early-phase trial is testing an experimental drug called INBRX-106, alone or combined with the immunotherapy Keytruda, in people with advanced solid tumors (including lung, head and neck, melanoma, and others) that have stopped responding to standard treatments. The main goa…

This study tests whether wrapping the spinal accessory nerve with a porcine (pig) tissue product during neck dissection for head and neck cancer can prevent shoulder problems. About 74 adults who have not had prior neck surgery will be enrolled. Researchers will measure shoulder …

This study provides continued access to the cancer drug palbociclib (IBRANCE) for up to 35 patients with breast or head and neck cancer who have already benefited from it in earlier Pfizer trials. Participants will keep taking their current treatment combination, which may includ…

This early-stage study tests a new treatment called T-Plex for people with advanced solid tumors (like head and neck, cervical, or melanoma) that haven't responded to standard therapies. The treatment uses a patient's own immune cells, which are modified in a lab to recognize and…

This study was designed to see if adding low-dose radiotherapy to a combination of targeted therapy (Afatinib) and immunotherapy (Tislelizumab) before surgery could improve outcomes for people with resectable head and neck cancer. The trial was withdrawn before enrolling any part…

This study tests an experimental drug called BT5528, given alone or with another drug (nivolumab), in people with advanced solid tumors that have high levels of a protein called EphA2. The cancers include ovarian, bladder, lung, breast, head and neck, and stomach cancers. The mai…

This study tests a new drug called BT8009, alone or with another drug (pembrolizumab), in people with advanced solid tumors like bladder, breast, lung, or ovarian cancer. The drug targets a protein called Nectin-4 found on some cancer cells. The trial aims to find safe doses and …

This phase 2 trial tests whether giving cisplatin chemotherapy weekly alongside radiation causes fewer severe side effects than the standard every-3-week schedule in people with head and neck cancer. About 80 participants will receive one of the two schedules. The study also look…

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 study looks at whether a special drink made with easily digested protein and MCT oil can help improve malnutrition in cancer patients who are having radiotherapy. The study will follow 132 adults with head and neck, lung, rectal, or esophageal cancer for 12 weeks. Researcher…

This pilot study aimed to test the safety of adding the drug Temsirolimus (Torisel) to standard chemoradiotherapy for people with advanced head and neck cancer. The goal was to find a safe dose of Temsirolimus when given alongside radiation and other chemotherapy drugs like Cetux…

This study tests a new dye, called cRGDY-PEG-Cy5.5-C dots, to help surgeons see cancer in lymph nodes during head and neck melanoma surgery. About 67 people will receive the dye injection around their tumor before or during surgery. The dye is not a treatment, but may improve how…

This pilot study tests a radioactive imaging agent called 111In-panitumumab in 28 people with head and neck cancer. The goal is to see if it can safely and accurately find cancer in lymph nodes compared to the standard dye method used during surgery. The study is currently suspen…

This early-phase trial is testing the safety of a new imaging drug called [18F]PARPi in 12 people with head and neck cancer. The drug is designed to make cancer cells show up more clearly on PET/CT scans. The goal is to see if this approach can provide better pictures of tumors t…

This study tests whether a superoxide dismutase (SOD) spray can prevent severe radiation dermatitis (skin burns) in 140 head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The spray aims to neutralize free radicals that cause skin damage. If effective, it could reduce treatmen…

This study tests whether a superoxide dismutase (SOD) spray can prevent severe radiation dermatitis (skin burns) in 140 head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. The spray aims to neutralize free radicals that cause skin damage. Researchers will check patients weekly…

This study was designed to test whether an oral drug called SPI-1005 could prevent hearing loss and ringing in the ears caused by platinum-based chemotherapy. It was planned for adults with advanced lung or head and neck cancer. The study was withdrawn before enrolling any partic…

This study tests whether using home sensors to monitor dehydration risk can reduce hospitalizations and emergency room visits in head and neck cancer patients. About 427 participants will either use the CYCORE sensor system plus standard care, or standard care alone. The goal is …

This Phase 3 trial tests whether acupuncture can prevent dry mouth (xerostomia) in 435 head and neck cancer patients receiving radiation. Participants are split into two different acupuncture groups or a standard care group. The study compares which approach better reduces dry mo…

This study tests whether starting physiotherapy early—before any swelling appears—can prevent lymphedema in people treated for head and neck cancer. Twenty participants will either use a home compression device daily or receive standard care. Researchers will track swelling and u…

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 phase 3 trial tests whether a 'miracle fruit' cube (miraculin) can improve taste loss in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy. Taste problems are common and hard to treat during radiation. The study will compare the fruit cube to a placebo in 40 patient…

This study compares a new counseling approach called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with standard counseling to help people with head and neck, lung, breast, gastrointestinal, or genitourinary cancer stop smoking. About 51 adults who smoke at least one cigarette per day …

This pilot study looks at whether giving fluoride varnish during regular cancer checkups can help protect the teeth of head and neck cancer patients who have had radiation and lack easy access to a dentist. About 43 uninsured or underinsured adults will receive 4-5 fluoride treat…

This study tests whether wrapping the nerve that controls the shoulder with a protective cover during neck cancer surgery can reduce pain and improve shoulder function a year later. About 90 adults with head and neck cancer who need neck dissection are taking part. The goal is to…

This study compares two approaches to treating lymphedema (swelling) in people who have had head and neck cancer. One group gets all their therapy in a clinic, while the other starts with a few in-person sessions and then continues via video calls at home. The goal is to see if t…

This study compares two pain management approaches—neurofeedback (brain wave training) and a supportive care team—against standard care in 28 head and neck cancer patients at risk of misusing opioids. The goal is to see if these methods can lower pain and reduce the need for stro…

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 study aimed to compare three tube feeding methods—bolus, gravity, and pump—in 60 head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation. The goal was to see which method leads to the least weight loss and best tolerance. However, the trial was withdrawn before any patients …

This study tests a program that lets cancer patients receive care at home while undergoing chemotherapy or radiation. It includes remote monitoring and home visits to reduce the need for hospital stays or emergency room visits. The goal is to see if this approach improves quality…

This study tests whether manual therapy—gentle massage and stretching of the neck, throat, jaw, and mouth—can improve swallowing and movement in head and neck cancer survivors who have long-term swallowing problems due to tissue scarring (fibrosis). About 24 survivors who finishe…

This small pilot study tests whether neurofeedback training can help reduce pain caused by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. Participants learn to modify their own brain waves using EEG and computer software. The goal is to see if this technique can lower pain p…

This study looks at whether exercising the muscles used for coughing and swallowing can reduce the risk of pneumonia in people who had radiation for head and neck cancer. About 175 survivors are involved. The main goal is to see if stronger cough muscles help prevent food or sali…

This study looks at whether a yoga program designed for both head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation and their family caregivers is practical and helpful. About 236 patient-caregiver pairs will take part. The goal is to see if yoga can improve quality of life, reduce f…

This study tests whether a chatbot that texts patients and tracks their phone activity can catch cancer treatment symptoms early. About 70 adults with lung, gastrointestinal, or head and neck cancers will use the chatbot during chemo and radiation. The goal is to see if this appr…

This study tests a self-help rehabilitation model for people with head and neck cancer who are feeling anxious or depressed. Participants are randomly assigned to either the self-help program or standard care. The program includes three therapy sessions over eight weeks, led by a…

This study tests an online program called Empowered Survivor, designed to help people who have had oral or throat cancer feel more confident managing their health after treatment. Researchers are comparing it to a free online tool already available for cancer survivors. The goal …

This phase 3 trial tests whether injecting a fluid (tumescence) before harvesting a skin graft helps the graft heal better after head and neck cancer surgery. About 58 adults having reconstructive surgery will be randomly assigned to receive tumescence or standard care. The main …

This pilot study tested whether kava, a herbal supplement, could safely reduce anxiety and stress in 43 cancer survivors who had completed treatment. Participants took either kava or a placebo for 14 days, then switched after a washout period. The trial is currently suspended, an…

This early-phase study tests whether injecting a person's own bone marrow stem cells into their salivary glands is safe and tolerable for treating dry mouth caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. About 23 participants who finished radiation at least 2 years ago wil…

This study tests a new low-cost device designed to help people who developed lockjaw (trismus) after radiation treatment for head and neck cancer. The device is a non-invasive jaw stretcher with sensors that measure pressure and how wide the mouth opens, giving real-time feedback…

This study compares proton beam radiation to standard photon radiation (IMRT) for people with head and neck cancer. The goal is to see if proton therapy causes fewer side effects, like painful mouth sores, by exposing less healthy tissue to radiation. About 108 adults with certai…

This study tests whether a smartphone app called MyFood can help head and neck cancer patients track their diet, symptoms, and weight during treatment. The goal is to reduce malnutrition and improve quality of life. About 125 patients will use the app to record their food intake …

This study aimed to see if using MRI scans to guide radiation away from the main saliva ducts could reduce dry mouth in people with oropharynx cancer. The trial planned to compare standard radiation with a new approach that spares these ducts. However, the study was withdrawn bef…

This study tests whether a new type of adaptive radiotherapy can reduce radiation exposure to the ovaries in young women (ages 18-50) receiving pelvic radiation for cancers like uterine, rectal, or cervical cancer. Using advanced imaging and an AI treatment planning system, resea…

This study is testing whether a blood test can find tiny bits of tumor DNA (ctDNA) or HPV DNA in patients with high-risk head and neck cancer after standard treatment. The goal is to see if this test can detect cancer that remains or comes back earlier than usual scans. The study…

This study collects blood, urine, and tissue samples from 330 adults with advanced lung or head and neck cancer to improve precision medicine. Researchers will analyze genetic changes in these samples and grow some tumors in mice to compare DNA. The goal is to refine liquid biops…

This study is a long-term follow-up for 400 people who previously received A2 Bio gene therapy for various solid tumors, including colorectal, lung, pancreatic, and ovarian cancers. No new treatment is given; instead, researchers will track participants over time to check for del…

This study looks at whether extra MRIs and blood tests can help doctors predict how head and neck tumors change during radiation therapy. Up to 100 people (80 patients and 20 healthy volunteers) will take part. The goal is to learn more about tumor growth and response, not to tes…

This study tests whether creating a virtual 3D map of a patient's removed tumor helps doctors plan radiation therapy more precisely. Researchers will compare standard radiation plans with plans that include the 3D map to see if it changes the treatment area or reduces radiation t…

This study looks at whether giving doctors a patient's genetic information can help them personalize chemotherapy doses and reduce serious side effects. About 860 adults with certain cancers (like breast, stomach, or head and neck) will be randomly assigned to have their doctors …

This study is testing a new, non-invasive device that uses light to monitor blood flow in transplanted skin after head and neck cancer surgery. The goal is to catch poor blood supply early so doctors can intervene and save the tissue. The study will enroll 60 adults undergoing th…

This study tests whether artificial intelligence (AI) can analyze medical scans (CT, MRI, PET) to predict how well head and neck cancer patients will respond to radiation therapy and whether they will have side effects. The goal is to personalize treatment for better outcomes. Ab…

This study tests a new imaging tool called HyperSight that takes clearer, faster pictures during radiation therapy for cancers of the head/neck, breast, lungs, upper GI, or pelvis. The goal is to see if these images are good enough to help doctors plan treatment more precisely, p…

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 study was designed to test whether automatic software could accurately outline tumors and healthy organs on daily CT scans during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. The goal was to save time and improve precision compared to manual contouring. However, the study was…

This study checks if a special scale can accurately measure muscle and fat in 50 head and neck cancer patients getting radiation therapy. The goal is to see if the scale can spot muscle loss early, helping doctors decide when to add nutrition support or a feeding tube. Participan…

This study looks at blood samples from 25 cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. Researchers want to find specific genes that show how each person's body responds to radiation. The goal is to better understand individual reactions and possibly personalize radiation treatmen…

This pilot study is looking at whether dental erosion (loss of tooth enamel) could be a non-invasive biomarker for esophagogastric cancer and other cancers. Researchers will survey 174 participants (cancer patients and healthy volunteers) about diet, habits, and GERD symptoms, an…

This study collects tumor tissue, blood, and saliva from 2500 people with various solid cancers to analyze their genetic makeup. The goal is to understand why some tumors become resistant to targeted therapies. Samples may also be grown in special mice to study how genetics affec…

This study follows 100 head and neck or lung cancer patients who are current or former smokers and receive radiation therapy. Researchers track who stays smoke-free at 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment ends, and what factors help or hinder abstinence. The goal is to learn how t…

This study tests a new program designed to help head and neck cancer patients who feel depressed. The goal is to see if the program is practical and liked by patients, and if it can improve their mood and help them follow through with swallowing exercises and dental care. About 1…

This study tracks 125 head and neck cancer patients after surgery to see how many end up using opioid painkillers long-term. Researchers will also look at factors like symptom burden and risk of opioid misuse. The goal is to better understand who is most at risk and why.

This study uses three advanced MRI techniques to see if they can predict how well head and neck cancer patients will respond to surgery or chemo-radiation. About 272 adults with head and neck cancer will get these scans before and early during treatment. The goal is to find marke…

This study tests a friendly computer character that talks with cancer patients to help them report their symptoms more completely. About 100 adults with gastrointestinal or head and neck cancer who are getting chemotherapy or radiation will use this system. The goal is to see if …

This pilot study aimed to see if a mobile health app could help track symptoms and quality of life in people with recurrent head and neck or gynecologic cancers. Participants would have used the app to report their feelings, side effects, and barriers to care. However, the study …

This study looks at dental and jaw problems in children who had proton beam therapy for head and neck cancer. Researchers will survey survivors and review dental records to see how often these side effects occur and how they relate to radiation dose. The goal is to gather informa…

This study looks at how tumors evolve when treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, a type of immunotherapy. Researchers will take blood samples and tumor biopsies from 14 people with advanced head and neck cancer or melanoma to track genetic changes. The goal is to understand …

This study aimed to create a simple, safe teaching plan for family caregivers of head and neck cancer patients with a temporary tracheostomy. The goal was to help caregivers feel confident and prepared to manage the tracheostomy at home. However, the study was withdrawn before an…

This study screens up to 1,150 people with advanced solid tumors like head and neck, cervical, or lung cancer. Researchers test blood and tumor samples to see if participants have the right genetic markers for future T-cell therapy trials. The goal is to find who might benefit fr…

This study aimed to see if a personalized online education program could help people having major head or neck surgery feel more prepared and satisfied, and reduce trips to the hospital. The study was withdrawn before any participants were enrolled, so no results are available.

This study was designed to explore how the glossopharyngeal nerve varies in shape and size, and whether electrically stimulating it could open the airway during surgery. It planned to enroll adults with head and neck cancer or sleep apnea, but was withdrawn before any participant…

This study examines head and neck cancers that occur during pregnancy or within 12 months after giving birth. Researchers will check for certain viruses (HPV and EBV) and look at tumor types and pregnancy complications. The goal is to better understand these rare cases, not to te…

This pilot study tests a new FDA-approved cone-beam CT imaging system (Halcyon 4.0) for planning radiation therapy. Researchers will compare its image quality and ease of use to standard CT scans in 27 adults with various cancers. The goal is to see if the new system can improve …