Could a short course of abemaciclib shrink head and neck tumors?

NCT ID NCT04169074

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: University of Arizona Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase II trial tested the drug abemaciclib in 7 people with HPV-negative head and neck cancer. Participants took the drug for 10 to 28 days before their planned surgery. The goal was to see if the drug could shrink tumors and to check for side effects. The study was terminated early, so the findings are limited.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: abemaciclib (a targeted cancer drug)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for HPV-negative head and neck cancer before surgery.
What could go wrong: This was a very small, early-phase trial that was terminated early, so results are limited. The drug may not shrink tumors or could cause side effects.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Head and Neck Neoplasms head and neck squamous cell carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck squamous cell neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HNSCC

Contacts and locations

Locations

George Washington Cancer Center

Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20037, United States
University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona, 85719, United States

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