Could a short course of abemaciclib shrink head and neck tumors?
NCT ID NCT04169074
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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George Washington Cancer Center
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20037, United States
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University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona, 85719, United States