New combo aims to shrink radiation damage in head and neck cancer

NCT ID NCT06706401

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

Summary

This study tests two ideas at once: adding a drug called ATRA (Vesanoid) to standard treatment, and using a smaller radiation area that targets the tumor more precisely. It includes 460 adults with certain types of head and neck cancer that haven't spread across the midline. The goal is to see if these approaches help people live longer without the cancer coming back, while possibly reducing side effects.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA, also known as Vesanoid) and radiotherapy

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to a new standard treatment that reduces side effects and improves cancer control for certain head and neck cancers.

What could go wrong

This is a phase 3 trial, but results are not guaranteed. ATRA may cause side effects like skin dryness or liver issues, and reducing radiotherapy volume might not control the cancer as well.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HYPOPHARYNGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck neoplasm Head and Neck Neoplasms hypopharynx cancer hypopharynx squamous cell carcinoma laryngeal neoplasm laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma larynx cancer oropharynx cancer oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • AP-HP - Hôpital Tenon

    RECRUITING

    Paris, 75020, France

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Centre Antoine Lacassagne

    RECRUITING

    Nice, 06189, France

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Centre Léon Bérard

    RECRUITING

    Lyon, France, 69008, France

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Centre Oscar Lambret

    RECRUITING

    Lille, 59000, France

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Institut Godinot

    RECRUITING

    Reims, France

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Institut Gustave Roussy

    RECRUITING

    Villejuif, France, 94805, France

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine

    RECRUITING

    Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France, 54519, France

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest - Paul Papin

    RECRUITING

    Angers, 49055, France

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact