Experimental triple therapy takes on head and neck cancer

NCT ID NCT02567422

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI) Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This early-phase trial tests a new drug called berzosertib (M6620) alongside standard chemotherapy (cisplatin) and radiation in people with advanced head and neck cancer that has spread to nearby tissues. The main goals are to find the safest dose and to see what side effects occur. About 43 adults with stage III or IV disease are taking part. Because this is a Phase I study, it focuses on safety rather than whether the treatment actually works.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Berzosertib (M6620, VX-970) combined with cisplatin and radiation therapy

What this could lead to

If this works, it could point toward a more effective treatment for advanced head and neck cancer by combining a targeted drug with standard chemo and radiation.

What could go wrong

This is a very early Phase I trial with only 43 people, focused on safety and dosing. It is too small to prove effectiveness, and the drug combination may cause serious side effects.

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cancer of unknown primary site head and neck squamous cell carcinoma hypopharynx squamous cell carcinoma laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma nasal cavity and paranasal sinus squamous cell carcinoma oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

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

Case Western Reserve University

Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States
City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center

Duarte, California, 91010, United States
Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center/Dartmouth Cancer Center

Lebanon, New Hampshire, 03756, United States
Emory University Hospital Midtown

Atlanta, Georgia, 30308, United States
Emory University Hospital/Winship Cancer Institute

Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
Johns Hopkins University/Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center

Baltimore, Maryland, 21287, United States
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States
Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey

New Brunswick, New Jersey, 08903, United States
Smilow Cancer Center/Yale-New Haven Hospital

New Haven, Connecticut, 06510, United States
Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center-Trumbull

Trumbull, Connecticut, 06611, United States
University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sacramento, California, 95817, United States
University of Iowa/Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States
University of Kentucky/Markey Cancer Center

Lexington, Kentucky, 40536, United States
University of Maryland/Greenebaum Cancer Center

Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States
University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI)

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232, United States
University of Virginia Cancer Center

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, United States
University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center - University Hospital

Madison, Wisconsin, 53792, United States
Wayne State University/Karmanos Cancer Institute

Detroit, Michigan, 48201, United States
Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut, 06520, United States