Double-Drug attack shows promise for tough head and neck cancers

NCT ID NCT03370276

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

Summary

This study tested whether combining two FDA-approved cancer drugs, cetuximab and nivolumab, could help people with advanced head and neck cancer that has returned or spread. A total of 95 participants received the drug combination to find the best dose and see if it improves survival. The goal is to control the disease and extend life, not to cure it.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

cetuximab and nivolumab (drug combination)

What this could lead to

If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option for people with advanced head and neck cancer that has come back or spread.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial (phase I/II), so results are preliminary. The combination may cause significant side effects and may not improve survival for all patients.

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.

head and neck carcinoma head and neck squamous cell carcinoma hypopharynx squamous cell carcinoma laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma nasal cavity squamous cell carcinoma oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma paranasal sinus squamous cell carcinoma 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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Emory University School of Medicine

    Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States

  • H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute

    Tampa, Florida, 33612, United States

  • The Ohio State University

    Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States