New radioactive drug combo takes aim at returning head and neck cancers

NCT ID NCT04105543

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-phase study tested an investigational drug called CLR 131, which delivers radiation directly to tumor cells, combined with standard external beam radiation. It enrolled 12 people with head and neck cancer that had returned after prior treatment. The main goal was to check safety and find the right dose, while also seeing if the drug reaches tumors.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: CLR 131 (a radioactive drug given intravenously that targets cancer cells)
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could offer a new treatment option for people with head and neck cancer that has come back after previous therapy.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small Phase 1 trial with only 12 participants, so it is primarily testing safety and dosing. The drug may not work as hoped, and side effects from the radiation could be serious.

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.

esthesioneuroblastoma head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms skin squamous cell carcinoma tumor of salivary gland

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEAD AND NECK CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

UW Cancer Center Johnson Creek

Johnson Creek, Wisconsin, 53038, United States
University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center

Madison, Wisconsin, 53792, United States

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