New drug cocktail aims to revive immune attack on head and neck tumors

NCT ID NCT03019003

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-phase study tested a combination of two drugs—oral decitabine and durvalumab—in 13 adults with advanced head and neck cancer that had stopped responding to standard immunotherapy. The goal was to see if the combo could safely boost the immune system's ability to fight the cancer. The study focused on safety and changes in immune markers, not on curing the disease.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Oral decitabine (ASTX727) and durvalumab (MEDI4736)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new treatment option for head and neck cancer patients whose disease has stopped responding to standard immunotherapy.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small phase 1 study with only 13 participants. The main goal is to check safety and immune changes, not to prove the treatment works. There is no guarantee of benefit, and side effects are possible.

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.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

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

Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.