Could a common drug make head and neck cancer treatment more effective?

NCT ID NCT06997094

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

Summary

This early-stage trial is testing the safety and best dose of the drug decitabine when added to standard surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy for people with HPV-negative head and neck cancer that can be surgically removed. Decitabine may help make cancer cells more sensitive to standard treatments. The study involves 24 participants and aims to find the highest safe dose and check for 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

Decitabine

What this could lead to

If successful, this could make standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation more effective for HPV-negative head and neck cancer, potentially improving survival.

What could go wrong

This is an early phase I trial with only 24 participants, focused on safety and dosing. It may not lead to a proven treatment, and decitabine can cause serious side effects like low blood counts.

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 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

  • Mayo Clinic in Florida

    RECRUITING

    Jacksonville, Florida, 32224-9980, United States

    Contact

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