New hope for tough head and neck cancers: experimental combo trial launches

NCT ID NCT07136545

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jul 07, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests a new experimental drug called HCB101 combined with the immunotherapy pembrolizumab in 50 adults with head and neck cancer that has stopped responding to platinum chemotherapy. The goal is to see if the combination is safe and can shrink tumors. Participants receive weekly HCB101 infusions plus pembrolizumab every three weeks.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
HCB101 (an experimental drug) combined with pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy)
What this could lead to
If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option for patients with head and neck cancer that has stopped responding to platinum chemotherapy.
What could go wrong
This is an early-phase trial with only 50 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The combination may cause significant side effects or fail to shrink tumors.

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 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

Locations

  • Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital(Lin-Kou)

    RECRUITING

    Taoyuan, Guishan District, 333, Taiwan

  • National Taiwan University Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Taipei, Taipei City, 100, Taiwan

  • Taipei Veterans General Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Taipei, Taipei City, 112, Taiwan

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