Head and neck cancer: which chemo combo works best?
NCT ID NCT01154920
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study compares two chemotherapy combinations for people with advanced head and neck cancer that hasn't been treated yet. One group gets paclitaxel, carboplatin, and cetuximab weekly; the other gets cetuximab, docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil in cycles. The goal is to see which combination helps patients live longer without the cancer growing, and to compare side effects. About 128 participants will take part.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- chemotherapy drugs (paclitaxel, carboplatin, cetuximab, docetaxel, cisplatin, fluorouracil)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this trial could identify a more effective chemotherapy regimen for advanced head and neck cancer, potentially improving survival and quality of life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a phase 2 trial with only 128 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. Chemotherapy side effects can be severe, and the better regimen may still have limited long-term benefit.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, Massachusetts, 20115, United States
-
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
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