Could a Chemo-Immunotherapy cocktail spare head and neck cancer patients from radiation?

This phase 2 trial tests a combination of two chemotherapy drugs (carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel) plus an immunotherapy drug (durvalumab) given before surgery for people with locally advanced head and neck cancer. The goal is to shrink or eliminate the tumor so that radiation—which has harsh side effects—may not be needed. The study enrolls 39 adults whose cancer is surgically removable and has not been treated before. Researchers hope this approach will improve cure rates and preserve quality of life, especially speech and swallowing.