Could a Chemo-Immunotherapy cocktail spare head and neck cancer patients from radiation?
NCT ID NCT03174275
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
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.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Carboplatin, Nab-paclitaxel, and Durvalumab
What this could lead to
If this works, it could offer a way to treat head and neck cancer without radiation, reducing side effects and improving quality of life.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 39 participants. The combination is experimental for head and neck cancer, and it may not work better than standard care or could cause significant side effects.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599, United States
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Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States