Experimental nanoparticle combo shows early promise in tough head and neck cancers
NCT ID NCT04862455
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase II trial tested a combination of NBTXR3 nanoparticles (activated by radiation) and the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) in 14 people with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer that had limited PD-L1 expression or was resistant to PD-1 blockers. The goal was to see if this approach could shrink tumors and improve survival. The study was terminated early, so results are limited.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- NBTXR3 nanoparticles (activated by radiation) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new treatment option for people with head and neck cancer that has come back or spread and hasn't responded to standard immunotherapy.
- What could go wrong
- This trial was terminated early and only enrolled 14 people, so results are very limited. The combination may cause serious side effects and may not work for everyone.
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
-
M D Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Leftover immunotherapy may boost chemo: new study investigates timing
- New drug cocktail shows promise for tough head and neck cancers