New combo therapy aims to shrink head and neck tumors before surgery
NCT ID NCT04938609
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase 2 trial tests giving the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) along with a short course of targeted radiation before surgery for people with advanced head and neck cancer. The goal is to see if this combination can shrink tumors more effectively and help preserve swallowing function. About 28 participants with stage III or IVA HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma will receive the treatment before their planned surgery.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and stereotactic body radiation therapy
What this could lead to
If successful, this approach could shrink tumors before surgery, potentially improving outcomes and quality of life for people with advanced head and neck cancer.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 28 participants. It may not show a clear benefit, and side effects from combining immunotherapy with radiation are possible.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
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.
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.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HEAD AND NECK SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Portland Providence Medical Center
Portland, Oregon, 97213, United States
-
Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
Portland, Oregon, 97225, United States
-
University of San Diego
San Diego, California, 92037, United States