New combo therapy aims to shrink head and neck tumors before surgery

NCT ID NCT04938609

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Providence Health & Services Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms head and neck squamous cell carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEAD AND NECK CANCER HEAD AND NECK SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

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

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