New chemo combo shows promise for head and neck cancer before surgery
NCT ID NCT05294900
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase 2 trial tested two chemotherapy drugs, paclitaxel and carboplatin, given before surgery to 79 people with locally advanced head and neck cancer. The goal was to see how well the drugs shrink tumors before surgery. The main measure was a major pathologic response, meaning 10% or fewer cancer cells left in the tumor after treatment. The study aims to find a less toxic alternative to standard chemotherapy.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
paclitaxel and carboplatin (chemotherapy drugs)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could offer a less toxic chemotherapy option before surgery for head and neck cancer, potentially improving survival and reducing side effects.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial (79 participants) with no comparison group. Results may not apply to all patients, and the treatment may still 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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Yonsei University Health System, Severance Hospital
Seoul, South Korea