New cocktail aims to shrink head and neck tumors before surgery

NCT ID NCT07601737

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This phase II trial tests whether adding the targeted drug nimotuzumab to immunotherapy and chemotherapy before surgery can improve outcomes for people with locally advanced head and neck cancer. About 182 participants will receive the combination or standard treatment. The main goal is to see if it increases the chance of being cancer-free after two years.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
nimotuzumab combined with tislelizumab (or pembrolizumab), albumin-bound paclitaxel (or docetaxel), and cisplatin (or carboplatin)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could lead to a more effective neoadjuvant treatment for locally advanced head and neck cancer, potentially improving survival and reducing recurrence.
What could go wrong
This is an early phase II trial with a modest number of participants. The combination may cause significant side effects, and results may not generalize to all patients or stages of disease.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Shanghai First People's Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Shanghai, China

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.