Scientists hunt for clues to predict who benefits from head and neck cancer drug

NCT ID NCT04603248

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This completed study looked at 50 people with advanced head and neck cancer that had stopped responding to chemotherapy. Researchers gave them the drug nivolumab and analyzed their tumors and blood to find biological markers that could predict who would respond best. The goal was to improve patient selection for this treatment, since not everyone benefits from it.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

nivolumab

What this could lead to

If successful, this could help doctors identify which head and neck cancer patients are most likely to benefit from nivolumab, making treatment more personalized and effective.

What could go wrong

This was a small, exploratory study (50 people) focused on finding biomarkers, not proving a new treatment works. The results may not lead to immediate changes in care.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

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

  • Yonsei Severance Hospital

    Seoul, South Korea