New combo attack: immunotherapy plus chemo before surgery for head and neck cancer
NCT ID NCT05726370
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase 2 trial tests whether giving the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab along with chemotherapy before surgery, followed by pembrolizumab alone for about a year after surgery, can improve outcomes for people with recurrent head and neck cancer. The study aims to see if this approach can shrink or eliminate the tumor before surgery and reduce the chance of cancer returning. It involves 28 participants whose cancer has come back in the same area or is a new tumor in a previously treated area.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
pembrolizumab (immunotherapy) plus chemotherapy (docetaxel, cisplatin, or carboplatin)
What this could lead to
If successful, this combination could improve the chance of eliminating cancer before surgery and reduce the risk of it coming back afterward.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 28 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The drugs can cause serious side effects like infections, organ damage, or immune reactions.
Disclaimer
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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.
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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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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Brigham and Women's Hospital
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
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Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••