New combo therapy aims to tame recurrent head and neck cancer
NCT ID NCT04373642
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase II trial tests a combination of the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab and a short course of radiation called QUAD SHOT in 30 adults with recurrent head and neck cancer that cannot be cured. The goal is to see if the combination is safe and can shrink tumors or improve quality of life. Participants receive both treatments together, and researchers track tumor response, survival, and side effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- pembrolizumab (a drug that helps the immune system fight cancer) plus QUAD SHOT radiotherapy (a short course of radiation)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new treatment option for people with recurrent head and neck cancer that is not curable, potentially shrinking tumors and improving quality of life.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 30 people, so results may not apply to everyone. The combination may cause side effects like fatigue, skin reactions, or immune-related issues, and it may not work for all patients.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Stephenson Cancer Center
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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