Tailored drug combo tested for tough head and neck cancers

NCT ID NCT04326257

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase II trial tested a personalized approach for people with advanced head and neck cancer that had stopped responding to prior immunotherapy. Researchers used genetic testing to choose which drug to add to nivolumab—either relatlimab or ipilimumab. The study enrolled 20 participants and measured how many had their tumors shrink significantly.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Nivolumab combined with either Relatlimab or Ipilimumab

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could offer a new treatment option for patients with head and neck cancer that has stopped responding to standard immunotherapy.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 20 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The treatment may cause significant side effects and may not shrink tumors in most patients.

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 Neoplasm Metastasis Recurrence Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck type 1 diabetes mellitus 12

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232, United States