New triple-drug cocktail takes on hard-to-treat head and neck cancer
NCT ID NCT06239220
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 31, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This phase 2 trial is testing a combination of three therapies—modified immune cells (PD-L1 t-haNK), an immune-boosting protein (NAI/Anktiva), and a targeted antibody (cetuximab)—in 25 people with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer that has not responded to prior immunotherapy. The goal is to see if this triple approach can shrink tumors and control the disease. Participants will receive all three treatments intravenously or by injection, and researchers will monitor for side effects and tumor response.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- PD-L1 t-haNK (modified immune cells), NAI (immune-stimulating protein), and cetuximab (targeted antibody)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option for patients with advanced head and neck cancer who have already tried immunotherapy.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 25 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The combination therapy may cause significant side effects, and it is not yet known if it will be more effective than existing treatments.
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 CANCER are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
-
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
RECRUITINGBoston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Digital peer support: a new weapon against cancer treatment anxiety?
- Can targeted radiation boost Immunotherapy's power against head and neck cancer?
- Could a simple mouthwash protect cancer patients from Radiation's painful side effects?
- Can tailored nutrition boost recovery from head and neck surgery?
- Can less radiation be safer for throat cancer?
- Can a scan tell who needs more surgery after head and neck cancer?