Could adding chemo to precision radiation boost survival in head and neck cancer?

NCT ID NCT03070366

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial compares stereotactic radiotherapy alone versus radiotherapy plus chemotherapy for people with head and neck cancer that has spread to 1-3 other spots in the body. The main goal is to see if the combination helps patients live at least one year without a drop in quality of life. About 78 adults with good performance status are being studied, and researchers are also looking at side effects and cost-effectiveness.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Chemotherapy (cisplatin, 5FU, carboplatin, or cetuximab) plus stereotactic radiotherapy
What this could lead to
If successful, this could show that adding chemotherapy to targeted radiation helps people with head and neck cancer that has spread to a few spots live longer with better quality of life.
What could go wrong
This is a mid-stage trial with only 78 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Chemotherapy can cause significant side effects, and the benefit over radiation alone is not yet proven.

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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

  • Hôpital Nord Franche Comté

    Montbéliard, 25209, France

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