Cialis and keytruda together against head and neck cancer: small trial shows promise?
NCT ID NCT03993353
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This completed phase II study tested a combination of two drugs—tadalafil (Cialis) and pembrolizumab (Keytruda)—in 7 adults with advanced head and neck cancer that had spread or come back. The goal was to see if the combination was safe and could help control the disease. Because the trial was very small, its results are limited and more research is needed.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and tadalafil (Cialis)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this combination could offer a new treatment option for advanced head and neck cancer that has spread or come back.
- What could go wrong
- This was a very small early-phase trial with only 7 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The combination may not work better than existing treatments and could cause side effects.
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
-
UCSD Moores Cancer Center
La Jolla, California, 92093, United States
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