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New drug combo shows promise for tough head and neck cancers

NCT ID NCT00076310

Completed Disease control Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This phase 2 study tests whether adding the targeted drug Tarceva (erlotinib) to standard chemotherapy (cisplatin and docetaxel) can shrink tumors in people with head and neck cancer that has spread or returned. About 50 participants will receive the combination and be monitored for tumor response and side effects. The goal is to see if this approach is effective enough to warrant further study.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
Tarceva (erlotinib) combined with cisplatin and docetaxel chemotherapy
What this could lead to
If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option for people with advanced head and neck cancer that has spread or come back.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 50 participants. The added drug may increase side effects without improving outcomes, and results may not apply to 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.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms head and neck squamous cell carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck squamous cell neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEAD AND NECK CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • MD Anderson Cancer Center

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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