Drug combo aims at genetic weaknesses in head and neck cancer
NCT ID NCT04997902
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This early-stage trial tested a combination of two oral drugs, tipifarnib and alpelisib, in 45 adults with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has specific genetic changes (HRAS overexpression or PIK3CA mutations). The goal was to find a safe dose and see if the drugs can shrink tumors. The study is now complete, and results will help guide future research.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- tipifarnib and alpelisib (oral drugs)
- 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 specific genetic changes.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-phase trial with only 45 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drugs can cause side effects, and the combination may not shrink tumors effectively.
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
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City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center
Duarte, California, 91010, United States
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Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Center)
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine (Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center)
Baltimore, Maryland, 21231, United States
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Lake Nona DDU (Florida Cancer Specialists)
Orlando, Florida, 32827, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York, 10065, United States
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UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15232, United States
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UT Southwestern Medical Center (Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center)
Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States
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University of Maryland School of Medicine (Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center)
Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States
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University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
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University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center
Madison, Wisconsin, 53792, United States
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Washington University, School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
More trials for these conditions
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