Can a pill change head and neck cancer before surgery? small study investigates.
NCT ID NCT03138070
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether taking the drug BYL719 (Alpelisib) for 14 days before surgery could change certain biological markers in head and neck cancer tissue. Fifteen patients with resectable head and neck squamous cell cancer took the drug, and researchers compared tissue samples taken before and after treatment. The goal was to see if the drug affects specific proteins linked to cancer growth, not to treat the cancer itself.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- BYL719 (Alpelisib)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could suggest that BYL719 affects cancer-related pathways in head and neck tumors, pointing toward a potential treatment approach.
- What could go wrong
- This is a very early, small study (15 people) that only looks at tissue markers, not whether the drug actually shrinks tumors or improves survival. Results may not lead to a treatment.
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
-
London Health Sciences Centre, London Regional Cancer Program
London, Ontario, N6A 4L6, Canada
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