Can radiation plus immunotherapy shrink recurrent head and neck tumors before surgery?
NCT ID NCT07213934
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study is testing whether combining radiation therapy (proton or X-ray) with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab before surgery is safe and effective for people with recurrent head and neck cancer. The trial has two phases: the first checks safety and the right dose, and the second looks at how well the treatment shrinks tumors. About 40 participants will be enrolled, all of whom have cancer that has returned after previous radiation.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
pembrolizumab (immunotherapy drug) and proton or photon radiation therapy
What this could lead to
If successful, this could offer a more effective treatment approach for people with recurrent head and neck cancer, potentially improving survival and reducing tumor burden before surgery.
What could go wrong
This is an early-phase trial with only 40 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The combination of radiation and immunotherapy may cause severe side effects, including delays in surgery or serious complications.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Study contacts
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Contact
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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University of Cincinnati Medical Center
RECRUITINGCincinnati, Ohio, 45219, United States
Contact
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••