Can radiation plus immunotherapy shrink recurrent head and neck tumors before surgery?

NCT ID NCT07213934

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of Cincinnati Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jul 02, 2026 · Updated 4 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.

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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

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEAD AND NECK CANCER RECURRENT HEAD AND NECK SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

University of Cincinnati Medical Center
RECRUITING

Cincinnati, Ohio, 45219, United States

Contact Email: •••••@•••••

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