Experimental drug combo for head and neck cancer shows early promise

NCT ID NCT06110195

Terminated Disease control Sponsor: University of Chicago Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early-stage trial tested an experimental drug called xevinapant combined with standard chemotherapy and radiation in people with head and neck cancer who cannot take the usual drug cisplatin. The goal was to find the safest dose of xevinapant. The study was terminated early, so results are limited.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: xevinapant (an experimental drug taken orally)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for head and neck cancer patients who cannot receive standard cisplatin chemotherapy.
What could go wrong: This is a very early (phase 1) trial that was terminated, so results are limited. The combination may cause significant side effects, and the drug may not improve outcomes.

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 neoplasm 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 HEAD AND NECK NEOPLASMS SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF HEAD AND NECK

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center

Chicago, Illinois, 60637, United States

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