Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

This phase 3 trial tests whether adding sintilimab, an immunotherapy drug, to chemotherapy before surgery helps people with early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma. Participants are adults aged 18 to 75 with cT2N0M0 oral cancer that can be removed by surgery. Half receive sintil…

This trial is testing an experimental therapy called IOV-5001, which uses a patient's own immune cells (tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes) to attack cancer. The study involves adults with advanced solid tumors, including non-small cell lung cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, col…

This study tests a new drug called SX-682 (a tablet) combined with the chemotherapy docetaxel in people whose head/neck, salivary gland, or prostate cancer has spread or returned after treatment. The goal is to find the right dose and see if the combination shrinks tumors. About …

This phase 2 trial is testing whether a lower dose of the immunotherapy drug nivolumab, given less often, can still control cancer in people with various advanced or metastatic cancers. The goal is to see if a cheaper, more accessible regimen works as well as the standard high-co…

Researchers are testing whether adding nimotuzumab to intensity-modulated radiation therapy helps older adults with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who cannot tolerate standard chemotherapy. The study enrolls patients aged 65 and older with EGFR-positive tu…

Researchers are testing a new drug called TS-104 in adults with advanced solid tumors, including lung, head and neck, ovarian, endometrial, esophageal, and gastric cancers. TS-104 is a peptide drug conjugate: it uses a targeting peptide to carry the chemotherapy drug MMAE directl…

This early-stage trial tests an experimental drug called STRO-006 in adults with advanced solid tumors, including head and neck, lung, esophageal, gastric, colorectal, endometrial, bladder, and breast cancers that have not responded to standard treatments. The study has three par…

This early-stage trial tests an investigational drug called ABBV-253 in adults with advanced solid tumors, including lung, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers. The study aims to find safe doses and see whether the drug can shrink tumors. Participants receive the drug by infusion, …

This study tests whether adding a targeted drug (cetuximab) to standard immunotherapy (pembrolizumab or finotonlimab) and chemotherapy helps people with advanced head and neck cancer live longer without their cancer growing. About 316 adults aged 18-70 with cancer that has spread…

This phase 2 trial tests whether giving toripalimab first can prime head and neck cancer tumors to respond better to the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel. The study enrolls 22 patients with metastatic or incurable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who have a reduced performance s…

This trial tests whether adding an experimental drug called Enlituo to a standard chemotherapy combination helps people with advanced, recurrent, or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Participants receive either the standard combination (Anyouping plus platinum-bas…

This Phase II trial tests an experimental drug called BL-M08D1 in adults with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and other solid tumors. The drug is given by intravenous infusion every 3 weeks. Researchers will measure how well it shrinks tumors and how…

This early-stage trial is testing an experimental drug called LAE118 in people with advanced solid tumors that have a specific genetic change (PIK3CA mutation). The study will evaluate the drug's safety and tolerability when given alone or combined with other anti-cancer medicati…

This trial is testing whether giving a lower dose of radiation after surgery can be as effective as the standard dose for people with advanced head and neck cancer. Participants first receive chemotherapy and immunotherapy before surgery, and then the radiation plan is tailored b…

This trial is testing whether giving a combination of two newer drugs—an immunotherapy called adebrelimab and a targeted therapy called dalpiciclib—along with standard chemotherapy (cisplatin) before surgery can improve outcomes for people with locally advanced head and neck canc…

This phase 2 trial is testing whether adding an immunotherapy drug called tislelizumab to the standard treatment of chemotherapy and radiation can improve outcomes for people with advanced head and neck cancer that is not linked to HPV and cannot be removed with surgery. Particip…

This phase 2 trial is testing whether combining the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab with a short course of high-dose radiation, with or without additional radiation to nearby lymph nodes, can shrink or eliminate head and neck tumors before surgery. Adults with resectable squamou…

This study tests a combination of an experimental drug (ficerafusp alfa), an immunotherapy (pembrolizumab), and targeted radiation before surgery for people with advanced head and neck cancer that is HPV-negative. About 45 participants will receive these treatments over several w…

This trial is testing whether an experimental drug called SYS6010 can better control advanced head and neck cancer compared to standard single-drug treatments. It involves about 340 adults aged 18-75 whose cancer has returned or spread and who have already tried platinum-based ch…

This phase 2 trial is testing whether adding an investigational drug called telisotuzumab adizutecan to the standard immunotherapy pembrolizumab can better control recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The study enrolls adults whose tumors express a speci…

This pilot study will test whether a fish oil-enriched nutritional supplement, combined with weekly nutrition counseling, is feasible and safe for people with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiotherapy. Fifteen participants will start taking the supplement two weeks before…

This trial is testing whether adding an immunotherapy drug (PD-1 antibody) to standard treatment can improve outcomes for people with recurrent head and neck cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either the immunotherapy before and after surgery, or standard s…

This trial is testing whether adding the immunotherapy drug finotonlimab to chemotherapy before and after surgery can improve outcomes for people with stage II head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Participants will receive either standard treatment (surgery plus chemoradiothera…

This phase 2 trial tests whether adding MRG003 (a targeted drug) to toripalimab (an immunotherapy) before surgery can shrink tumors more than toripalimab alone in people with PD-L1-positive, locally advanced head and neck cancer. Participants receive two cycles of either the comb…

This early-phase trial tests an experimental drug, KGX105, in people with advanced solid tumors that have not responded to standard treatments. KGX105 is designed to activate immune T-cells specifically within the tumor, potentially reducing side effects. The study will assess sa…

This study tests whether giving a combination of two drugs (becotatug vedotin and putlimab) before surgery, followed by radiotherapy and more putlimab after surgery, can improve outcomes for people with locally advanced head and neck cancer. The trial enrolls about 35 participant…

This early-phase trial tests whether adding axelopran—a drug that blocks opioid effects on the immune system—can help pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy) work better in people with advanced head and neck cancer who take opioids for pain. About 18 participants will receive both drugs…

This phase 2 trial tests a combination of two drugs—sacituzumab tirumotecan and an immune checkpoint inhibitor—in people with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has progressed after standard therapy. The goal is to see if the combination can shrink…

This study tests a new drug, becotatug vedotin, combined with an immunotherapy (PD-1 inhibitor) in adults with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that cannot be surgically removed. The drug targets a protein called EGFR on cancer cells and delivers a toxin directly to…

This large Phase 3 trial is testing a new drug called APG-157, given as a pastille that dissolves in the mouth, for people with advanced head and neck cancer. The study will see if adding APG-157 before and after standard treatments (surgery or chemoradiation) helps keep the canc…

This trial tests whether giving trilaciclib before chemotherapy and immunotherapy can protect bone marrow in people with advanced head and neck cancer. The goal is to reduce dangerous drops in blood cell counts, allowing patients to receive their full chemo doses on schedule. Abo…

This study tests a new drug (GV20-0251) combined with an immunotherapy (anti-PD-1) in people with advanced solid tumors that have not responded to or cannot tolerate standard treatments. About 227 adults with various cancers, including lung, breast, and colorectal, will participa…

This phase 2 trial tests a combination of two drugs—becotatug vedotin (a targeted therapy) and pucotenlimab (an immunotherapy)—as a first treatment for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. It is for patients whose cancer has returned or spread and who cannot tolerate p…

This early-phase trial tests a combination of two drugs, CVL006 and 9MW2821, in 108 adults with advanced solid tumors that have not responded to standard therapy. The goal is to find a safe dose and see if the combination can shrink tumors. The study is not yet recruiting.

This study tests whether giving two drugs (becotatug vedotin and pucotenlimab) before surgery can shrink tumors in people with recurrent head and neck cancer that has stopped responding to standard treatments. About 42 adults with EGFR-positive cancer will receive 3 cycles of the…

This early-stage trial tests a new drug called CRPA1A2, which helps the body's immune cells attack cancer cells. It is for people with certain advanced solid tumors (like lung, esophagus, head and neck, or liver cancer) that have not responded to other treatments. The study will …

This early-phase study tests a new mRNA medicine (NCP-IL-22BP mRNA) in 9 people with advanced solid tumors that have not responded to standard treatments. The medicine is injected directly into tumors to help the body fight cancer. The main goal is to check safety and find the ri…

This phase II trial tests a combination of an antibody-drug conjugate (a targeted cancer drug) and stereotactic body radiotherapy (precise, high-dose radiation) in 40 people with recurrent or metastatic salivary gland cancer. Participants first receive the drug; if their disease …

This study tests whether adding the drug benmelstobart to standard radiotherapy and nimotuzumab can help prevent head and neck cancer from coming back after surgery. About 386 patients with intermediate-risk features will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. The main goal i…

This phase 2 trial tests whether adding two immunotherapy drugs (iparomlimab and tuvonralimab) to a special type of radiation and standard chemotherapy can help people with advanced, bulky head and neck cancer live longer without the disease getting worse. The study will enroll 2…

This study tests whether giving radiation along with immunotherapy before surgery works better than immunotherapy alone for people with advanced head and neck cancer. About 36 adults with treatable but advanced cancer will be split into two groups. The goal is to see if the combi…

This phase 2 trial tests whether a combination of two chemotherapy drugs, cyclophosphamide and etoposide, can control advanced head and neck cancer in adults who have already tried standard treatment. 120 participants will receive either the drug combo or methotrexate for 6 month…

This study tests whether adding ficerafusp alfa to the immunotherapy nivolumab can shrink tumors better than nivolumab alone in people with advanced head and neck cancer that has stopped responding to platinum chemotherapy. About 131 adults aged 18-75 will take part. The goal is …

This phase II trial is testing a shorter, higher-dose radiation schedule (hypofractionated radiotherapy) for people with intermediate-risk head and neck cancer who have had surgery. The goal is to see if this 3-week course is safe and effective at controlling the cancer while pos…

This Phase 2 trial tests an experimental iron nanoparticle injection (CNSI-Fe) given directly into tumors along with standard radiotherapy. The goal is to see if the combination shrinks tumors better than radiation alone. The study will enroll 52 adults with head and neck cancer …

This study tests whether adding the immunotherapy drug camrelizumab to either an EGFR antibody or chemotherapy helps people with advanced head and neck cancer live longer. About 246 adults with stage III or IV head and neck cancer will receive the treatment before and after surge…

This phase 2 trial tests whether giving a combination of the immunotherapy drug camrelizumab and two chemotherapy drugs (paclitaxel and carboplatin) before surgery can improve outcomes for people with advanced oral cavity or larynx cancer. Fifty participants will receive three cy…

This study tests whether a combination of three drugs (becotatug vedotin, pucotenlimab, and cisplatin) given before surgery can shrink or eliminate tumors in people with advanced head and neck cancer. About 30 adults aged 18-70 with stage III/IVA disease who have not had prior tr…

This phase II trial tests the immunotherapy drug sintilimab combined with radiotherapy in patients with resectable locally advanced head and neck cancer. Participants receive sintilimab before surgery, then again after surgery along with radiation. The study aims to see if this a…

This study tests whether adding chemotherapy to the immunotherapy drug toripalimab before surgery helps keep head and neck cancer from coming back. About 154 adults with advanced but operable cancer will get either toripalimab alone or with chemo for two cycles, then have surgery…

This early-phase study tests a new drug called QLS5316 in about 300 adults with advanced solid tumors (such as colorectal, stomach, head and neck, or lung cancer) that have not responded to standard treatments. The main goals are to check the drug's safety, find the right dose, a…

This study tests a combination of three drugs (docetaxel, nimotuzumab, and pucotenlimab) in 30 adults with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer that has not responded to previous treatments. The goal is to see if this therapy can shrink tumors and improve survival. Partic…

This study tests whether adding fianlimab to the standard cemiplimab plus chemotherapy can better shrink tumors in adults with advanced HPV-positive head and neck cancer. About 90 participants will receive either the two-drug or three-drug combination before radiation. The goal i…

This study tests whether people with advanced head and neck cancer who respond to immunotherapy can safely have a smaller, less invasive surgery than usual. The goal is to preserve organ function and quality of life without lowering the chance of survival. About 356 participants …

This phase 2 trial tests a combination of two targeted drugs (sintilimab and nimotuzumab) plus chemotherapy for people with advanced head and neck cancer that hasn't spread. The goal is to see if this approach can shrink tumors enough to avoid removing the larynx (voice box). The…

This study tests a new drug called TYK-01054 for people with advanced solid tumors that have not responded to standard treatments. The drug is taken as a capsule and works by blocking a protein (TEAD) involved in cancer growth. The trial will check safety, find the best dose, and…

This study tests whether taking a short course of capecitabine pills before surgery can shrink tumors and improve outcomes for people with HPV-negative head and neck cancer. About 75 adults with stage III or IVa cancer will be randomly assigned to either standard care or capecita…

Researchers are testing a new PET/CT imaging tracer called [68Ga]-LY4257529 that targets a protein called GRPR, which some cancers make in large amounts. The study includes up to 60 adults with breast cancer or other tumors known or suspected to express GRPR, such as prostate, ov…

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine are studying whether a fluorescent dye called indocyanine green can help visualize the edges of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma during surgery. The study plans to enroll 25 adults who are having surgery for confirmed o…

This early study tests a new radioactive antibody called NTH-2403 in 16 people with advanced colorectal, head and neck, lung, or triple-negative breast cancers. The antibody targets a protein found on cancer cells and their supporting cells, allowing doctors to see tumors on scan…

This trial tests whether two imaging agents, Panitumumab-IRDye800 and [18F]NOTA-ABY-030, are safe and useful for helping surgeons identify head and neck tumors and cancer-containing lymph nodes during surgery. Adults with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are scheduled fo…

This early-phase study will test a new radioactive tracer called [18F]-AraG in just 5 people with advanced head and neck cancer. Participants will receive two PET/CT scans (before and during standard chemoradiotherapy) to see if the tracer's uptake matches immune cell activity an…

This study tests a new radioactive tracer called 64Cu-DOTA-ECL1i that aims to make PET scans more accurate for head and neck cancer. Researchers will enroll 90 adults with newly diagnosed or recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The goal is to see if this tr…

This study aims to see if a simple blood test can find HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer early in men aged 50 and older who have no symptoms. Researchers will check blood for two markers of HPV and then follow up with those who test positive to find and treat any tumors. If succes…

This study will test artificial intelligence algorithms that analyze video from routine endoscopies of the head and neck. The AI will try to detect, classify (benign vs. malignant), and outline lesions, comparing its performance to doctors and lab results. About 283 adults with s…

This early-phase trial tests a fluorescent dye called ABY-029 that may help surgeons see head and neck cancer during surgery. About 24 adults with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma will receive a tiny amount of the dye before surgery. Researchers will check safety and find th…

This study is developing a blood test called NeutroFlow that measures specific immune cells (neutrophils) to predict whether cancer patients will benefit from immunotherapy. Researchers will collect blood samples from 600 patients with several types of cancer before they start tr…

Researchers compare two palliative radiation schedules for people with incurable head and neck cancer. The standard Split Course takes several weeks and often causes hard-to-tolerate side effects. The study tests whether a shorter Quad Shot regimen can shrink tumors and ease symp…

This study tests if a ketamine oral rinse can relieve pain from mouth sores (mucositis) caused by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. About 62 adults receiving radiation will use the rinse and report their pain levels. The goal is to see if this simple rinse impro…

This study is for people with HPV-related oropharyngeal (throat) cancer, which often responds well to treatment. The goal is to see if lowering the radiation dose to certain areas can reduce side effects like dry mouth without hurting the chance of curing the cancer. About 132 pa…

This study tests whether adding palliative care early — alongside standard chemoradiotherapy — can improve symptoms and quality of life for people with advanced head and neck cancer that cannot be surgically removed. Researchers will compare two groups: one receiving standard tre…

This study tests whether a common antibiotic ointment applied inside the nose can reduce severe mouth and throat pain caused by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. About 126 participants will receive either the antibiotic or a placebo, and neither they nor their d…

This study tests if a daily protein drink can lower the chance of severe mouth sores caused by radiation therapy in people with head and neck cancer. About 504 adults will either get the protein supplement or a placebo drink without protein during their radiation treatment. The g…

This study looks at how much pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy drug) remains in the blood after treatment ends and whether that affects how well chemotherapy works later. Researchers will follow 110 people with non-small cell lung cancer or head and neck cancer who have stopped pem…

Researchers want to know whether the bacteria living in and around head and neck squamous cell carcinoma differ from those in healthy tissue. Adults scheduled for a standard throat examination because of suspected cancer give three extra samples during that procedure: tumor tissu…

This early-phase trial is testing whether injecting a fluorescently labeled version of the immunotherapy drug nivolumab directly into head and neck tumors is safe and helps visualize the tumor and nearby lymph nodes during surgery. Adults with head and neck squamous cell carcinom…

This study collects blood and tissue samples from 110 adults with advanced lung, head and neck, or mesothelioma cancer. The samples are stored in a biobank to help scientists study cancer genes and find better ways to predict treatment outcomes. Participants do not receive any ex…

This study will collect tumor and blood samples from 120 people with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Researchers will create mouse models from the samples and analyze molecular markers to understand resistance to standard therapies. The goal is to find new treatment target…

This pilot study will test whether trained community health navigators can help head and neck cancer patients get diagnosed and treated faster after an emergency room visit. The navigators will call or text patients to help with barriers like transportation, insurance, or housing…

This study aims to better predict how head and neck cancer responds to chemoradiotherapy. Researchers will use MRI, PET/CT scans, and blood/tumor DNA tests from 152 patients to build a combined prediction model. The goal is to identify which patients have a complete response with…