HEAD AND NECK CANCER

This study tested whether adding a lab-made antibody (C225) to standard chemotherapy (cisplatin) helps people with advanced head and neck cancer that has spread or come back. About 400 adults with incurable squamous cell cancer of the head and neck took part. The goal was to see …

This early-phase trial tested a drug called MEDI0562, which aims to boost the immune system's ability to fight cancer. It was given to 13 patients with advanced head and neck cancer or melanoma before their surgery. The main goal was to see if the drug safely activates the immune…

This study tested proton therapy for people whose head and neck cancer came back after previous radiation. The goal was to see if this precise type of radiation can control the tumor and limit side effects. 87 adults with recurrent or new head and neck cancer that could not be su…

This study tested whether adding tadalafil (a drug often used for erectile dysfunction) to pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy) could help control advanced head and neck cancer. Seven adults with recurrent or metastatic disease participated. The goal was to check safety and see if th…

This early-stage study tested an experimental drug called CLR 131, which delivers radiation directly to cancer cells, combined with standard external beam radiation. It included 12 people whose head and neck cancer had returned after prior treatment. The main goal was to check sa…

This study tested a combination of two drugs, pembrolizumab and cetuximab, in 78 adults with advanced head and neck cancer that had spread or come back. The goal was to see if the combo could shrink tumors or slow the disease. Patients were grouped based on whether they had tried…

This study tested whether adding the drug buparlisib to standard chemotherapy (paclitaxel) helps people with advanced head and neck cancer live longer. About 487 adults whose cancer had returned or spread and who had already tried other treatments took part. The goal was to see i…

This study tested the drug nivolumab in 39 people with head and neck cancer who had already received radiation (with or without chemo) and then had surgery to remove remaining cancer. The goal was to see if nivolumab could help control the disease and to check its safety. Partici…

This early-stage trial tested adding the drug olaparib to standard chemotherapy and radiation for people with high-risk head and neck cancer. The goal was to find the safest dose and see how well patients tolerated the combination. Sixteen adults with advanced disease took part, …

This study tested a new drug (TJ004309) combined with an approved immunotherapy (atezolizumab) in 25 people with advanced ovarian, head and neck, lung, gastrointestinal, or triple-negative breast cancers. The goal was to see if the combination could shrink tumors. Participants ha…

This study tested three different nutrition plans given through a feeding tube to see which one best prevents infections after surgery for head and neck cancer. 311 patients took part. The goal was to find the most effective way to support recovery and reduce complications.

This early-stage study tested a new drug called SNB-101 in 21 people with advanced solid tumors (like colorectal, breast, or lung cancer) that had stopped responding to standard treatments. The drug is a nanoparticle version of a chemotherapy agent, given through an IV, and the m…

This early-stage study tested a new drug called CTX-471, given alone or with another immunotherapy (pembrolizumab), in 100 adults with advanced cancers like lung cancer, melanoma, or head and neck cancer that had stopped responding to standard PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. The main goal…

This early-phase trial tested whether adding the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab to standard chemoradiation is safe and effective for people with advanced head and neck cancer. 59 participants received the combination, starting with a pembrolizumab dose one week before chemoradi…

This study tested a three-step treatment for head and neck cancer: chemotherapy before surgery, then surgery, followed by more chemo and radiation based on risk. The goal was to see if this approach could reduce side effects and improve how well the treatment works. 40 adults wit…

This study tested a new combination of drugs (pembrolizumab plus epacadostat) against standard chemotherapy for people with advanced head and neck cancer that had come back or spread. 89 participants received either the new combo, pembrolizumab alone, or standard chemo. The goal …

This study tested whether adding cetuximab to the immunotherapy drug avelumab works better than avelumab alone for advanced head and neck cancer that has returned or spread. The trial included a small safety check first, then planned to enroll 114 patients across UK hospitals. Tr…

This small study tested a single injection of stem cells from donated umbilical cord tissue in 10 people who developed severe dry mouth after radiation for head and neck cancer. The goal was to see if the treatment is safe and could help restore saliva production. Researchers mon…

This early-stage study tested a new drug (BI 765049) alone or with another drug (ezabenlimab) in 21 Asian adults with advanced cancers like stomach, lung, or liver cancer that had stopped responding to treatment. The goal was to find a safe dose and see if the drugs could shrink …

This study tested whether adding the targeted drug erlotinib to standard chemotherapy helps shrink head and neck tumors more than chemo alone before surgery. About 55 adults with advanced but operable head and neck cancer took part. The main goal was to see how many patients had …

This study tested whether giving the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab for one year after standard treatment could delay cancer recurrence in 100 patients with high-risk head and neck cancer. Half received pembrolizumab and half received a placebo. The main goal was to see how lon…

This early-phase study tested a combination of two drugs—oral decitabine and durvalumab—in 13 adults with head and neck cancer that had stopped responding to standard immunotherapy. The goal was to see if the combination could boost the immune system to fight the cancer again. Th…

This early-stage study tested a new treatment for people with advanced bladder, skin (melanoma), or head and neck cancers. Doctors took patients' own immune cells, modified them in a lab to better recognize and attack cancer cells, and then infused them back. The main goal was to…

This study tested a new drug called ozuriftamab vedotin in 42 people with head and neck cancer that had come back or spread. The goal was to see if the drug could shrink tumors and how safe it was. Researchers measured how many patients responded to treatment and tracked side eff…

This study tested a combination of two drugs, niraparib and dostarlimab, in 10 people with head and neck cancer that had come back or spread. The goal was to see if the combination could shrink tumors or slow the cancer. Participants had to be able to swallow pills and have no ot…

This early-phase study tested a new drug called CUE-101, alone or with pembrolizumab, in 80 adults with HPV16-positive head and neck cancer that had spread or returned. The main goals were to check safety and find the right dose. Researchers also looked at how well the drug shran…

This early-phase study tested a new approach for people with head and neck cancer that can be removed by surgery. Before surgery, patients received low-dose radiation along with two drugs (tislelizumab and afatinib) to see if the combination is safe and tolerable. Only 9 patients…

This study tested a series of seven injections of a drug called PepCan in people whose head and neck cancer was in remission. The goal was to see if it could safely lower the risk of the cancer returning. Seventeen adults who had finished their main cancer treatment within the la…

This study tested whether personalized text messages can help head and neck cancer survivors quit or reduce alcohol, which raises the risk of cancer coming back. About 126 survivors who had finished treatment and still drank alcohol took part. The goal was to see if the text prog…

This study looked at whether giving head and neck cancer patients a special nutritional drink (Nestle Impact Advanced Recovery) before and after major surgery could lower the chance of wound problems like infections or fluid buildup. Only 4 adults took part, all scheduled for maj…

This study tested a combination of chemotherapy, radiation, and a targeted drug called cetuximab in 53 patients with head and neck cancer who had a high risk of the cancer coming back after surgery. The goal was to see if this triple therapy could keep the cancer from returning f…

This study tested whether giving the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (MK-3475) before standard surgery could help prevent head and neck cancer from coming back. It included 67 adults with advanced, surgically removable head and neck cancer. The main goal was to see if the drug c…

This large phase III trial studied nearly 1,000 people with HPV-related oropharynx (throat) cancer. It compared radiation therapy combined with the targeted drug cetuximab versus standard chemoradiotherapy (radiation plus cisplatin). The goal was to see which approach works bette…

This study tested a breath analysis device (eNose) to see if it can predict which cancer patients will benefit from immunotherapy. Researchers collected breath samples from 190 adults with lung, melanoma, bladder, kidney, or head and neck cancers before treatment. The goal was to…

This study tested a device called an artificial nose that analyzes a person's breath to detect head and neck cancer. Researchers collected breath samples from 45 people (some with cancer, some healthy) and used the device to see if it could tell the difference. The goal was to se…

This study looked at 50 people aged 30-50 who had neck pain and stiffness after surgery for head and neck cancer. Half did special neck exercises with a pressure biofeedback device plus standard physical therapy, while the other half did only standard therapy. The goal was to see…

This study looked at two ways to help older patients (65+) with head and neck cancer manage side effects during radiation and chemotherapy. Researchers compared geriatric co-management and geriatric guided supportive care to see which approach might reduce hospital stays. The goa…

This pilot study tested a maskless immobilization device for 12 adults with head and neck cancer or brain tumors undergoing radiation therapy. The device aims to prevent movement during treatment with the same accuracy as standard thermoplastic masks, which can be uncomfortable. …

This study tested a mobile app called Oleena designed to help head and neck cancer patients track and manage symptoms like pain and nausea during chemoradiation. 33 patients and their healthcare providers used the app and rated how satisfied they were with it. The goal was to see…

This study looked at whether head and neck cancer patients would use medical cannabis to help with side effects from chemotherapy and radiation. About 30 patients were followed to see how many signed up for and obtained medical cannabis. The goal was to understand if cannabis cou…

This study tested two physical therapy techniques—Kaltenborn mobilization and active release—to help head and neck cancer survivors who developed jaw tightness and pain (trismus) from radiation therapy. 115 adults who finished radiation at least 6 months earlier took part. The go…

This study looked at whether eating only during an 8-10 hour daytime window (without cutting calories) could help immunotherapy work better in people with advanced head and neck cancer. 29 participants tracked their eating times using a phone app. The goal was to see if this eati…

This study looked at whether a home-based exercise program could help people with head and neck cancer maintain movement, muscle strength, and good posture while undergoing radiation therapy. 24 adults who had surgery for squamous cell carcinoma and were scheduled for radiation t…

This study tested a new type of radiation therapy that adjusts the treatment plan each day based on the patient's current anatomy. The goal was to see if this approach could reduce long-term dry mouth (xerostomia) in people with head and neck cancer. Fifty adults with squamous ce…

This study tested a mobile app called WeCanManage designed to help cancer survivors with disabilities manage long-term effects of their illness and treatment. Twenty adults who had breast cancer, head and neck cancer, or sarcoma participated. The goal was to see if the app was ea…

This study tested a new therapy for head and neck cancer survivors who have long-term swallowing problems. 88 adults who finished cancer treatment at least 3 months ago learned to swallow at the right time during breathing. The goal was to make swallowing safer and reduce food or…

This study tested whether watching 360° virtual reality movies can help lower fear and anxiety in cancer patients before they start radiation treatment. 292 adults with breast, lung, prostate, head and neck cancer, or a brain tumor took part. Researchers measured their stress lev…

This study tested whether a simple walking program, using fitness trackers, helps cancer patients tolerate their daily chemotherapy and radiation treatments without missing doses. 166 adults with various cancers (brain, head/neck, lung, GI, or cervical) who were scheduled for cur…

This study tested whether a capsaicin patch (Qutenza) applied to the neck and face can reduce nerve pain better than a standard medication (amitriptyline) in people who finished treatment for head and neck cancer. The trial aimed to enroll 130 participants but only 13 took part. …

This study tested whether a dedicated, supervised exercise program can help head and neck cancer patients feel better physically and mentally during and after cancer treatment. 133 patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy took part. The program aimed to improve health-related qualit…

This study tested whether acupuncture can help relieve dry mouth caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. 258 adults who had radiation and developed moderate to severe dry mouth took part. Participants received acupuncture, and researchers measured changes in dry mou…

This study tested whether a smartphone-based platform could help monitor quality of life in 410 head and neck cancer survivors after curative treatment. The goal was to detect meaningful declines in well-being earlier and more easily than standard methods. Participants used the p…

This study looked at 160 people with head and neck cancer who needed a scope exam of their throat. Researchers compared standard oxygen therapy with a high-flow system that delivers warm, moist oxygen at high rates. The goal was to see which method better prevents drops in oxygen…

This study tested a new type of CT scanner that takes pictures while a patient lies on the treatment couch during radiation therapy. 41 adults with head and neck, lung, breast, abdominal, or pelvic cancer participated. The goal was to see if the scanner produces clear images that…

This study looked at 23 people with head and neck cancer who were getting radiation therapy. Researchers measured a substance called CGRP in their blood to see if it changes during treatment and if it is linked to pain. The goal was to learn more about pain during radiation, not …

This study looked at how 5-FU, a common chemotherapy drug, affects small blood vessels in the skin. Researchers measured blood flow in 62 people, including current and past cancer patients and healthy volunteers. The goal was to better understand why 5-FU can cause heart problems…

This study looked at how neck muscle endurance relates to swallowing problems in 28 people with head and neck cancer. Researchers measured neck strength, breathing, and swallowing using special tests. The goal was to find new ways to plan rehabilitation for swallowing issues afte…

This study followed 385 adults with a first-time lung or head and neck cancer to see how many continued smoking or drinking alcohol over the first year. Researchers also looked at how these habits affected cancer progression and survival. The goal was to understand risk factors f…

This study tested a new imaging system called HyperSight, which takes detailed 3D pictures while a person is on the treatment couch receiving radiation for cancer. The goal was to see if these pictures are clearer and more useful than standard scans for guiding treatment. 46 adul…

This study tested whether a special imaging technique called OCT can detect skin damage from radiation therapy before it becomes visible to the naked eye. Researchers followed 30 head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation, taking OCT images of their skin over time. The go…

This study looked at how out-of-pocket costs affect people being treated for head and neck cancer. Researchers surveyed 60 patients to understand the financial burden and how it impacts their quality of life and treatment choices. The goal was to gather information, not to test a…

This study looked at whether a new robotic system (da Vinci Xi) can be used for surgery on head and neck tumors. It included 100 adults with different types and stages of head and neck cancer. The main goal was to see how often the robotic surgery could be completed successfully.

This study tested a new ultrasound technique to see the smallest blood vessels in lymph nodes on the neck. Researchers wanted to know if this method could help tell healthy lymph nodes apart from cancerous ones. Twenty adults with head and neck cancer, lymphoma, or healthy volunt…

This study tested a new way to monitor bone flaps after head and neck reconstruction surgery. Doctors placed a tiny probe (microdialysis catheter) directly into the bone tissue of 34 patients to measure key chemicals like lactate and glucose. The goal was to see if this method co…

This study gathered information and tissue samples from 2000 head and neck cancer patients at Samsung Medical Center in South Korea. The goal was to learn more about how the disease behaves in Asian populations, since most existing research comes from Western countries. By analyz…

This study looked at the electronic health records of 10,000 people with head and neck cancer. Researchers used artificial intelligence to find patterns that could help predict if the cancer will come back or how long someone might live. The goal is to improve future treatment de…

This study gathered information from 101 patients and healthcare providers to design a care pathway for COPD in people with lung or head and neck cancer. The goal was to reduce treatment burden and overcome common barriers to COPD care in community oncology clinics. Researchers u…

This study used a special full-body PET scanner to watch how a radioactive sugar moves through head and neck cancer and radiation-caused inflammation over time. Seven adults with stage II-IVa oral cancer took part after completing radiation therapy. The goal was to learn more abo…