Clinical trials · Massachusetts
Head and Neck Cancer clinical trials in Massachusetts
We’re tracking 49 recruiting head and neck cancer studies with a site in Massachusetts — including Early Phase 1, Phase 1, Phase 1/Phase 2, Phase 2, Phase 2/Phase 3 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies in Massachusetts
- NCT06239220RecruitingPhase 2
Combination immunotherapy for advanced head and neck cancer
This trial tests a combination of three immunotherapy drugs (PD-L1 t-haNK, NAI IL-15sa, and cetuximab) for people with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has spread or cannot be cured. The goal is to see if this treatment can shrink tumors or slow the disease.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05136196RecruitingPhase 2
Cabozantinib plus nivolumab for advanced melanoma or head-neck cancer
This trial tests whether combining two immunotherapy medicines—cabozantinib and nivolumab—can shrink advanced melanoma or certain head-and-neck squamous cell cancers. It is mainly for people whose cancer has grown after prior PD-1 treatment.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06465069RecruitingPhase 1
Study of a new drug for advanced bladder and other solid tumors
This study tests a new drug (LY4052031) for people with several types of advanced solid tumors, especially bladder cancer. It aims to see if the drug is safe and effective when given alone or after other treatments have stopped working.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06589804RecruitingPhase 3
Testing cetuximab plus pembrolizumab for advanced head and neck cancer
This trial tests whether adding cetuximab to the standard drug pembrolizumab works better for head and neck cancer that has spread or come back after treatment. It is for people whose cancer did not respond to platinum chemotherapy and whose tumors have a certain immune marker (PD-L1).
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07276399RecruitingPhase 3
Study of amivantamab plus standard care for head and neck cancer
This trial tests whether adding the drug amivantamab to usual treatments helps people with advanced head and neck cancer that has come back or spread. It compares the combination to standard care alone.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT03526835RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Study of MCLA-158 for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a new experimental drug called MCLA-158 (petosemtamab) for people with advanced solid tumors, especially head and neck cancer or colorectal cancer, that have not responded to standard treatments. The study aims to see if this drug can shrink tumors or slow their growth.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07090499RecruitingPhase 1
Study of PF-08046876 for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a new medicine, PF-08046876, for people with advanced cancers of the bladder, lung, head and neck, esophagus, or pancreas. It aims to see if the drug is safe and works against these cancers.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07214987RecruitingPhase 2
PDT with immunotherapy and chemo for head and neck cancer
This trial tests a combination of an immunotherapy drug (toripalimab) and two chemotherapy drugs (cisplatin and docetaxel) as a first treatment before surgery or radiation for advanced head and neck cancers. It may help shrink tumors that can't be easily treated with standard therapy.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT04429542RecruitingPhase 1
Test of an EGFR-targeting drug for advanced solid cancers
This Phase 1 study tests the safety of BCA101 (an EGFR-targeting treatment) alone or combined with pembrolizumab. It may help people with certain EGFR-driven advanced cancers, depending on the tumor type, prior treatments, and required biopsy testing.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT04534205RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Testing BNT113 plus pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab alone
This trial studies whether adding BNT113 to pembrolizumab works better and is safe for people with HPV16-positive head and neck cancer that can’t be cured with local treatments. It also compares outcomes to pembrolizumab alone, specifically for tumors that show PD-L1 in testing.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT04545957Recruiting
Radiation planning study using MRI for adults with cancer
This trial tests a “master protocol” approach to use MRI (a detailed body scan) to help plan radiation treatment for people with cancer. It may help doctors customize radiation more accurately, depending on your specific cancer type.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT04585750RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Study drug for TP53 Y220C-mutated advanced cancers
This early-phase study tests PC14586 (rezatapopt) in people with advanced or metastatic solid cancers that carry a specific TP53 mutation called Y220C. It mainly looks at safety and how well the treatment may work, sometimes combined with pembrolizumab.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 12 years+ - NCT05349227Recruiting
After-cancer digital coaching and wearable tracking outcomes study
This study tests a digital health coaching program (using phone/tablet check-ins and wearable data) to understand health and quality-of-life outcomes after cancer treatment. It may help you learn healthy habits and track progress over time.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05553782RecruitingEarly Phase 1
IMD device study for certain head and neck cancers
This early-phase study tests a new small device (placed through the skin) plus standard surgery to study head and neck cancers. It may help researchers understand how the device works and gather safety information for people who need definitive surgery for a measurable tumor.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05726370RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab plus chemo before surgery for recurrent head and neck cancer
This Phase 2 trial tests whether giving pembrolizumab (an immune therapy) plus chemotherapy before curative surgery can improve outcomes for people with resectable, recurrent head and neck squamous cell cancer. It also studies how these treatments affect the tumor and immune response using required tissue and blood samples.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05983432RecruitingPhase 1
Study of BL-B01D1 for advanced lung and other solid tumors
This trial tests an experimental drug called BL-B01D1 for people with several types of advanced solid tumors, especially non-small cell lung cancer and breast cancer. It's designed for those whose cancer has continued to grow after standard treatments.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06064877RecruitingPhase 3
Study of ficlatuzumab plus cetuximab for advanced head and neck cancer
This trial tests a combination of two drugs, ficlatuzumab and cetuximab, for people with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer that is HPV-negative and has not responded to prior immunotherapy and chemotherapy. It aims to see if this combination can help shrink tumors or slow the disease.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06239194RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
MdX2001 for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a new drug, MDX2001, for people with advanced solid tumors that have spread. The study aims to find the best dose and see how well it works.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06532279RecruitingPhase 2
Testing BMX-001 with chemoradiation for head and neck cancer
This trial tests whether adding BMX-001 (a drug that may protect healthy tissues) to standard chemoradiation can reduce side effects and improve outcomes for people with head and neck cancer. It's a randomized study, so you would have a 50/50 chance of getting BMX-001 or a placebo.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06385080RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Study of amivantamab for head and neck cancer
This trial tests a drug called amivantamab, either alone or with other treatments, for people with head and neck cancer that has spread or come back. The goal is to see if the drug can help shrink tumors or control the cancer.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07059884Recruiting
Exercise program to help people with cancer stay active
This trial tests a distance-based exercise program designed to help people on chemotherapy maintain their physical function and prevent disability. It is for patients with certain cancers who are working full-time and can participate in moderate physical activity.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07405645Recruiting
Focused Ultrasound for Cancer Pain in the Head or Neck
This trial tests a non-invasive focused ultrasound treatment aimed at a specific brain area to reduce severe cancer-related pain in the head, neck, or upper chest. It may help if your pain hasn't responded to standard medications.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–85 - NCT05176483RecruitingPhase 1
New drug combinations for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a new drug called zanzalintinib, which may slow or shrink various types of advanced cancer. It is given together with other cancer treatments, and the study is looking at many different cancers including kidney, prostate, bladder, lung, liver, and more.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT04981119Recruiting
Test apheresis for CAR T manufacturing in HLA-A2 solid tumors
This trial studies how a process called apheresis is used to make CAR T cells for people with certain solid tumors. It is designed for tumors that have lost a specific immune marker (HLA-A*02), which may affect how well CAR T therapies work.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+
Head and Neck Cancer trials by city in Massachusetts
Where these studies are running in Massachusetts
Institutions with a site for the recruiting head and neck cancer studies listed above.
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute · 14 studies
- Massachusetts General Hospital · 9 studies
- Brigham and Women's Hospital · 6 studies
- Boston Medical Center · 2 studies
- Tufts Medical Center · 2 studies
- Baystate Medical Center
- Exelixis Clinical Site
- Tufts Medical Center Cancer Center Stoneham
What taking part in a head and neck cancer study involves
A screening visit first
Before anything else, the study team checks whether you fit — usually a visit with some tests. You can stop at any point, and screening is typically free.
Care at a nearby site
Study visits happen at a clinic or hospital taking part. Many studies cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits, and some reimburse travel.
You stay in control
Taking part is voluntary and you can leave a study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your regular care.
The team decides eligibility
Our fit check is a helpful first read, not a decision. The study team makes the final call after reviewing your health history.
Head and Neck Cancer trials in other states
Common questions
- Are there head and neck cancer clinical trials in Massachusetts?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 49 recruiting head and neck cancer studies with a site in Massachusetts, each rewritten in plain language so you can see what it's testing and who it's for.
- How do I find out if I qualify for a head and neck cancer study in Massachusetts?
- Each study lists its eligibility rules — age, diagnosis, prior treatments. On every trial page we explain these in plain language and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Do I have to live in Massachusetts to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in Massachusetts, but eligibility is about your health, not your address — some people travel to take part, and a few studies reimburse travel. The study team can tell you what's required.
- Does it cost anything to join a head and neck cancer trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what's covered before you decide.
Not the right time?
New head and neck cancer studies open in Massachusetts regularly. Set up a health profile and we’ll quietly watch for studies that fit you and email you when one opens.
Clin2 helps you find and understand clinical trials and does not provide medical advice. Study data comes from ClinicalTrials.gov. Talk with your doctor about whether a specific trial is right for you.