Clinical trials · North Carolina
Head and Neck Cancer clinical trials in North Carolina
We’re tracking 41 recruiting head and neck cancer studies with a site in North Carolina — including 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 North Carolina
- 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.
Durham, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT05877599RecruitingPhase 1
Study of a new treatment for advanced cancers with a specific gene change
This trial tests a new type of therapy (NT-175) for people with certain advanced cancers that have a specific genetic change. It might help if your tumor has the TP53 R175H mutation and you have the HLA-A*02:01 immune marker.
Charlotte, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT04099290Recruiting
Blood DNA test in newly diagnosed head and neck cancer
This study looks at “circulating tumor DNA” (tumor DNA found in blood) in people with newly diagnosed, locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer. Researchers want to see how the blood DNA levels relate to the cancer and how it may guide treatment after surgery.
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT07278557RecruitingPhase 2
MRI-guided radiation to reduce dry mouth from head and neck cancer treatment
This trial tests if using an MRI to map saliva glands before radiation can help spare them, reducing dry mouth. It is for people with oropharynx cancer who will receive radiation with or without chemotherapy.
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT07109726RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Testing TER-2013 for advanced tumors with AKT/PI3K/PTEN changes
This trial tests a new drug called TER-2013, alone or combined with another drug (fulvestrant), for people with advanced solid tumors that have specific genetic changes in the AKT/PI3K/PTEN pathway. It aims to see if the drug is safe and effective.
Huntersville, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT04389281RecruitingPhase 1
X-ray light-activated therapy for hard-to-treat skin tumors
This early-phase study tests an X-ray–activated medicine that is delivered directly into selected tumors to help control cancer that has not responded to standard treatments. If the injected area can be treated safely, it may shrink or slow the tumor and improve local control.
Charlotte, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT02734537RecruitingPhase 2
Radiation with or without cisplatin after head and neck surgery
This trial studies whether adding cisplatin (a chemotherapy medicine) to radiation therapy helps people with stage III–IVA squamous cell cancer of the head and neck after they’ve had surgery. It’s meant to lower the risk of the cancer coming back.
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT06788990RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Study of ficerafusp alfa with pembrolizumab for advanced head and neck cancer
This study tests a new drug called ficerafusp alfa (BCA101) combined with the immunotherapy pembrolizumab for people with advanced head and neck cancer that has not been treated before. The goal is to see if adding ficerafusp alfa helps shrink tumors better than pembrolizumab alone.
Durham, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT04671667RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab vs chemo-radiation after surgery for recurrent head/neck cancer
This trial tests whether pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy drug) works better than the usual chemo plus radiation after surgery for cancer that has come back in the head and neck area. It may help reduce cancer returning or spreading by using your immune system, but eligibility depends on how the cancer came back and your prior treatments.
Asheboro, North CarolinaAges 18–79 - NCT07219212RecruitingPhase 1
New drug with chemo and radiation for advanced head and neck cancer
This study tests if adding an investigational drug called JNJ-90301900 to standard chemotherapy and radiation therapy works better for people with certain advanced head and neck cancers (like mouth, throat, and voice box) that have not spread to other parts of the body.
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaAges 18–74 - NCT06496178RecruitingPhase 3
Petosemtamab for advanced head and neck cancer after prior treatment
This trial tests a new drug called petosemtamab for people with head and neck cancer that has gotten worse after immunotherapy and platinum chemotherapy. The goal is to see if it works better than the standard single-drug options available.
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT06129864RecruitingPhase 3
Study of Volrustomig for advanced head and neck cancer after chemoradiation
This trial tests a new drug called volrustomig (MEDI5752) for people with advanced head and neck cancer that was not removed by surgery and has been treated with chemoradiation. The goal is to see if the drug can help prevent the cancer from coming back.
Charlotte, North CarolinaAges 18–130 - NCT05451004RecruitingPhase 3
SPECT-CT test to target neck radiation on one side
This study tests whether using a special scan (SPECT-CT) can guide radiation treatment to only the safer/needed side of the neck in people with a one-sided oropharyngeal cancer. It aims to keep cancer control while potentially reducing side effects from unnecessary radiation.
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT04564989Recruiting
Biomarker study for HPV-related throat cancer outcomes
This observational study checks how well a blood test for HPV DNA (and other tumor genetic markers) predicts outcomes in certain throat cancers. It may help doctors better track the disease and plan treatment, because the trial validates these lab signals against real-world results.
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT05059444Recruiting
Blood test study to watch for cancer coming back
This study looks at whether blood tests can detect signs that cancer may return after curative-intent treatment. You would have blood drawn around your usual follow-up visits for up to 5 years, and your de-identified health data would be shared with study investigators.
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT05334069Recruiting
Blood test study for early cancer detection in patients
This study collects blood from people with cancer and people without cancer (or with possible cancer) to test whether new blood tests can detect cancer earlier. Your blood samples help researchers evaluate how well these tests work.
Asheville, North CarolinaAges 40–75 - NCT04333537RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Sentinel node biopsy versus standard neck surgery for early mouth cancer
This trial compares two ways of checking whether early oral cavity squamous cell cancer has spread to neck lymph nodes. It tests whether sentinel lymph node biopsy can find spread as well as standard neck dissection, while potentially reducing more extensive surgery for some people.
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaAges 18 years+
Head and Neck Cancer trials by city in North Carolina
Where these studies are running in North Carolina
Institutions with a site for the recruiting head and neck cancer studies listed above.
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill · 5 studies
- UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center · 4 studies
- Research Site · 2 studies
- Southeastern Medical Oncology Center · 2 studies
- Southeastern Medical Oncology Center-Clinton · 2 studies
- Southeastern Medical Oncology Center-Jacksonville · 2 studies
- AdventHealth Hendersonville
- AdventHealth Infusion Center Asheville
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 North Carolina?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 41 recruiting head and neck cancer studies with a site in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina?
- 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 North Carolina to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site in North Carolina, 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 North Carolina 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.