Clinical trials
Head and Neck Cancer clinical trials
Below are recruiting head and neck cancer clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 618 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT05706129RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Testing targeted imaging and therapy for advanced solid tumors
This early-phase study tests two radioactive medicines that first help doctors see tumors and, in some parts of the study, treat them. It may help people with advanced, hard-to-remove cancers that have a specific tumor marker (CA IX).
MelbourneAges 18 years+ - NCT05635929Recruiting
Topical treatment to reduce mouth sores during or after radiation
This study tests a new cream/gel applied to the mouth to lower the chance of severe mouth sores in people receiving radiation for head and neck cancer. It also looks at how treatment affects quality of life using patient questionnaires.
Madrid, MadridAges 18 years+ - NCT05576974RecruitingPhase 2
Test a dye used during surgery to find head and neck cancer
This trial tests whether a single dose of an imaging dye (given during surgery) can help doctors find the unknown origin of head and neck cancer and check safety. It may help guide surgery and biopsies when the primary cancer location hasn’t been identified.
Dallas, TexasAges 18–99 - 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+ - NCT03556228RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Tested medicine for tumors with TrkA changes, alone or with pembrolizumab
This early-phase study tests VMD-928, a targeted cancer medicine, for cancers that have TrkA-related tumor changes. It may be given by itself or with pembrolizumab to see if it can shrink tumors when standard treatments have not worked.
Santa Rosa, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT05544136RecruitingPhase 2
Study of lower radiation and chemo for head and neck cancer
This study tests whether giving lower doses of radiation and chemotherapy is safe and effective for people with certain head and neck cancers. It aims to reduce side effects while keeping the treatment successful.
Basking Ridge, New JerseyAges 18 years+ - NCT05542706Recruiting
Extra support for caregivers after head and neck cancer surgery
This trial tests whether adding “paramedical” support (extra practical health help) for caregivers improves care after a patient has curative surgery for certain head and neck cancers. It’s designed for patient–caregiver pairs and may help families during the stressful period around surgery and follow-up treatment.
RouenAges 18–85 - NCT05526924RecruitingPhase 1
Phase 1 trial tests re-radiation plus immunotherapy and a cancer pill
This trial studies whether adding a checkpoint immunotherapy (tislelizumab) and a cancer pill (pamiparib) to radiation can better treat cancer that has come back in the head and neck. It’s for adults with previously treated, HPV-positive oropharynx tumors, usually without widespread spread.
Chicago, IllinoisAges 18 years+ - NCT05483374Recruiting
Head and neck cancer registry for adult patients
This study builds a European database (registry) of adults with certain head and neck cancers to better understand how these cancers are diagnosed and treated over time. It may help future care by collecting real-world information, rather than testing a new medicine.
Brno, BrnoAges 18 years+ - NCT05420948RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab with chemotherapy for returning or spread head cancer
This Phase 2 study tests pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy) plus chemotherapy to treat head and neck cancer that has come back or spread. You might be eligible if standard local treatments won’t be curative and your tumor can be measured on scans.
Chicago, IllinoisAges 18 years+ - NCT05442957Recruiting
BRIGHT program after head and neck cancer treatment
This trial tests a “renewed image” program (BRIGHT) compared with another option (AC) after you’ve finished treatment for certain head and neck cancers. It may help you with emotional well-being and adjustment after cancer.
Detroit, MichiganAges 18 years+ - NCT05432297Recruiting
Exercise program for people getting treatment for head and neck cancer
This trial tests whether a preventive, structured physical activity program can help people during and around curative treatment for head and neck cancers. It aims to see if exercise is safe and beneficial for strength, function, and well-being during radio(±chemo) therapy.
GothenburgAges 18 years+ - NCT05366881Recruiting
Blood test study to spot early cancer signal and cancer leftovers
This observational study checks whether a blood test (a “cfDNA” test) can detect early signs of cancer or small amounts of cancer left after treatment. It may help doctors use a simple blood sample to improve cancer detection and follow-up.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 40 years+ - NCT05403177Recruiting
Share your cancer data and samples for Ontario research
This study collects and combines medical records, genetic (genomic) data, and tumor/blood samples from people with cancer. It helps researchers build and improve a large “gold standard” cancer dataset that can support future studies and better understanding of cancer.
Kingston, OntarioAges 18 years+ - NCT05313191Recruiting
Proton therapy for tumors after prior radiation
This study looks at whether a type of proton beam treatment can be given safely and effectively to tumors that have already been treated with radiation before. It may help people whose tumors came back or persisted after earlier radiation, using a specific proton method called pencil beam scanning.
New York, New YorkAges 18 years+ - NCT05328024Recruiting
Testing who benefits from anti–PD-1 immunotherapy in head cancer
This study looks for signs in your tumor that can predict how well anti–PD-1 immunotherapy will work for certain head and neck cancers. You may benefit by helping doctors match the right treatment to the right patients.
Strasbourg, FranceAges 18 years+ - NCT05358548RecruitingPhase 2
Alternating treatment for advanced lung and head-neck cancers
This Phase 2 study tests an approach that alternates treatments for advanced lung cancer or recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer. It may help by improving how well the cancer responds while managing side effects differently than standard back-to-back therapy.
Elizabeth, New JerseyAges 18 years+ - NCT05269381RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Personalized cancer vaccine with pembrolizumab for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a personalized vaccine made from your tumor's unique markers, combined with the drug pembrolizumab, to help your immune system fight cancer. It is for people with advanced solid tumors who have already tried standard treatments.
Jacksonville, FloridaAges 16 years+ - NCT05207098Recruiting
Brain testing and questionnaires during head and neck radiation
This study checks how people’s thinking and brain functioning change while they are getting radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. It uses simple computer tests and questionnaires to better understand who may be at risk for trouble thinking during treatment.
Basking Ridge, New JerseyAges 18–89 - NCT00230308Recruiting
Study of new genes in head and neck cancer surgery tissue
This study looks at tissue from people having surgery for head and neck cancer at Stanford University. Researchers want to identify new proteins and genes that may help explain the cancer and guide future treatments.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04511078RecruitingPhase 2
Panitumumab-IRDye800 during head and neck surgery
This Phase 2 study tests a targeted medicine (panitumumab-IRDye800) given around the time of surgery for head and neck squamous cell cancer. It aims to improve doctors’ ability to find and remove cancer tissue during planned surgery.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18 years+ - NCT05172245RecruitingPhase 1
Testing a new drug added to chemoradiation for head and neck cancer
This study tests whether adding a new targeted drug called ipatasertib to standard chemoradiation can improve treatment for people with locally advanced head and neck cancer. Ipatasertib may help block a protein that helps cancer grow, possibly making the standard therapy more effective.
Tampa, FloridaAges 18 years+ - NCT05184790Recruiting
Using imaging during radiation therapy to improve AI planning
This study tests how well an artificial intelligence system can use special X-ray images taken during certain radiation treatments to improve care. You may qualify if you’re having radiation for specific conditions and your treatment center uses the required imaging steps.
Saint Leonards, New South WalesAges 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.
Phoenix, ArizonaAges 18 years+
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for head and neck cancer?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 618 recruiting head and neck cancer studies from the U.S. registry, each rewritten for real people, not researchers, so you can see what it’s testing and who it’s for.
- How do I know if I qualify for a head and neck cancer trial?
- Each study lists its eligibility criteria — rules about age, diagnosis, and prior treatments. On every Clin2 trial page we explain these in words written for real people and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Does it cost anything to join a head and neck cancer trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what’s covered before you decide.
Related conditions
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.