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 619 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT03649048Recruiting
Weekly low-dose or high-dose cisplatin with radiation for head and neck cancer
This trial compares two cisplatin dosing schedules (weekly low-dose vs higher dose less often) given alongside radiation for certain head and neck cancers. It’s testing which schedule works well while keeping side effects manageable during planned, curative-intent radiation.
Hamilton, OntarioAges 18 years+ - NCT05414032RecruitingPhase 2
Using leftover DNA signals to guide treatment after head and neck cancer
This Phase 2 trial tests a drug strategy for people with locally advanced head and neck cancer linked to HPV status. It looks at “molecular residual disease” by measuring tumor DNA in blood and uses early response and tumor test results to see who may benefit.
TorontoAges 18 years+ - NCT07339176RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
A trial of N17350 injected into tumors for advanced solid cancers
This trial tests an experimental drug, N17350, that is injected directly into tumors. It is for people with advanced solid tumors that have stopped responding to standard treatments or who cannot receive them. The study aims to see if this approach is safe and effective.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07026474RecruitingPhase 3
Re-radiation plus immunotherapy for recurrent head and neck cancer
This trial tests a combination of re-radiation and chemotherapy with the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab for people whose head and neck cancer has come back after earlier treatment. It compares this approach to standard immunotherapy or chemo-immunotherapy, and may offer a new option for patients whose cancer has a specific marker (PD-L1).
ChemnitzAges 18 years+ - NCT07398664RecruitingPhase 2
H101 virus plus TACE for recurrent head and neck cancer
This trial tests combining a cancer-killing virus (H101) with a procedure that delivers chemo directly to the tumor (TACE) for people with advanced head and neck cancers that have not responded to at least two standard treatments. It aims to see if this combination can help shrink tumors and improve outcomes.
Chengdu, SichuanAges 18–80 - NCT03916809Recruiting
Voice and swallowing therapy device during head and neck cancer treatment
This trial tests whether using a mouth-based training device (called EMST150) during planned radiation (with or without chemotherapy) can help people with head and neck cancer with swallowing and related muscle function. It may be useful if you’re starting radiation for a cancer in the mouth, throat, or voice box area.
Milwaukee, WisconsinAges 18 years+ - NCT04567056Recruiting
Tested blood or tissue patterns in head and neck cancer
This study looks at specific genetic “methylation” patterns in people with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The results may help doctors understand the disease better and identify who may benefit from future treatments.
AalborgAges 18 years+ - NCT04681469RecruitingPhase 2
Niraparib plus immunotherapy for HPV-negative head and neck cancer
This Phase 2 study tests a cancer “induction then maintenance” plan using a PARP inhibitor (niraparib) along with immunotherapy (TSR-042) in people with HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell cancer. If it works, it may improve control of the cancer after surgery by boosting the immune system and targeting cancer cells’ DNA repair.
BresciaAges 18 years+ - NCT04857164RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for recurrent or metastatic throat cancer
This trial tests whether pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy) combined with chemotherapy works better as a first treatment for recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in the oral/throat area. It aims to improve cancer control and help people live longer with fewer side effects than standard care.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18 years+ - NCT05044117RecruitingPhase 3
Capecitabine pills after chemoradiation for head and neck cancer
This trial tests whether taking capecitabine pills on a steady, low schedule after standard treatment can help keep locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer from coming back or spreading. You may be eligible if your cancer is stage III–IV and you have finished certain radiation/chemo treatments on time, without current spread.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–70 - NCT05272696RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab plus chemo before treatment for advanced head and neck cancer
This Phase 2 study tests pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy medicine) together with induction chemotherapy before the main cancer treatment for stage III/IVA head and neck squamous cell cancer. It aims to improve how well the tumor responds and how long people can stay controlled.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–70 - NCT05280314RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy before and after surgery for stage III melanoma or throat cancer
This trial tests two immunotherapy medicines given before surgery and again after surgery to help control the cancer and improve outcomes. It studies people with resectable (operable) stage III melanoma or certain stage III/IVA throat cancers.
New Haven, ConnecticutAges 18 years+ - NCT05317000RecruitingPhase 2
Testing a new treatment plan for HPV throat cancer before surgery
This Phase 2 trial studies whether 5-azacytidine and nivolumab (alone and/or together) can work well and be tolerated in people with HPV-related throat cancer that can be surgically removed. The goal is to help shrink or control the cancer before resection and learn more from added tumor samples.
New Haven, ConnecticutAges 18 years+ - NCT05343325RecruitingPhase 2
Neoadjuvant low-dose radiation with chemo-immunotherapy for head and neck cancer
This Phase 2 study tests whether giving low-dose radiation before surgery—along with chemotherapy and an immunotherapy drug—can work better and be safe for treating locally advanced head and neck squamous cell cancer. It may help shrink tumors before surgery and reduce the chance of the cancer coming back.
Zhuhai, GuangdongAges 18–70 - NCT05446467RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab before surgery for advanced head and neck cancer
This trial studies whether pembrolizumab, given before surgery, can improve outcomes for certain people with stage III–IVA head and neck squamous cell cancer. It’s typically added alongside low-dose PFAS as part of treatment leading up to standard surgery and afterward medicines/radiation.
Qingdao, ShandongAges 18–85 - NCT05854823Recruiting
Reduced radiation after surgery for advanced head and neck cancer
This trial looks at whether giving less (de-escalated) radiation after surgery is as effective and safer for people with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who had a strong response to treatment before surgery. If you had no remaining cancer or only very small amounts of cancer left in the surgical specimen, this approach may help reduce side effects while keeping control of the disease.
Zhuhai, GuangdongAges 18–70 - NCT05872880Recruiting
Oral cancer treatment with chemo, then surgery and radiation
This trial studies giving chemotherapy first, then removing the tumor with surgery and follow-up radiation for certain cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma. It may help shrink and control the cancer before and after surgery, depending on how well the tumor can be fully removed.
Changsha, HunanAges 18–65 - NCT05962242RecruitingPhase 2
HPV-tested de-escalated radiation for HPV-related throat cancer
This Phase 2 study uses HPV test results from your tumor to safely lower (de-intensify) the strength of radiation for some HPV-positive oropharyngeal throat cancers. It aims to reduce side effects while keeping cancer control effective.
Miami, FloridaAges 18 years+ - NCT06081673RecruitingPhase 2
Penpulimab plus chemo before and after surgery for head and neck cancer
This trial tests a combination of penpulimab (an immunotherapy drug) and chemotherapy before and after surgery for head and neck cancer. The goal is to see if this approach can improve treatment outcomes for people with resectable (removable by surgery) cancers.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT06100497RecruitingPhase 2
PD-1 plus chemo for advanced head and neck cancer
This trial tests a combination of immunotherapy (PD-1) and chemotherapy for people with advanced head and neck cancers that are poorly differentiated. The goal is to see if the combination helps shrink tumors before possible surgery or radiation.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18 years+ - NCT06102395RecruitingPhase 3
Pembrolizumab plus chemo before surgery for advanced head and neck cancer
This trial tests whether adding pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy drug) to standard chemotherapy before surgery can help people with advanced head and neck cancer. It aims to see if the combination is more effective than chemotherapy alone.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18 years+ - NCT06137378RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab for advanced throat cancer to avoid laryngectomy
This trial tests whether a drug called pembrolizumab (Keytruda) can help people with advanced throat cancer avoid removal of the voice box. You may be eligible if you have a specific type of larynx or hypopharynx cancer that hasn't been treated with radiation or immunotherapy before.
Mannheim, Baden-WürtembergAges 18–70 - NCT06258811RecruitingPhase 3
Chemo-immunotherapy before surgery for advanced mouth cancer
This trial tests whether giving chemotherapy plus immunotherapy before surgery can help treat advanced mouth cancer. It aims to shrink tumors and improve outcomes.
ShanghaiAges 18–75 - NCT06291610Recruiting
Testing a decision-support tool for cancer trial choices
This study tests a tool to help patients with throat or voice box cancer decide whether to join a larger trial. It aims to make the decision process clearer and less overwhelming.
AarhusAges 18 years+
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for head and neck cancer?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 619 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.