Clinical trials
Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma clinical trials
Below are recruiting head and neck squamous cell carcinoma clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 485 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT05952934RecruitingPhase 2
Vaccine trial to help prevent head and neck cancer return
This Phase 2 study tests a Candida-based vaccine to help stop head and neck squamous cell cancer from coming back after curative treatment. If you are currently cancer-free on scans and exams, the trial may help train your immune system to lower recurrence risk.
Fayetteville, ArkansasAges 18–100 - NCT05910827RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Study of a HER3 antibody with cetuximab and possibly docetaxel
This Phase 1/2 trial tests whether an antibody that targets HER3 (with cetuximab, and possibly docetaxel) can help treat advanced squamous cell cancers that have already been treated or cannot use standard options. It mainly looks at safety first, and also whether the treatment can shrink tumors.
Sydney, New South WalesAges 18 years+ - NCT05919290Recruiting
Study MRI imaging markers in head and neck cancer
This study uses repeat MRI scans to look for imaging “markers” that may help doctors better understand head and neck squamous cell cancer. It may be most relevant if you are planning curative surgery and/or (chemo)radiotherapy and can safely undergo MRI more than once.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18 years+ - NCT05333523RecruitingPhase 3
Personalized neck radiation using a lymph node sentinel biopsy
This Phase 3 trial tests whether guiding neck radiation by checking the “sentinel” lymph node can target treatment more precisely in certain larynx, hypopharynx, or oropharynx cancers. It aims to improve control while potentially reducing unnecessary radiation to areas that don’t need it.
AmsterdamAges 18 years+ - NCT05889091Recruiting
Fat flap surgery to protect the neck after cancer treatment
This trial studies whether using a “fat flap” (a piece of your own fatty tissue, moved to the neck) during certain neck surgeries can reduce neck injury after head and neck cancer treatment. It is for people who need a salvage neck dissection because of persistent or returning cancer in the neck lymph nodes.
New York, New YorkAges 18 years+ - NCT05901545RecruitingPhase 1
Test an iodine-labeled drug to map neck lymph nodes
This Phase 1 study tests a labelling of panitumumab with iodine (111In) to see how well it can identify lymph nodes in head and neck cancer before surgery. The goal is to improve lymph node staging (which can help guide treatment), with the main focus on safety and early performance.
Nashville, TennesseeAges 19 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.
Gilbert, ArizonaAges 18 years+ - NCT05859074RecruitingPhase 1
Testing MQ710 injections alone or with pembrolizumab for advanced cancers
This early-phase study tests MQ710, a medicine given by injection into a reachable tumor, to see how well it can control advanced cancers. Some participants also receive pembrolizumab, an immunotherapy, to help the immune system fight the cancer.
Basking Ridge, New JerseyAges 18 years+ - NCT05815927RecruitingPhase 3
Pembrolizumab with targeted radiation for limited head and neck spread
This Phase 3 trial studies whether adding pembrolizumab (an immune medicine) to focused radiation (SABR) can better control head and neck cancer that has spread to only 1–5 spots. It may help some people live longer or delay cancer worsening by treating both the immune system and the specific metastases.
BrusselsAges 18 years+ - NCT05837221Recruiting
Study of the mouth microbiome in oral cancer
This study looks at the types of bacteria in the mouth (the microbiome) in people with oral squamous cell cancer and compares them to people without this cancer. It may help researchers understand what’s different in oral cancer and what could be useful for diagnosis or treatment planning.
Aurora, ColoradoAges 18–100 - NCT05793151Recruiting
Guided care to start cancer treatment on time after surgery
This trial tests a navigation program (help from a care coordinator) versus usual care to help people start the recommended “next-step” treatments (like radiation, sometimes with chemo) on time after surgery. It’s for certain stages of squamous cell cancer in the head and neck area where late treatment could matter.
St Louis, MissouriAges 18 years+ - NCT05808920Recruiting
Salvage surgery study for recurrent head and neck skin-cell cancer
This study looks at how well people do after “salvage” surgery (planned surgery after prior treatment) for recurrent or residual squamous cell cancer in the head and neck. It may help doctors understand which patients benefit most, including how this surgery affects survival and day-to-day function.
DerbyAges 18 years+ - NCT05791149Recruiting
Saliva test to help diagnose oral cavity cancer
This study looks for changes in saliva (epigenetic biomarkers) that may help doctors diagnose squamous cell carcinoma in the mouth. You may be asked for saliva samples and usual clinical checks to see whether the test can help with diagnosis, especially before surgery.
Amiens, PicardieAges 18 years+ - NCT05751512RecruitingPhase 3
Comparing a new treatment for advanced head and neck cancer that has stopped responding to standard care
This study tests a new drug called MRG003 against two other treatments (cetuximab or methotrexate) for people with a type of head and neck cancer that has come back or spread and has not responded to standard treatments. The goal is to see if the new drug can better control the cancer and improve outcomes.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT05752149RecruitingPhase 2
Fluorescent-guided surgery for throat cancer patients
This study tests a special dye/light method during surgery for laryngeal and hypopharyngeal squamous cell cancer. The goal is to see if it’s safe and practical to help surgeons find the tumor more clearly.
Rotterdam, South HollandAges 18 years+ - NCT05747625RecruitingPhase 1
PET/CT scan using panitumumab to find head and neck cancer spread
This Phase 1 study tests a new way to use a scan (PET/CT) with a drug called panitumumab to help spot where head and neck squamous cell cancer has spread. It may help doctors better target treatment by finding metastases earlier or more clearly.
Nashville, TennesseeAges 19 years+ - NCT05710679Recruiting
Blood test predicts leftover cancer after intensified head and neck radiation
This study uses a blood test to see whether cancer DNA is still detectable after a stronger combination of radiation and chemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer. The goal is to predict who may have “residual” (remaining) disease and help guide future care.
Clermont-Ferrand, Puy-de-DômeAges 18–80 - 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+ - NCT05707078Recruiting
PET/CT follow-up for head and neck cancer
This study uses a PET/CT scan (a special scan that can look for signs of cancer activity) after curative treatment for head and neck squamous cell cancer. It aims to help check how well prior treatment is working and whether cancer may come back.
Copenhagen, CopenhagenAges 18 years+ - NCT05674396RecruitingPhase 2
Short-course radiation to ease symptoms from head and neck cancer
This Phase 2 trial tests a specific, shorter type of focused radiation to help relieve symptoms from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. It compares two radiation timing/planning approaches to see which better improves comfort and quality of life.
Houston, TexasAges 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+
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 485 recruiting head and neck squamous cell carcinoma 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 squamous cell carcinoma 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 squamous cell carcinoma 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
- Recurrent Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Head and Neck Cancer Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma Head and Neck Cancer (HNSCC)
- Resectable Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
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.