Clinical trials
Head and Neck clinical trials
Below are recruiting head and neck clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 682 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- 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+ - 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+ - 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 - 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+ - 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+ - NCT05811936Recruiting
SNAP support tool for head and neck cancer survivors and caregivers
This trial tests a “SNAP” support tool designed for people who have head and neck cancer and the caregiver who helps them. It aims to improve support and coping during and after cancer treatment by involving both the survivor and their main support person.
Charleston, South CarolinaAges 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+ - NCT05945875RecruitingPhase 1
Dual scans to find head and neck cancer spread
This early-stage study tests two different imaging (scanning) methods to better detect head and neck cancer. Your results from the scans may help doctors see where disease is before standard surgery to remove lymph nodes in the neck.
Nashville, TennesseeAges 19 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.
Gilbert, ArizonaAges 18 years+ - NCT06161545RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy before surgery for head and neck cancer
This trial tests whether giving a combination of immunotherapy drugs (pembrolizumab, N-803, and possibly PD-L1 t-haNK cells) before surgery can help treat head and neck cancer that has not been treated yet. It is for people whose cancer is p16-negative (a specific marker) and is at an intermediate or high risk of coming back.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–120 - NCT06183268Recruiting
Proton therapy for head and neck cancer skin side effects
This study looks at how proton therapy affects skin in people with head and neck cancer. It aims to better understand and manage skin reactions during treatment.
Knoxville, TennesseeAges 18 years+ - NCT06211335RecruitingPhase 1
Losartan, pembrolizumab and radiation for advanced head & neck cancer
This trial tests a combination of three treatments—a blood pressure drug (losartan), an immunotherapy (pembrolizumab), and targeted radiation—for people with head and neck cancer that has come back, spread to a few spots, or is not responding to other treatments. The goal is to see if this mix can shrink tumors and help patients who have few options left.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06216171Recruiting
Adaptive radiation therapy for head and neck cancer
This trial tests a new type of radiation therapy that adjusts during treatment for head and neck tumors. It’s for people who haven’t had cancer treatment before and are otherwise in good health.
EssenAges 18 years+ - NCT07601737RecruitingPhase 2
Nimotuzumab with immunotherapy and chemotherapy for head and neck cancer
This trial tests a combination of three treatments—nimotuzumab (a targeted therapy), a PD-1 inhibitor (which boosts your immune system), and chemotherapy—followed by surgery for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The goal is to shrink the tumor and improve survival.
ShanghaiAges 18–75 - 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.
Gilbert, ArizonaAges 18 years+ - NCT06630780Recruiting
Reducing radiation after surgery for head and neck cancer
This trial looks at whether patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who had a good response to chemotherapy and immunotherapy before surgery can safely have less radiation after surgery. It aims to reduce side effects while keeping treatment effective.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–70 - NCT06662929Recruiting
Arabic quality of life measure for head and neck cancer patients
This study will test a new Arabic questionnaire to measure how radiotherapy affects the quality of life of head and neck cancer patients. If you are receiving, have received, or will receive radiation treatment for head or neck cancer, you may be able to help by filling out surveys.
RiyadhAges 18 years+ - NCT06678724Recruiting
Blood test study for head and neck cancer that has returned or spread
This trial is testing a new blood test (called a liquid biopsy) to better understand and predict the course of head and neck cancers that have come back or spread. If you join, researchers will use a special chip to look at your immune cells and tumor cells in your blood.
Zhubei, HsinChu CountyAges 20 years+ - NCT07460765RecruitingPhase 1
Nivolumab with a special dye for head and neck cancer surgery
This trial tests if a special dye attached to the drug nivolumab can help surgeons see cancer cells more clearly during surgery. If you have head and neck cancer and are scheduled for surgery, this study might be an option for you.
Nashville, TennesseeAges 18 years+ - NCT06722508Recruiting
Exercise and nutrition before head and neck cancer treatment
This study tests whether an exercise and nutrition program before your cancer treatment can help you recover better. You'll work with a coach to prepare your body for surgery or radiation.
Sacramento, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06736379RecruitingPhase 1
RNA Therapy Injections for Head and Neck Cancer
This trial tests a new type of immunotherapy made of self-amplifying RNA (saRNA) that produces a protein called IL-12. It's injected directly into head and neck tumors to help your immune system fight the cancer. The study is for people whose cancer has not responded well to standard treatments or who are having surgery to remove their tumor.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06761937RecruitingPhase 1
Heat and radiation for advanced head and neck cancer
This trial tests a combination of radiation and heat therapy (thermoradiotherapy) for people with advanced head and neck cancer who cannot receive standard chemotherapy. The goal is to see if adding heat can make the radiation more effective.
Rotterdam, South HollandAges 18 years+ - NCT06837480Recruiting
Light therapy for long-term swelling after head and neck cancer
This study tests a light-based treatment called photobiomodulation (PBMT) to help reduce chronic swelling after head and neck cancer therapy. It is for people whose swelling hasn’t improved with standard treatment.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06869473RecruitingPhase 2
Cetuximab, chemo, and avelumab for head and neck cancer
This trial tests a combination of targeted therapy (cetuximab) and immunotherapy (avelumab) plus chemotherapy as a first treatment for people with head and neck cancer that has come back or spread. The goal is to see if adding these medicines helps control the cancer longer.
Cagliari, CAGLIARIAges 18 years+
Hear when a new Head and Neck trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for head and neck?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 682 recruiting head and neck 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 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 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.