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
- NCT07179315RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy Study for HPV-Positive Head and Neck Cancer
This trial compares two different immunotherapy approaches for people with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer who have completed initial treatment like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. The goal is to see which option works better to keep the cancer from coming back, and eligibility is determined by a special blood test that detects HPV DNA.
Chicago, IllinoisAges 18 years+ - NCT03406247RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy after salvage surgery for head and neck cancer
This Phase 2 trial tests an immunotherapy given after salvage surgery for certain head and neck squamous cell cancers that came back (or a new second cancer) in an area that was already treated with radiation. It aims to lower the chance the cancer returns after surgery, especially in higher-risk situations.
Villejuif, Val De MarneAges 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+ - NCT04915183RecruitingPhase 2
Atorvastatin to help prevent cisplatin-related hearing loss
This Phase 2 trial tests whether a cholesterol medicine called atorvastatin can protect hearing in people with head and neck cancer receiving cisplatin plus radiation. If it works, it may reduce the chance or severity of treatment-related hearing damage.
Atlanta, GeorgiaAges 18–100 - NCT05031910Recruiting
Virtual 3D guidance for head and neck cancer surgery
This study tests whether a virtual reality (3D computer) model of surgery can help surgeons improve how head and neck cancer operations are planned and done. You may benefit from more personalized surgical planning, if you’re eligible for standard surgery.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05183048RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Test a new PET scan to find head and neck cancer
This early-phase study compares a special imaging marker with a standard PET scan to help identify head and neck squamous cell carcinoma before surgery. It may help doctors see where cancer is (especially if lymph nodes look negative) so surgery planning can be more accurate.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18 years+ - NCT05187091RecruitingPhase 3
Radiation plan that tries to protect swallowing organs
This Phase 3 study compares a standard radiation approach versus a modified approach designed to spare key swallowing and aspiration (choking) related areas and one salivary gland. It may help reduce treatment side effects that affect swallowing and quality of life for certain head and neck cancer patients.
Jhajjar, HaryanaAges 18–70 - 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+ - 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 - NCT06109207RecruitingPhase 1
Immunotherapy and targeted drug before surgery for head and neck cancer
This trial tests two drugs—camrelizumab (an immunotherapy) and dalpiciclib (a targeted therapy)—given before surgery for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that can be removed. The goal is to see if this combination helps shrink the tumor and improves outcomes.
Chengdu, SichuanAges 18 years+ - NCT06194656RecruitingPhase 2
Trial of SIBP-03 for advanced head and neck cancer
This trial tests a new drug called SIBP-03 for people with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has come back or spread. It is for those whose cancer has worsened after prior immunotherapy and platinum chemotherapy, and who have no option for curative local treatment.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT06307418Recruiting
Online support for caregivers of head & neck cancer patients
This study tests an online support program for people caring for a loved one with head and neck cancer. It aims to see if the program helps caregivers feel less stressed and more supported during the patient's radiotherapy treatment.
Örebro, Blekinge LänAges 18 years+ - NCT06323369RecruitingPhase 2
Tislelizumab plus chemo before surgery vs surgery alone for head and neck cancer
This trial tests whether giving tislelizumab (an immunotherapy) with chemotherapy before surgery works better than surgery alone for people with head and neck cancer that has not spread to lymph nodes. It's for cancers that can be removed with surgery, and the goal is to see if the pre-surgery treatment improves outcomes.
Guangzhou, YuexiuAges 18–75 - NCT06444009RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy and chemo before surgery for head and neck cancer
This trial tests whether giving immunotherapy along with chemotherapy before surgery can help treat locally advanced head and neck cancer that can be removed. The goal is to see if this combination shrinks tumors and improves outcomes.
Chengdu, SichuanAges 18–75 - NCT07586124RecruitingPhase 2
Immunotherapy plus antibody drug for advanced head and neck cancer
This trial tests a combination of two drugs (pucotenlimab and becotatug vedotin) given before surgery for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The goal is to shrink tumors and improve outcomes when combined with surgery.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18 years+ - NCT06525220RecruitingPhase 3
New drug combo vs. standard for head and neck cancer
This trial tests a new combination of two immunotherapy drugs (petosemtamab plus pembrolizumab) compared to pembrolizumab alone for people with head and neck cancer that has spread or come back and cannot be cured locally. It may be an option if your cancer has a certain protein (PD-L1) and you haven't had prior cancer treatment for this stage.
Mobile, AlabamaAges 18 years+ - NCT06540443RecruitingPhase 1
Enhanced MRI for staging head and neck cancer
This trial tests a new imaging agent (MPB-2043) that may help doctors see cancer spread to lymph nodes more clearly during an MRI scan. It is for people with head and neck cancer who are planning to have lymph node surgery.
TaipeiAges 20 years+ - NCT06575322Recruiting
Neoadjuvant therapy for head and neck cancer: effects on pain and mood
This trial tests whether adding immunotherapy to chemotherapy before surgery can help reduce pain, anxiety, and depression in people with head and neck cancer. The goal is to see if this approach improves quality of life during treatment.
Guanzhou, GuangdongAges 18–80 - NCT06576180Recruiting
Chemo-immunotherapy and cognition in head and neck cancer
This trial is studying whether a combination of chemotherapy (carboplatin and paclitaxel) and an immunotherapy drug (anti-PD-1) affects memory and thinking in people with head and neck cancer that can be removed with surgery. Researchers want to see if these treatments cause any cognitive changes.
Guanzhou, GuangdongAges 18–80 - NCT06606028Recruiting
Blood test for leftover cancer DNA after head and neck cancer treatment
This study uses a simple blood test to look for leftover cancer DNA after treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The goal is to see if the test can find very small amounts of cancer early, which might help doctors make better decisions about follow-up care.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06614686RecruitingPhase 1
CAR-T therapy for advanced head and neck cancer
This study tests a new type of CAR-T cell therapy that targets a protein called Trop2 found on some head and neck cancer cells. It's for people who have tried standard treatments and need a new option.
ShanghaiAges 18–70 - NCT06668961RecruitingPhase 2
New combo therapy for head and neck cancer that has returned or spread
This trial is testing a combination of two targeted drugs (SI-B001 and SI-B003) plus chemotherapy as a first treatment for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has come back or spread to other parts of the body. The goal is to see if this combination works better than standard treatment.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT07105592RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Study of nimotuzumab plus adebrelimab with chemo for head and neck cancer patients who cannot take cisplatin
This trial tests a combination of two drugs (nimotuzumab and adebrelimab) along with chemotherapy for people with head and neck cancer that has returned or spread, and who cannot take the standard chemo drug cisplatin. The goal is to see if this combination works and is safe for these patients.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18 years+ - NCT07254585RecruitingPhase 2
SYS6010 plus enlonstobart for head and neck cancer
This trial is testing a new combination treatment, SYS6010 plus enlonstobart, for people with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has come back or spread. It aims to see if this combination works better than enlonstobart alone.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–75
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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.