Clinical trials
Head Cancer clinical trials
Below are recruiting head cancer clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 527 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT05658731Recruiting
Radiation planning study to protect thinking in children
This study compares how radiation is planned to see whether it better protects thinking and memory in children and young adults. It may help future patients by learning which planning approach leads to better cognitive (thinking) outcomes.
Washington D.C., District of ColumbiaAges 1–26 - NCT04261192Recruiting
Grow lab models of head and neck cancer to test treatments
This study collects tissue from people with newly diagnosed head and neck squamous cell cancer and grows “mini tumor models” in the lab. The goal is to see how these models respond to new therapies, which may help guide more effective treatment choices in the future.
CaenAges 18 years+ - 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+ - NCT06940505Recruiting
Follow-up from home for early larynx cancer
This trial tests if follow-up appointments from home, using video calls, work just as well as in-person visits for people treated for early-stage larynx cancer. It may save you time and travel.
Groningen, Provincie GroningenAges 18 years+ - NCT06137274RecruitingPhase 2
Adaptive radiation boost for head and neck cancer
This trial tests a new way of giving radiation therapy, called adaptive radiation boost, for people with head and neck cancer. The goal is to see if this approach can better target the cancer and possibly improve outcomes.
Tampa, FloridaAges 18 years+ - NCT07441681RecruitingPhase 3
Comparing radiation plus targeted therapy vs standard chemo for head and neck cancer
This trial compares two treatments for advanced head and neck cancer in patients who cannot take the drug cisplatin. One group gets radiation plus a targeted drug called cetuximab, the other gets radiation plus standard chemotherapy. The goal is to see which approach works better and is safer for people who are not candidates for cisplatin.
Beverly Hills, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05777824RecruitingPhase 2
Testing treatment after head and neck cancer response to chemo-immunotherapy
This Phase 2 study looks at what treatment is best after you first receive chemotherapy plus immunotherapy, then have surgery for head and neck squamous cell cancer. It tries to use how your tumor responds (shown in lab tissue after treatment) to guide the next steps, which may improve outcomes.
Beijin, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT07211139Recruiting
Head and neck cancer immunotherapy research study
This study is looking for people with advanced head and neck cancer who have already received immunotherapy plus chemotherapy as their first treatment. Researchers will study your tumor tissue and proteins to find better ways to use immunotherapy.
Seoul, SeoulAges 20 years+ - NCT04671940Recruiting
Study tumor DNA changes during robot surgery after radiation
This study looks at how a cancer’s DNA changes over time in people who had head and neck cancer treated with radiation and then need robot-assisted surgery. It may help doctors understand why some cancers come back or persist and how to better plan treatment.
LondonAges 19 years+ - NCT07278557RecruitingPhase 2
MRI-guided radiation to reduce dry mouth from head and neck cancer treatment
This trial tests if using an MRI to map saliva glands before radiation can help spare them, reducing dry mouth. It is for people with oropharynx cancer who will receive radiation with or without chemotherapy.
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT06821243Recruiting
Finding markers in HPV-related throat cancer to guide treatment
This study looks for certain markers in people with HPV-related throat cancer that could help doctors choose the best treatment. If you are planning to have surgery for your throat cancer, you may be able to join.
Rome, RomeAges 18 years+ - NCT06819228RecruitingPhase 1
Lighted antibody imaging in head and neck cancer surgery
This trial tests a special fluorescent dye attached to panitumumab, a cancer-targeting antibody, to help surgeons see tumor tissue more clearly during head and neck cancer surgery. The goal is to improve removal of all cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue.
Nashville, TennesseeAges 18 years+ - NCT06345287RecruitingPhase 2
Adaptive radiotherapy after immunotherapy for head and neck cancer
This trial tests a personalized radiotherapy approach after a few rounds of chemo-immunotherapy for people with HPV-negative head and neck cancer. It aims to adjust the radiation dose based on how the tumor responds, possibly reducing side effects while still controlling the cancer.
BeijingAges 18–75 - NCT04003051RecruitingPhase 2
Online program to help throat cancer patients swallow and cope
This trial tests a web-based program meant to help people with throat (head and neck) cancer follow swallowing exercises and use coping strategies during curative radiation treatment. It may help improve comfort and how well you can keep up with exercises while you’re getting treatment.
Fort Worth, TexasAges 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+ - NCT06914999RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Comparing a new scan to standard scan during head and neck cancer radiation
This trial is testing whether a newer type of PET/CT scan (F-18 NaF) can better detect blood vessel problems caused by radiation therapy than the standard scan (F-18 FDG) in people with head and neck cancer. If successful, it could lead to better ways to prevent and manage these complications.
Atlanta, GeorgiaAges 18 years+ - NCT06636734RecruitingPhase 2
Lovastatin plus pembrolizumab for advanced head and neck cancer
This trial tests whether adding lovastatin (a cholesterol-lowering drug) to pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy) works better than pembrolizumab alone for head and neck cancer that has come back or spread. It's for people who haven't had immunotherapy before and aren't already on a statin.
Atlanta, GeorgiaAges 18 years+ - NCT07195734RecruitingPhase 2
Adding chemo or immunotherapy before surgery for advanced head and neck cancer
This trial tests whether giving chemotherapy or chemotherapy plus immunotherapy before surgery can improve outcomes for people with advanced head and neck cancer that has come back or not gone away after prior treatment.
Tucson, ArizonaAges 18 years+ - NCT01365169Recruiting
How activity level and daily function relate to cancer survival
This study looks at how physical activity (movement during the day) and a clinician-rated “day-to-day function” score relate to overall survival in people with certain cancers. It may help doctors understand who benefits most from activity-focused care and better monitoring.
Houston, TexasAges 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+ - NCT03010150Recruiting
Blood tests and swallowing exercise check-ins for head and neck cancer
This study looks at whether giving swallowing exercises and checking in with questionnaires can help people with metastatic (spreading to neck lymph nodes) head and neck cancers do the exercises correctly. It also uses blood tests to better understand adherence and progress over time.
Houston, TexasAges 18 years+ - NCT03238378Recruiting
Radiation boost plus warming for recurrent head and neck tumors
This trial tests a “salvage” treatment that combines targeted radiation (brachytherapy) with controlled body warming (hyperthermia) for head and neck cancer that has come back. It may help by better shrinking tumors while fitting the treatment to the tumor’s exact location.
ErlangenAges 18 years+ - NCT04220749RecruitingPhase 2
Radiation vs mouth surgery for HPV-negative throat cancer
This Phase 2 trial compares two standard cancer treatments—radiation or surgery through the mouth—for HPV-negative oropharyngeal throat cancer. It aims to find out which approach works better while keeping side effects and quality of life acceptable.
London, OntarioAges 18 years+ - NCT02661139Recruiting
Registry of jaw reconstruction for cancer patients who need implants
This study is a “real-world” registry that follows people with jaw problems related to cancer or cancer treatment. It looks at how well jaw reconstruction with dental implants and fixed teeth works when removable dentures are not suitable.
BrugesAges Any age
Hear when a new Head Cancer 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 cancer?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 527 recruiting head 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 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 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
- Head and Neck Cancer
- Breast Cancer Early Stage Breast Cancer (Stage 1-3)
- Non Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer
- Head and Neck Cancer (H&N)
- Head and Neck Cancer Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma Head and Neck Cancer (HNSCC)
- Gastric Cancer, Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer
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.