Clinical trials
Head Cancer clinical trials
Below are recruiting head cancer clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 521 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- 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+ - 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+ - NCT06531083Recruiting
Early monitoring and physical therapy to prevent jaw stiffness after radiation
This study tests whether a program of early monitoring and physical therapy can help prevent or reduce jaw stiffness (trismus) after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. It is for patients who are about to start radiation and want to keep their jaw working well.
Edmonton, AlbertaAges 18 years+ - NCT06666881Recruiting
Exercise training for head and neck cancer patients
This trial studies if exercise training can improve outcomes for people with head and neck squamous cell cancer who need chemotherapy and radiation. It uses body scans to see if muscle changes from exercise are linked to better prognosis.
New Taipei CityAges 20–80 - NCT07546045Recruiting
Robotic Surgery and Swallowing Recovery for Head and Neck Cancer
This trial tests a specialized robotic surgical approach for head and neck cancers, combined with personalized speech and swallowing rehabilitation. The goal is to remove tumors while preserving organ function and improving your ability to swallow and speak after surgery.
LausanneAges 18 years+ - NCT06161779Recruiting
Reconstructing the hypopharynx after cancer removal
This trial tests a surgical technique using a flap from under your chin to rebuild the hypopharynx after removing cancer. It may help people with hypopharyngeal cancer that has not spread far and who have not had radiation before.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 18–80 - NCT07337161Recruiting
Radiation for skin cancer that spread to neck lymph nodes
This trial tests a focused radiation treatment after surgery for people with a common skin cancer (squamous cell carcinoma) that has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck or near the ear. The goal is to see if this approach can prevent the cancer from coming back.
London, OntarioAges 18 years+ - NCT07282483RecruitingPhase 2
Chinese medicine mouthwash for radiation mouth sores
This trial tests whether a traditional Chinese medicine mouthwash and oral liquid can help prevent or reduce mouth sores caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. If you are getting radiation and are at risk for these painful sores, this study might offer you extra relief.
Chengdu, SichuanAges 18–65 - NCT06005324RecruitingPhase 1
Personalized treatment for advanced head and neck cancer
This trial tests a custom treatment plan for people with advanced head and neck cancer that is not caused by HPV. It combines radiation and chemotherapy with a targeted drug called cetuximab, adjusted based on your tumor's characteristics.
Chicago, IllinoisAges 18 years+ - NCT06111430Recruiting
Long-term effects of radiation on brain and blood vessels
This study looks at long-term effects of radiation therapy on the brain and blood vessels in people who have had head and neck cancer. It aims to understand how radiation may affect your health years later.
TaipeiAges 20–100 - NCT07339774RecruitingPhase 2
Traditional Chinese medicine for mouth sores from radiation
This trial tests whether a traditional Chinese medicine can help prevent or reduce the severity of mouth sores caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. If you are scheduled to get radiation for non-spreading head or neck cancer, this treatment might help protect your mouth.
Chengdu, SichuanAges 18–65 - 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+ - NCT03997643RecruitingPhase 2
Radiation plan trial to help protect swallowing after mouth cancer
This Phase 2 study tests whether changing the “radiation volume” (how much area is treated) can better preserve swallowing after surgery for oral cavity squamous cell cancer. It may help reduce swallowing problems while still treating the cancer safely.
Miami, FloridaAges 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+ - NCT04266223Recruiting
Head and neck mask monitoring during radiation to improve setup
This trial tests a surface-monitoring technology that checks a head-and-neck radiation “positioning mask” during treatment. It may help the radiation team make sure the mask and patient are aligned correctly for safer, more accurate therapy.
Blacktown, New South WalesAges 18 years+ - NCT04470024RecruitingPhase 1
Testing a vaccine plus immunotherapy for recurrent head and neck cancer
This early-phase (Phase 1b) study tests a vaccine designed to train the immune system to fight head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, plus standard immunotherapy. It may help some people by boosting the body’s anti-cancer immune response, but it mainly focuses on safety and finding the best approach.
Portland, OregonAges 18 years+
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for head cancer?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 521 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.