Clinical trials
Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma clinical trials
Below are recruiting metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 223 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- 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+ - NCT04119024RecruitingPhase 1
Gene-edited immune cells for advanced melanoma or solid tumors
This Phase 1 study tests a gene-modified immune cell treatment for advanced cancers that don’t have standard curative options. It may help by attacking cancer cells that show a specific marker called IL13Rα2 after patients receive “conditioning” chemotherapy to prepare the immune system.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - 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+ - NCT04224389Recruiting
Radiation plus throat surgery for early tonsil or tongue-base cancer
This study compares ways of treating early squamous cell cancer in the tonsil or the tongue base, using either radiation therapy, transoral (through-the-mouth) surgery, or both. It aims to see which approach works best while keeping cancer under control.
Villejuif, Val De MarneAges 18 years+ - NCT04333537RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Sentinel node biopsy versus standard neck surgery for early mouth cancer
This trial compares two ways of checking whether early oral cavity squamous cell cancer has spread to neck lymph nodes. It tests whether sentinel lymph node biopsy can find spread as well as standard neck dissection, while potentially reducing more extensive surgery for some people.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18 years+ - NCT04375384RecruitingPhase 2
Cetuximab after immunotherapy for head and neck cancer
This trial studies whether giving cetuximab after prior immunotherapy can help people with head and neck squamous cell cancer shrink tumors or slow their growth. You may be eligible if you’ve already had a PD-1–based immunotherapy treatment, and you meet health and safety requirements.
Winston-Salem, North CarolinaAges 18 years+ - NCT04429542RecruitingPhase 1
Test of an EGFR-targeting drug for advanced solid cancers
This Phase 1 study tests the safety of BCA101 (an EGFR-targeting treatment) alone or combined with pembrolizumab. It may help people with certain EGFR-driven advanced cancers, depending on the tumor type, prior treatments, and required biopsy testing.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04444869RecruitingPhase 2
Lower-dose radiation with chemotherapy for low-risk HPV throat cancer
This trial tests whether a less intense (lower-dose) radiation plan, combined with chemotherapy, can control HPV-positive oropharyngeal (throat) cancer with fewer side effects. It targets people considered “low-risk” based on tumor size and lymph node involvement.
Columbia, MissouriAges 18 years+ - NCT04534205RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Testing BNT113 plus pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab alone
This trial studies whether adding BNT113 to pembrolizumab works better and is safe for people with HPV16-positive head and neck cancer that can’t be cured with local treatments. It also compares outcomes to pembrolizumab alone, specifically for tumors that show PD-L1 in testing.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04564989Recruiting
Biomarker study for HPV-related throat cancer outcomes
This observational study checks how well a blood test for HPV DNA (and other tumor genetic markers) predicts outcomes in certain throat cancers. It may help doctors better track the disease and plan treatment, because the trial validates these lab signals against real-world results.
Rochester, MinnesotaAges 18 years+ - NCT04857164RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for recurrent or metastatic throat cancer
This trial tests whether pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy) combined with chemotherapy works better as a first treatment for recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in the oral/throat area. It aims to improve cancer control and help people live longer with fewer side effects than standard care.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18 years+ - NCT04868162RecruitingPhase 2
MRG003 for head and neck cancer after prior treatments
This trial tests MRG003, a cancer medicine, in people with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who have already tried and had trouble with standard treatments like platinum and anti–PD-1 therapy. It looks at whether the treatment can shrink the cancer and how safe it is.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–75 - NCT04895709RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Testing a new cancer drug for advanced solid tumors
This early-phase trial tests how well a new drug (BMS-986340) works alone and combined with other treatments in people with advanced solid tumors that have progressed despite standard care. It also studies tumor samples to look for biomarkers that may predict who benefits.
Clovis, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04900623RecruitingPhase 2
Using HPV blood test to guide treatment for HPV throat cancer
This Phase 2 study tests a “risk-adapted” treatment plan for HPV-related throat cancer, using an HPV DNA blood test to help decide how treatment is done. If your baseline blood test shows detectable HPV DNA, the study may help tailor therapy to your risk and potentially improve outcomes while limiting unnecessary treatment.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 22 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+ - NCT04969315RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Drug TT-10 and TT-4 for advanced solid tumors
This early-phase trial tests two investigational drugs—TT-10 and TT-4—alone and together in people with advanced solid cancers. The study is designed to find safe doses and see if the treatment can shrink tumors or slow cancer growth.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT04981119Recruiting
Test apheresis for CAR T manufacturing in HLA-A2 solid tumors
This trial studies how a process called apheresis is used to make CAR T cells for people with certain solid tumors. It is designed for tumors that have lost a specific immune marker (HLA-A*02), which may affect how well CAR T therapies work.
Gilbert, ArizonaAges 18 years+ - NCT05005403RecruitingPhase 1
Testing azirkitug for lung, head/neck, and other solid cancers
This Phase 1 study tests how a new medicine (azirkitug) behaves in the body and how safe it is, given by IV infusion alone or with other cancer drugs. It may help people with several advanced solid tumor cancers, especially after standard treatments have stopped working.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05047094Recruiting
DaRT radiation plus pembrolizumab for head and neck cancer
This trial tests whether a targeted internal radiation treatment (DaRT) combined with pembrolizumab (an immune therapy) can shrink recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer that cannot be fully removed with surgery. It may help by making cancer more visible to the immune system while delivering localized radiation to a tumor area.
JerusalemAges 18 years+ - NCT05076760RecruitingPhase 1
Study of a cancer-killing virus with standard treatments
This Phase 1 trial tests MEM-288, an oncolytic (cancer-killing) virus, either alone or combined with standard cancer medicines, in people with advanced solid tumors. It’s designed to see how the treatment works and how safe it is in different cancer types and after specific prior therapies.
Tampa, FloridaAges 18 years+ - NCT05086692RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Beta-only IL-2 therapy for advanced solid tumors
This Phase 1/2 study tests a beta-only version of IL-2, an immune-stimulating treatment, to shrink or control advanced or metastatic solid tumors. It’s mainly designed to check safety and to see if it can help patients by improving tumor response.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05107674RecruitingPhase 1
Early drug study for advanced cancers that have limited options
This Phase 1 study tests NX-1607 in adults with advanced cancers that are hard to treat with standard care. It focuses on safety and early signs of how well the drug may work in specific cancer types.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05144698RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
RAPA-201 cell therapy for certain advanced lung and head cancers
This Phase 1/2 trial tests RAPA-201, a personalized immune cell treatment made from your own T cells, for advanced solid tumors. It may help people whose cancer has come back after standard treatment and after an anti–PD-1/PD-L1 antibody.
Hackensack, New JerseyAges 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
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 223 recruiting metastatic 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 metastatic 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 metastatic 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/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Recurrent Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Head and Neck Cancer 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.