Clinical trials
Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer clinical trials
Below are recruiting recurrent head and neck cancer clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 205 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT05283226RecruitingPhase 2
Oral anti-cancer pill plus paclitaxel after immunotherapy failure
This Phase 2 trial studies an oral study drug (NRC-2694-A) given with paclitaxel to treat head and neck squamous cell cancer that has come back or spread after immunotherapy. It tests whether this combination is safer and works better than expected for people whose cancer progressed on immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Fullerton, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT05207098Recruiting
Brain testing and questionnaires during head and neck radiation
This study checks how people’s thinking and brain functioning change while they are getting radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. It uses simple computer tests and questionnaires to better understand who may be at risk for trouble thinking during treatment.
Basking Ridge, New JerseyAges 18–89 - NCT04511078RecruitingPhase 2
Panitumumab-IRDye800 during head and neck surgery
This Phase 2 study tests a targeted medicine (panitumumab-IRDye800) given around the time of surgery for head and neck squamous cell cancer. It aims to improve doctors’ ability to find and remove cancer tissue during planned surgery.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 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+ - 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+ - NCT04930432RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
MCLA-129 for advanced EGFR- and MET-positive lung and other cancers
This early-phase trial tests MCLA-129, an antibody that targets EGFR and MET, in people with advanced cancers that have specific lab “biomarker” results. It’s for patients whose cancer has grown after standard treatments or can’t take standard treatment, with the goal of shrinking tumors and improving symptoms.
BaodingAges 18 years+ - NCT04999761RecruitingPhase 1
Study testing new drug combinations for advanced cancers
This study tests new drug combinations for people with various advanced cancers that have progressed after standard treatment, or in some cases, as a first treatment. It aims to see if these combinations are safe and effective. The study is divided into groups based on cancer type and treatment history, so not everyone will qualify for every group.
AichiAges 18 years+ - NCT04722523RecruitingPhase 1
Cemiplimab plus chemo and other immune treatment for head and neck cancer
This Phase 1 trial tests how well cemiplimab (an immune treatment) can work when combined with chemotherapy and an additional immunotherapy for certain head and neck cancers. It may help shrink the cancer and improve outcomes, while also checking safety and dosing.
Basking Ridge, New JerseyAges 18 years+ - NCT04754321RecruitingPhase 1
Test immunotherapy with salvage surgery and IORT for head and neck cancer
This Phase 1 trial tests a new plan that combines immunotherapy with surgery, plus a targeted radiation treatment called IORT. It is for people whose head and neck squamous cell cancer has come back or never fully went away and can be operated on. The goal is to shrink or control the cancer and see how safe the approach is.
Columbus, OhioAges 18 years+ - NCT04747054RecruitingPhase 3
Radiation plus pembrolizumab for newly diagnosed metastatic head and neck cancer
This trial studies whether adding pembrolizumab (an immune system medicine) to radiation can improve outcomes in people newly diagnosed with metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer. It may help the immune system better recognize and fight the cancer alongside radiation.
AvignonAges 18 years+ - NCT04671667RecruitingPhase 2
Pembrolizumab vs chemo-radiation after surgery for recurrent head/neck cancer
This trial tests whether pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy drug) works better than the usual chemo plus radiation after surgery for cancer that has come back in the head and neck area. It may help reduce cancer returning or spreading by using your immune system, but eligibility depends on how the cancer came back and your prior treatments.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18–79 - NCT04545957Recruiting
Radiation planning study using MRI for adults with cancer
This trial tests a “master protocol” approach to use MRI (a detailed body scan) to help plan radiation treatment for people with cancer. It may help doctors customize radiation more accurately, depending on your specific cancer type.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 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+ - 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+ - NCT04185974Recruiting
Carbon ion re-irradiation for returning head and neck cancer
This trial tests a type of radiation called carbon-ion re-irradiation for people whose head and neck cancer has come back or grown again after earlier radiation. It may help control the cancer after certain surgeries, but it also requires specific safety conditions about timing, prior treatment areas, and overall health.
HeidelbergAges 18 years+ - NCT04198766RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
New OX40 immunotherapy for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a new immunotherapy drug (INBRX-106) alone or with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) for adults with advanced solid tumors that have not responded to standard treatments. The goal is to see if the drug can help the immune system fight cancer.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03526835RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Study of MCLA-158 for advanced solid tumors
This trial tests a new experimental drug called MCLA-158 (petosemtamab) for people with advanced solid tumors, especially head and neck cancer or colorectal cancer, that have not responded to standard treatments. The study aims to see if this drug can shrink tumors or slow their growth.
La Jolla, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT03483337Recruiting
MRI scan tests new markers for head and neck cancers
This trial tests special MRI scans to find warning signs of cancer that has returned or spread in the head and neck area. It may help doctors see these changes more clearly, which could improve treatment planning.
New York, New YorkAges 18 years+ - NCT03145077Recruiting
MRI test to diagnose jaw bone damage after head and neck radiation
This study uses special MRI scans with contrast to better detect osteoradionecrosis (jaw bone injury) after radiation for head and neck cancer. If you qualify, the scans may help your team diagnose problems earlier and choose the right next treatment.
Houston, TexasAges 18 years+ - NCT06601335RecruitingPhase 3
New immunotherapy combo for head and neck cancer
This trial tests a new combination of two immunotherapy drugs (AK112 and AK117) versus the standard immunotherapy pembrolizumab for people with advanced head and neck cancer that hasn't been treated before.
Wuhan, HubeiAges 18–75 - NCT05784688RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
TU2218 with Keytruda for advanced solid tumors
This trial studies TU2218 taken with Keytruda (pembrolizumab) in adults with advanced solid cancers that have limited treatment options. The goal is to see if the combination can shrink tumors and is safe enough to keep using.
San Antonio, TexasAges 18 years+ - NCT07217028RecruitingPhase 1
Safety study of a new PET tracer for head and neck cancer
This study tests a new radioactive tracer called [18F]NOTA-ABY030 to see if it's safe for people with head and neck cancer that may have spread. The tracer lights up cancer cells on a PET scan, helping doctors find tumors more clearly.
Nashville, TennesseeAges 18 years+ - NCT06857279RecruitingPhase 2
Testing HLX43 for advanced head and neck cancer
This trial tests an investigational drug called HLX43 for people with advanced head and neck cancer that has returned or spread. It aims to see if the drug can shrink tumors or slow cancer growth.
Jinan, ShandongAges 18–75
Hear when a new Recurrent Head and Neck 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 recurrent head and neck cancer?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 205 recruiting recurrent head and neck 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 recurrent head and neck 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 recurrent head and neck 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
- Recurrent Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer
- Head and Neck Cancer (H&N)
- Head and Neck Cancer Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma Head and Neck Cancer (HNSCC)
- Head &Amp; Neck 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.