Comparing Cisplatin Every Three Weeks to Cisplatin Weekly When Combined With Radiation for Patients With Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
This phase II/III trial compares whether cisplatin given weekly with radiation therapy is better tolerated than cisplatin given every three weeks with radiation therapy for the treatment of head and n...
A Global Study of Volrustomig (MEDI5752) for Participants With Unresected Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Following Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
The main purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of volrustomig compared to observation in participants with unresected locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HN...
A Study of Dostarlimab vs Placebo After Chemoradiation in Adult Participants With Locally Advanced Unresected Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The goal of this study is to assess the safety and effectiveness of Dostarlimab compared to Placebo in adult participants with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)...
FORTIFI-HN01: A Study of Ficerafusp Alfa (BCA101) or Placebo in Combination With Pembrolizumab in First-Line PD-L1-pos, R or M HNSCC
Ficerafusp alfa is directed against two targets, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Transforming Growth Factor beta (TGF-β). This study intends to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ficeraf...
Testing Docetaxel-Cetuximab or the Addition of an Immunotherapy Drug, Atezolizumab, to the Usual Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy in High-Risk Head and Neck Cancer
This phase II/III trial studies how well radiation therapy works when given together with cisplatin, docetaxel, cetuximab, and/or atezolizumab after surgery in treating patients with high-risk stage I...
SPECT-CT Guided ELEctive Contralateral Neck Treatment for Patients With Lateralized Oropharyngeal Cancer
This study is being done to answer the following question: Is the chance of cancer spreading or returning the same if radiotherapy to the neck is guided, by using a special imaging study called lymph...
JNJ-90301900 (NBTXR3) Activated by Radiotherapy With or Without Cetuximab in LA-HNSCC
This is a global, open-label, randomized, 2-arm, Investigator's choice Phase 3 (Pivotal Stage) study to investigate the efficacy and safety of JNJ-90301900 (NBTXR3) / radiation therapy (RT)±cetuximab ...
A Phase 3 Study to Evaluate Petosemtamab Compared With Investigator's Choice Monotherapy in Previously Treated Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Patients
This is a phase 3 open-label, randomized, controlled, multicenter study to compare petosemtamab vs investigator's choice monotherapy in HNSCC patients for the second- and third-line treatment of incur...
A Phase 3 Study to Evaluate Petosemtamab Plus Pembrolizumab vs Pembrolizumab in First-line Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer (LiGeR - HN1)
This is a Phase 3 randomized, open-label study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of petosemtamab plus pembrolizumab vs pembrolizumab in first-line treatment of recurrent or metastatic PD-L1+ head an...
A Study of ASP-1929 Photoimmunotherapy in Combination With Pembrolizumab in First-line Treatment of Locoregional Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck With No Distant Metastases
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if ASP-1929 photoimmunotherapy (PIT) in combination with pembrolizumab works to treat recurrent squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (HNSCC) with no di...
INBRX-106 in Combination With Pembrolizumab in First-line PD-L1 CPS≥20 HNSCC
This seamless phase 2/3 randomized controlled study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of the hexavalent OX40 agonist antibody INBRX-106 combined with the anti-PD-1 antibody pembrolizumab versus pe...
A Study of Ficlatuzumab in Combination With Cetuximab in Participants With Recurrent or Metastatic (R/M) HPV Negative Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The purpose of this study is to compare the efficacy and safety of ficlatuzumab plus cetuximab compared to placebo plus cetuximab in participants with recurrent/metastatic (R/M) HPV-negative Head and ...
A Platform Study of Novel Immunotherapy Combinations as First-Line Treatment in Participants With PD-L1 Positive Recurrent/Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck- GALAXIES H&N-202
The primary purpose of the study is to evaluate the antitumor activity and safety of novel immunotherapy combinations compared with dostarlimab in participants with Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) p...
Phase 3 Study of PDS0101 and Pembrolizumab in HPV16+ Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This is a global, multi-center, Phase 3 study that is randomized 2:1, controlled, and open label to evaluate PDS0101 (Versamune + HPVMix) in combination with pembrolizumab vs. pembrolizumab monotherap...
A Clinical Trial Investigating the Safety, Tolerability, and Therapeutic Effects of BNT113 in Combination With Pembrolizumab Versus Pembrolizumab Alone for Patients With a Form of Head and Neck Cancer Positive for Human Papilloma Virus 16 and Expressing the Protein PD-L1
An open-label, controlled, multi-site, interventional, 2-arm, Phase II/III trial of BNT113 in combination with pembrolizumab vs pembrolizumab monotherapy as first line treatment in patients with unres...
De-Escalated Adjuvant and Definitive Radiation Therapy Informed by DART 2.0 ctHPV-DNA
This phase II trial examines the use of blood-based biomarkers is to help inform decision making for treatment and radiation therapy for patients with human papillomavirus (HPV) positive oropharyngeal...
Web-Based Program in Helping Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Adhere to Swallowing Exercises and Coping Strategies
This phase II trial studies how well a web-based program called Project Prepare works in helping patients with head and neck cancer adhere to swallowing and trismus exercises and coping strategies. He...
A Study Comparing Personalized Radiation Therapy With Standard Radiation Therapy in People With HPV-Positive Throat Cancer
The researchers are doing this study to find out if a personalized approach to chemoradiation therapy (which may include a lower dose of radiation) is as effective as the standard chemoradiation thera...
Combining Radiation Therapy With Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
This phase III trial compares pembrolizumab with radiation therapy to pembrolizumab without radiation therapy (standard therapy) given after pembrolizumab plus chemotherapy for the treatment of patien...
Risk Adapted De-Intensification of Radio-Chemotherapy for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This study builds on the results of several prior studies that we have been involved with to test the hypothesis that Risk-Adapted De-Intensification of Radiation Therapy and chemotherapy based on HPV...
A Study of Amivantamab Alone or in Addition to Other Treatment Agents in Participants With Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer
The purpose of this study is to determine safety and preliminary efficacy of amivantamab monotherapy, amivantamab in addition to pembrolizumab, amivantamab in addition to paclitaxel and amivantamab in...
High-dose Prophylactic Gabapentin (HOPE) vs. Placebo to Prevent Opioid Use for Oral Mucositis Pain During Concurrent Chemoradiation for Head and Neck Cancer
This phase III trial tests if gabapentin can prevent the need for opiate pain medication for mouth sores (oral mucositis) in patients undergoing treatment with chemotherapy and radiation for squamous ...
Atorvastatin to Reduce Cisplatin-Induced Hearing Loss Among Individuals With Head and Neck Cancer
Background: Cisplatin is used to treat head and neck cancer. People who take this drug are at risk for hearing loss. Atorvastatin is a drug used to treat high cholesterol. It might reduce the risk of...
RRx-001 for Reducing Oral Mucositis in Patients Receiving Chemotherapy and Radiation for Head and Neck Cancer
The purpose of this study is to determine if RRx-001, which is added on to the cisplatin and radiation treatment, reduces the incidence of severe oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancers....
Radiation Therapy With or Without Cisplatin in Treating Patients With Stage III-IVA Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Who Have Undergone Surgery
This phase II trial studies how well radiation therapy with or without cisplatin works in treating patients with stage III-IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who have undergone surgery. ...
Testing What Happens When an Immunotherapy Drug (Pembrolizumab) is Given by Itself Compared to the Usual Treatment of Chemotherapy With Radiation After Surgery for Recurrent Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
This phase II trial studies the effect of pembrolizumab alone compared to the usual approach (chemotherapy \[cisplatin and carboplatin\] plus radiation therapy) after surgery in treating patients with...
Intensity Modulated Proton or X-Ray Therapy After Surgery for Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer, the HEADLIGHT Study
This clinical trial studies how well intensity modulated proton therapy (IMPT) or intensity modulated X-ray (radiation) therapy (IMRT) works after surgery in treating patients with head and neck cance...
Testing the Addition of Anti-Cancer Drug, Cetuximab, to Standard of Care Treatment (Pembrolizumab) for Returning or Spreading Head and Neck Cancer After Previous Treatment
This phase III trial compares the effect of adding cetuximab to pembrolizumab versus pembrolizumab alone in treating patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that has come back afte...
Testing the Addition of BMS-986016 (Relatlimab) to the Usual Immunotherapy After Initial Treatment for Recurrent or Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Cancer
This phase II trial tests the addition of BMS-986016 (relatlimab) to the usual immunotherapy after initial treatment for nasopharyngeal cancer that has come back after a period of improvement (recurre...
BiCaZO: A Study Combining Two Immunotherapies (Cabozantinib and Nivolumab) to Treat Patients With Advanced Melanoma or Squamous Cell Head and Neck Cancer, an immunoMATCH Pilot Study
This phase II trial studies the good and bad effects of the combination of drugs called cabozantinib and nivolumab in treating patients with melanoma or squamous cell head and neck cancer that may hav...
Risk-adapted Therapy in HPV+ Oropharyngeal Cancer Using Circulating Tumor (ct)HPV DNA Profile - The ReACT Study
This research is being conducted to understand if treatment can be tailored for participants with HPV-related oropharynx cancers using both clinical features (stage of the tumor, smoking status) combi...
A Study of Reduced Radiation Therapy and Standard-of-Care Chemotherapy in People With HPV-Positive Throat Cancer
The purpose of this study is to find out if lower doses of radiation may help reduce the side effects of radiation therapy in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy in people with HPV-positive...
Treatment of Radiation and Cisplatin Induced Toxicities with Tempol
A 10 week trial to assess the ability of Tempol to prevent and/or reduce toxicities associated with cisplatin and radiation treatment in head and neck cancer patients. Over the course of the 10 week t...
Customized 3D Printed Oral Stents During Head and Neck Radiotherapy
This clinical trial studies the effect of customized 3 dimensional (3D) printed oral tents on patients with head and neck cancer who are receiving radiotherapy. Oral stents are made from the impressio...
Chemoradiation vs Immunotherapy and Radiation for Head and Neck Cancer
The purpose of this study is to compare any good or bad effects of using pembrolizumab (an experimental drug) and radiation therapy (RT), compared to using cisplatin chemotherapy and radiation therapy...
Shortened Course Adjuvant Radiotherapy Following TORS
This is a single-arm, phase II study to establish the safety of reducing radiation dose in selected HPV-Associated OPSCC patients receiving adjuvant radiation after TORS and neck dissection. This prot...
SBRT +/- Pembrolizumab in Patients With Local-Regionally Recurrent or Second Primary Head and Neck Carcinoma
This phase II trial with a safety run-in component will evaluate whether the addition of pembrolizumab to Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) re-irradiation will improve the progression-free su...
Study of Novel Treatment Combination Therapies in Participants With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
Master protocol: The main goal of this master clinical study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of multiple novel combination therapies in participants with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (...
A Study of Toripalimab in Combination With Cisplatin and Gemcitabine in Participants With Recurrent Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Cancer
This study aims to investigate toripalimab with chemotherapy in participants with nasopharyngeal cancer....
Candida Therapeutic Vaccine in Head and Neck Cancer Patients to Reduce Recurrence
This is a Phase II randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled, multi-site study of Candin. It is designed to show the efficacy and safety of a 7-dose regimen of Candin over a two-year period in term...
Testing the Addition of the Drug BMX-001, a Radioprotector, or a Placebo to the Usual Chemoradiation Therapy for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer
This phase II trial compares the effectiveness of adding BMX-001 to usual symptom management versus usual symptom management alone for reducing oral mucositis in patients who are receiving chemoradiat...
HPV DNA-Guided Radiotherapy De-intensification of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a lower than standard dose of radiation for definitive or adjuvant treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas....
Phase 2 Trial of Voyager V1 in Combination With Cemiplimab in Cancer Patients
This is a Phase 2 study designed to determine the preliminary anti-tumor activity and confirm the safety of VV1 in combination with cemiplimab. The study will enroll patients with three distinct separ...
The Sinai Robotic Surgery Trial in HPV-related Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SIRS 2.0 Trial)
The purpose of this study is to determine whether treatment of HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in patients with undetectable postoperative HPV circulating tumor DNA (cfHPVDNA) with t...
Activity and Safety of Danvatirsen and Pembrolizumab in HNSCC
Open-label, Phase II, randomized, controlled study evaluating the efficacy and safety of danvatirsen in combination with pembrolizumab compared with pembrolizumab alone as first-line treatment of pati...
Palbociclib and Cetuximab Versus Cetuximab Monotherapy for Patients With CDKN2A-altered, HPV-unrelated Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Who Experienced Disease Progression on a PD-1/L1 Inhibitor
This multicenter, open-label, randomized phase 3 trial will determine if palbociclib and cetuximab (Arm 1) improves overall survival (OS) in comparison to cetuximab monotherapy (Arm 2) in patients wit...
A Study of Reduced Radiation Therapy With Chemotherapy in People With HPV-Positive Throat Cancer
The researchers are doing this study is to find out if lower doses (given in fewer treatments over a shorter period of time) of radiation therapy in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy is a...
Using CircuLating Tumor DNA to Risk Adapt Post-Operative Therapy for HPV-associated Oropharyngeal Cancer
This is a single institution phase II study that will enroll patients with T0-3N0-2 p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) undergoing resection of all gross visible disease at the p...
Testing Nivolumab and Ipilimumab Immunotherapy With or Without the Targeted Drug Cabozantinib in Recurrent, Metastatic, or Incurable Nasopharyngeal Cancer
This phase II trial tests how well nivolumab and ipilimumab immunotherapy with or without cabozantinib works in treating patients with nasopharyngeal cancer that has come back (after a period of impro...
A Study Using Nivolumab, in Combination With Chemotherapy Drugs to Treat Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC)
This phase II trial tests effects of nivolumab in combination with chemotherapy drugs prior to radiation therapy patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies,...
FID-007 and Cetuximab in Treating Patients With Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The goal of this FID-007 Clinical Trial is to compare the efficacy of different dosing regimens of FID-007 in combination with Cetuximab in patients with recurrent or metastatic Head and Neck Squamous...
Pembrolizumab Plus Olaparib in LA-HNSCC
The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the effectiveness of using a combination of pembrolizumab and olaparib when given before and after standard chemoradiation therapy in treating locally...
A Study of Sacituzumab Govitecan in Combination With Cetuximab in People With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer (HNSCC)
The purpose of this study to find out whether sacituzumab govitecan in combination with cetuximab is an effective and safe treatment approach for people with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck ...
Safety and Efficacy Study of PRV111 and PRV211 in Subjects With Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Arm 1 ( Phase 2/3 Run in ): PRV111: Topical Locoregional Delivery Placed Over the Tumor Region Primary Endpoint: Overall Response Rate (ORR) Primary Objective: Demonstrate the safety and efficacy of ...
NT219 Combined With Standard of Care Biologic Therapy in Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Fixed dose NT219 weekly plus pembrolizumab every 3 weeks or cetuximab weekly to be continued until progression, unacceptable toxicity, or investigator or participant decision....
Preoperative Pembrolizumab and Chemotherapy in Resectable, Recurrent HNSCC
This research study is evaluating effectiveness and safety of a combination of immunotherapy drug, pembrolizumab, with chemotherapy, as a possible treatment before and after surgery for squamous cell ...
PD-L1 t-haNK, N-803 IL-15sa and Cetuximab for Recurrent, Metastatic HNSCC
The purpose of this research study is to test the safety and efficacy of the combination of PD-L1 t-haNK (modified immune cells), N-803 (a manufactured protein that stimulates the immune system), and ...
Neoadjuvant Pembrolizumab and IO102-103 for Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN).
This research is being done to see if it is safe to give investigational combination of study drugs (Pembrolizumab and IO102-103) before surgery to people with surgically resectable (removable) newly ...
A Study of Decreasing Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy in People With Head and Neck Cancer
The purpose of this study is to test the treatment approach of de-escalated radiation and chemotherapy followed by a planned neck dissection surgery in people with head and neck cancer. The study will...
Top Cities for Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Trials
Head and Neck Cancer clinical trials are recruiting across 181 cities. Here are the cities with the most active studies:
About Head and Neck Cancer
Head and neck cancers develop in the mouth, throat, larynx, sinuses, or salivary glands. HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers have been increasing in prevalence. Treatment includes surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Clinical trials are advancing new treatments for head and neck cancer. Currently, 59 studies are recruiting a combined 14,819 participants across the United States. Research is being conducted by 43 organizations including NRG Oncology, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline and 40 others.
2026 Head and Neck Cancer Research Landscape
As of March 2026, the head and neck cancer clinical trial landscape includes 59 actively recruiting studies across 181 cities in the United States. These studies are collectively seeking 14,819 participants, with an average enrollment target of 251 per study.
Research is being led by 43 different organizations, including NRG Oncology, AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Bicara Therapeutics, National Cancer Institute (NCI), and 38 others. The large number of sponsors reflects significant research interest and investment in head and neck cancer treatment advancement.
Geographically, head and neck cancer trials are most concentrated in Los Angeles, California (24 trials); Tampa, Florida (11 trials); Chicago, Illinois (10 trials); Miami, Florida (10 trials); Boston, Massachusetts (10 trials) and 7 other cities.
Featured Head and Neck Cancer Studies
Highlighted recruiting studies for head and neck cancer, selected by enrollment size and research scope.
Comparing Cisplatin Every Three Weeks to Cisplatin Weekly When Combined With Radiation for Patients With Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
This phase II/III trial compares whether cisplatin given weekly with radiation therapy is better tolerated than cisplatin given every three weeks with radiation therapy for the treatment of head and neck cancer that has spread to other places in the body (advanced). The second part of this study will also help to find out if the cisplatin given weekly approach will extend patients' life by at leas...
A Global Study of Volrustomig (MEDI5752) for Participants With Unresected Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Following Definitive Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy
The main purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of volrustomig compared to observation in participants with unresected locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC) who have not progressed after receiving definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT).
A Study of Dostarlimab vs Placebo After Chemoradiation in Adult Participants With Locally Advanced Unresected Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The goal of this study is to assess the safety and effectiveness of Dostarlimab compared to Placebo in adult participants with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)
Frequently Asked Questions About Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Trials
Are there head and neck cancer clinical trials near me?
Yes, there are 59 head and neck cancer clinical trials currently recruiting across 181+ cities in the United States, including Los Angeles, California; Tampa, Florida; Chicago, Illinois. Browse the studies above to find one at a location convenient for you.
How do I join a head and neck cancer clinical trial?
To join a head and neck cancer clinical trial: 1) Browse the available studies on this page, 2) Click on a study that interests you, 3) Check the study locations to find a site near you, 4) Review the eligibility criteria, and 5) Contact the study site or complete the eligibility form. The process is free and you can withdraw at any time.
Are head and neck cancer clinical trials free?
Yes, participation in head and neck cancer clinical trials is free. Study-related treatments, medical tests, and doctor visits are provided at no cost to participants. Many studies also offer compensation for your time and travel expenses.
What types of head and neck cancer treatments are being studied?
Current head and neck cancer clinical trials are testing a range of approaches. These include new drugs, combination therapies, medical devices, and other interventions sponsored by 43 research organizations.
Is it safe to participate in head and neck cancer clinical trials?
Clinical trials are carefully regulated by the FDA and institutional review boards (IRBs). All trials must follow strict safety protocols, and participants receive close medical monitoring throughout the study. You can withdraw from a trial at any time without penalty.
Data updated March 2, 2026 from ClinicalTrials.gov
About This Data
Clinical trial information on this page is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and National Library of Medicine (NLM). Study data is refreshed every hour to ensure accuracy.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about clinical trial participation or changes to your treatment plan.
Page reviewed by the HelloStudys Research Team · Last updated March 2, 2026 · Data from ClinicalTrials.gov