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Home › Conditions › Head and Neck Cancer

Head and Neck Cancer

Part of Cancer

Subtypes of Head and Neck Cancer

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma 15 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma 13 Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma 11 Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma 10 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma 8 Thyroid Nodules 5 Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma 4 Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma 2 Recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma 2 Oral leukoplakia 1 Papillary Thyroid Cancer 1 Salivary gland cancer 1 Thyroid carcinoma 1 Thyroid Neoplasm 1 Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma 0 Oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma 0

86 published articles · Updated continuously

Clinical Trial Landscape

Clinical Trials for Head and Neck Cancer

348 trials tracked for Head and Neck Cancer: 40 in phase 3 or 4 and 21 with published results. The most-cited published study has 1687 citations.

348Trials tracked
40Phase 3 & 4
0Recruiting
21With published results
Phase distribution
Phase 4 6 Phase 3 34 Phase 2 212 Phase 1 24 Other / NA 72
  1. Phase 3 Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Versus Standard Treatment for Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer (MK-3475-040/KEYNOTE-040) Completed · 1,687 cited
  2. Phase 3 Radiation Therapy With Cisplatin or Cetuximab in Treating Patients With Oropharyngeal Cancer Completed · 1,289 cited
  3. Phase 3 Radiation Therapy and Cisplatin With or Without Cetuximab in Treating Patients With Stage III or Stage IV Head and Neck Cancer Completed · 832 cited
  4. Phase 3 A Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) for First Line Treatment of Recurrent or Metastatic Squamous Cell Cancer of the Head and Neck (MK-3475-048/KEYNOTE-048) Completed · 484 cited
  5. Phase 3 Study of MEDI4736 Monotherapy and in Combination With Tremelimumab Versus Standard of Care Therapy in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Completed · 363 cited
  6. Phase 3 Radiation Therapy, Amifostine, and Chemotherapy in Treating Young Patients With Newly Diagnosed Nasopharyngeal Cancer Completed · 265 cited
Show 44 more trials
  1. Phase 3 Tislelizumab Combined With Chemotherapy Versus Chemotherapy Alone in Recurrent or Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Cancer (NPC) Completed · 211 cited
  2. Phase 3 Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) or Placebo With Chemoradiation in Participants With Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (MK-3475-412/KEYNOTE-412) Completed · 205 cited
  3. Phase 3 Study of Nivolumab in Combination With Ipilimumab Compared to the Standard of Care (Extreme Regimen) as First Line Treatment in Patients With Recurrent or Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck Completed · 157 cited
  4. Phase 4 Health Education Counseling With or Without Bupropion in Helping African Americans Stop Smoking Completed · 112 cited
  5. Phase 3 Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) in Platinum Pre-treated Recurrent/Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Cancer (MK-3475-122/KEYNOTE-122) Completed · 105 cited
  6. Phase 3 Doxepin Hydrochloride in Treating Oral Mucositis Pain in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Radiation Therapy With or Without Chemotherapy Completed · 89 cited
  7. Phase 3 Radiation + Cisplatin or Panitumumab in Locally Advanced Stage III or Stage IV Head and Neck Cancer Completed · 71 cited
  8. Phase 3 Phase III Trial to Assess Efficacy and Safety of Cetuximab for the Treatment of Chinese Participants With Head and Neck Cancer Completed · 61 cited
  9. Phase 3 LUX-Head&Neck 3: Afatinib (BIBW2992) Versus Methotrexate for the Treatment of Recurrent and/or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer After Platinum Based Chemotherapy Completed · 58 cited
  10. Phase 4 A Study of Pembrolizumab (MK-3475) Plus Carboplatin and Paclitaxel as First-line Treatment of Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (MK-3475-B10/KEYNOTE B10) Completed · 54 cited
  11. Phase 3 Radiation Therapy With Durvalumab or Cetuximab in Treating Patients With Locoregionally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Who Cannot Take Cisplatin Completed · 53 cited
  12. Phase 3 Acupuncture-Like Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (ALTENS) or Pilocarpine in Treating Early Dry Mouth in Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer Completed · 50 cited
  13. Phase 4 Perioperative Gabapentin Use In Head And Neck Mucosal Surgery Patients Completed · 30 cited
  14. Phase 3 Pembrolizumab Plus Epacadostat, Pembrolizumab Monotherapy, and the EXTREME Regimen in Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (KEYNOTE-669/ECHO-304) Completed · 12 cited
  15. Phase 4 LigaSure Small Jaw® Versus Conventional Neck Dissection in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Completed · 7 cited
  16. Phase 4 Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Tumors Completed
  17. Phase 4 Counseling and Nicotine Replacement Therapy in Helping Adult Smokers Quit Smoking Completed
  18. Phase 3 Study of Prophylactic Topical Dapsone 5% Gel Versus Moisturizer for Cetuximab-induced Papulopustular (Acneiform) Rash in Patients With mCRC or HNSCC Without Previous or Concurrent RT Completed
  19. Phase 3 Phase III Study of Vinflunine Plus Methotrexate Versus Methotrexate Alone in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  20. Phase 3 A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial of Manuka Honey for Oral Mucositis Due to Radiation Therapy for Cancer Completed
  21. Phase 3 Modified Dakin's Solution in Reducing Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Radiation Therapy Completed
  22. Phase 3 Gabapentin Compared to Standard of Care in Preventing Mucositis in Patients With Stage III-IV Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Primary or Adjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy Completed
  23. Phase 3 Radiation Therapy Cisplatin With or Without Fluorouracil Patients With Stage III or Stage IV Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  24. Phase 3 GM-CSF Mouthwash for Preventing and Treating Mucositis in Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  25. Phase 3 A Study for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  26. Phase 3 Study of Panitumumab Efficacy in Patients With Recurrent and/or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  27. Phase 3 Study Of Adjuvant Lapatinib In High-Risk Head And Neck Cancer Subjects After Surgery Completed
  28. Phase 3 LUX-Head&Neck 1: A Phase III Trial of Afatinib (BIBW2992) Versus Methotrexate for the Treatment of Recurrent and/or Metastatic (R/M) Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer After Platinum Based Chemotherapy Completed
  29. Phase 3 Zalutumumab in Patients With Non-curable Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  30. Phase 3 Palifermin for the Reduction of Oral Mucositis in Patients With Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  31. Phase 3 Cetuximab (Erbitux) in Combination With Cisplatin or Carboplatin and 5-Fluorouracil in the First Line Treatment of Subjects With Recurrent and/or Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (EXTREME) Completed
  32. Phase 3 Combination Chemotherapy and Radiation in Treating Patients With Stage III or IV Head and Neck Cancer (Paradigm Trial) Completed
  33. Phase 3 Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy With or Without Surgery in Treating Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  34. Phase 3 Low-level Laser Therapy to Prevent Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Patients Completed
  35. Phase 2 Dual Inhibition of EGFR With Afatinib and Cetuximab in the Treatment of Advanced Squamous Cell Cancers of the Head and Neck Completed
  36. Phase 2 A Study of ALKS 4230 (Nemvaleukin Alfa) With Pembrolizumab in Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  37. Phase 2 Trial of RAD001 and Erlotinib With Recurrent Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Completed
  38. Phase 2 Immunotherapy With MK-3475 in Surgically Resectable Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Completed
  39. Phase 2 Adjuvant Cetuximab and Chemoradiotherapy Using Either Cisplatin or Docetaxel in Treating Patients With Resected Stage III or Stage IV Squamous Cell Carcinoma or Lymphoepithelioma of the Head and Neck Completed
  40. Phase 2 Gemcitabine and Docetaxel in Treating Patients With Persistent, Recurrent, or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  41. Phase 2 Trial To Test Safety And Efficacy Of Vaccination For Incurable HPV 16-Related Oropharyngeal, Cervical And Anal Cancer Completed
  42. Phase 2 Cetuximab, Chemotherapy, and Radiation Therapy for Operable Stage III or IV Head and Neck Cancer Completed
  43. Phase 2 De-intensification of Radiation & Chemotherapy in Low-Risk Human Papillomavirus-related Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Ca Completed
  44. Phase 2 A Study of the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of Epacadostat Administered in Combination With Nivolumab in Select Advanced Cancers (ECHO-204) Completed

Showing the 50 most-cited and recently-updated of 348 trials. Browse the full registry →

Trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Counts describe the research landscape and are not a treatment recommendation. Informational only — not medical advice.

What the trials found Updated — new results For clinicians

Head and Neck Cancer: what the trials found

Several trials evaluated immunotherapies for head and neck cancer. Pembrolizumab demonstrated an Objective Response Rate of 48.5% with a median Progression-free Survival of 5.6 months 16 and showed improved Overall Survival in patients with PD-L1 expression (≥1% CPS) compared to the control group 21. Another trial using Pembrolizumab reported a rate of Dose Limiting Toxicity of 1, an Overall Survival of 3, and one response measured by RECIST 1.1 8.

Targeted therapies included cetuximab, which showed significant improvements in Progression-free Survival (78.4 vs 67.3; p=0.0002) and Time to Local-regional Failure (9.9 vs 17.3; p=0.0005) 22, though another trial reported a median Progression-free Survival of 3.8 to 7.5 months 9. Methotrexate was associated with a Progression Free Survival of 2.86 and 2.56 (p=0.0005) and an Objective Response of 64 and 14 (p=0.0016) 1.

Management of pain and complications involved Gabapentin, which was associated with changes in daily narcotic consumption (1.60; 1.59) and reported patient satisfaction scores 17, while a combination regimen including Gabapentin showed specific pain-reduction effects 7. Surgical interventions such as neck dissection were evaluated for operation duration (97.1 vs 116.3; p=0.022) 18, and stereotactic body radiotherapy was assessed for local control and recurrence rates 19.

Supportive care trials included nicotine lozenges, which showed a significant difference in 24-hour point prevalence abstinence at 6 months (50 vs 35; p=0.05) 20, and bupropion hydrochloride for smoking cessation, where results were not statistically significant for abstinence but showed differences in metabolizer types 15.

Recent results — preliminary, needs further review

  • Durvalumab was evaluated with an Objective Response Rate of 13% and a Disease Control Rate of 20% 2.
  • Nivolumab was associated with a 37% rate of any grade adverse events and a median Disease Free Survival of 71.37 4.
  • Atezolizumab showed an Objective Response (RECIST v1.1) of 15.4% to 21.3% (p=0.3886) and Progression-free Survival of 2.99 to 4.14 (p=0.5983) 6.
  • Niraparib was associated with an Overall Survival of 10.1 and a Progression Free Survival of 3.8 5.
  • MASL was evaluated for its effect on pre-treatment and post-treatment OSCC morphology and PDPN expression (p=<0.05) 10.

For the clinician treating this condition

  • Immunotherapy options like Pembrolizumab show significant survival benefits in specific subsets, particularly those with PD-L1 expression.
  • Targeted therapies such as cetuximab have demonstrated statistically significant improvements in progression-free survival and time to local-regional failure.
  • Supportive care measures including Gabapentin for pain management and various pharmacological interventions for smoking cessation are established components of the treatment landscape.

AI synthesis of 17 cited trials, updated Jun 15, 2026. Informational only — not medical advice; trial data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. How we use AI.

HCP Mode — summaries include clinical detail, trial data, and statistical outcomes.
Patient Mode — summaries use plain language, avoiding clinical jargon.
Review of multimodal deep learning model for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis
ENT (Otolaryngology)
Review of multimodal deep learning model for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma diagnosis New AI tool spots esophageal cancer early with expert accuracy
This review synthesizes a model development and validation study for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.
A new AI system matches expert doctors in spotting early esophageal cancer. This could change how patients get diagnosed.
May 1, 2026
Review of PBMC processing conditions in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treatment-naive patients
Oncology
Review of PBMC processing conditions in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma treatment-naive patients New blood test method avoids risky biopsies for cancer patients
This observational study review examines peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) processing conditions for treatment-naive patients with he…
A new blood processing method lets doctors track immune health without risky biopsies for head and neck cancer patients.
medRxiv May 1, 2026
Pre-treatment body composition and acute kidney disease risk in head and neck cancer patients treated with cisplatin
Nephrology Cohort
Pre-treatment body composition and acute kidney disease risk in head and neck cancer patients treated with cisplatin Body composition may link to kidney issues in cancer patients
This prospective, monocentric, observational study of 110 patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer found that acute kidney diseas…
Low muscle mass and low lymphocyte counts may be linked to kidney disease risk during head and neck cancer treatment.
Frontiers Apr 30, 2026
Narrative review discusses targeting ferroptosis and cuproptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma
Oncology Sys. Review
Narrative review discusses targeting ferroptosis and cuproptosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma New ideas target cell death pathways for oral cancer
This narrative review explores the potential of targeting ferroptosis and cuproptosis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.
A review explores fresh ways to fight oral cancer by targeting specific cell death pathways. This approach offers new hope for patients with…
Frontiers Apr 30, 2026
Comprehensive salivary gland–sparing helical tomotherapy reduces radiation-induced xerostomia in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients
Nephrology Cohort
Comprehensive salivary gland–sparing helical tomotherapy reduces radiation-induced xerostomia in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients New radiation technique spares saliva glands in throat cancer
This prospective cohort study evaluated 266 patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with comprehensive salivary gland–sparing helical…
A precise radiation method cut severe dry mouth to 0.4% in nasopharyngeal cancer patients, while keeping survival high.
Frontiers Apr 28, 2026
Machine learning model predicts central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma
Diabetes & Endocrinology Cohort
Machine learning model predicts central lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid carcinoma New AI tool predicts hidden cancer spread in early thyroid cases
This retrospective cohort study of 710 patients with clinically node-negative T1–T2 papillary thyroid carcinoma developed an interpretable m…
A smart new computer model can spot hidden cancer spread in early thyroid cases, helping surgeons decide exactly what to remove during opera…
Frontiers Apr 27, 2026
Deep learning segmentation with CT elasticity features predicts right recurrent laryngeal nerve metastasis in esophageal cancer
Oncology Cohort
Deep learning segmentation with CT elasticity features predicts right recurrent laryngeal nerve metastasis in esophageal cancer AI Can Spot Hidden Cancer Spread in the Neck Before Surgery
This retrospective cohort study of 415 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma evaluated a deep learning-based segmentation model w…
This research could help surgeons avoid damaging a vital nerve during esophageal cancer surgery, making operations safer and more precise.
Frontiers Apr 24, 2026
Iron and oxidative stress biomarkers linked to oral cancer recurrence after surgery
Oncology Cohort
Iron and oxidative stress biomarkers linked to oral cancer recurrence after surgery Iron levels and oxidative stress linked to cancer return in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients
This retrospective cohort study of 240 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma who underwent radical surgery found that 36.7% experienced…
Among 240 oral cancer patients, high iron and oxidative stress markers were more common in those whose cancer came back after surgery.
Frontiers Apr 24, 2026
TIRADS and Bethesda systems predict thyroid malignancy in 70 patients at Baghdad Teaching Hospital
Radiology & Imaging Cohort
TIRADS and Bethesda systems predict thyroid malignancy in 70 patients at Baghdad Teaching Hospital Family history and neck swelling signal higher risk of thyroid cancer
This prospective cross-sectional study evaluated 70 patients with thyroid complaints at Baghdad Teaching Hospital.
A new look at thyroid nodules shows that family history and neck swelling are key signs of cancer, helping doctors catch it sooner.
Frontiers Apr 24, 2026
Preclinical deep learning framework shows improved dose prediction for unseen cancer sites
Radiology & Imaging
Preclinical deep learning framework shows improved dose prediction for unseen cancer sites A Heavy Burden on Doctors
This is a preclinical development study of a deep learning framework for radiotherapy dose prediction.
A new AI tool can plan radiation doses for many different cancers at once.
medRxiv Apr 24, 2026
Phase III trial indicates ultra-low-dose nivolumab may improve survival over chemotherapy in advanced solid tumors
Oncology RCT
Phase III trial indicates ultra-low-dose nivolumab may improve survival over chemotherapy in advanced solid tumors A Tiny Dose of This Cancer Drug Is Outperforming Chemo
This Phase III randomized trial evaluated ultra-low-dose nivolumab against standard chemotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumors prog…
Giving a much smaller dose of a powerful cancer drug can extend life with fewer side effects, making treatment more tolerable and accessible…
Apr 23, 2026
Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy Alters Tumor Microenvironment in Esophageal Cancer
Oncology RCT
Neoadjuvant Chemoimmunotherapy Alters Tumor Microenvironment in Esophageal Cancer Combination therapy may help overcome resistance in esophageal cancer
This Phase 3 RCT in 55 patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma compared neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone versus comb…
A small trial suggests combination therapy might help overcome resistance in esophageal cancer by targeting specific immune cells.
Apr 23, 2026

Research across Cancer

Related studies from across the Cancer family.

Narrative review covers diagnostic and treatment strategies for metastatic head and neck cancer with no identifiable primary tumor
Urology Sys. Review
Narrative review covers diagnostic and treatment strategies for metastatic head and neck cancer with no identifiable primary tumor Doctors use many tools to treat head and neck cancer when the main tumor is hidden
This narrative review addresses diagnostic and treatment strategies for metastatic cases of head and neck cancer with no identifiable primar…
When head and neck cancer spreads but the original spot is missing, doctors use many tools. Imaging, special tests, and surgery help find th…
Frontiers May 21, 2026
SABR Protocol Deviations Linked to Poorer Survival in Oligometastatic Head and Neck Cancer
ENT (Otolaryngology) RCT
SABR Protocol Deviations Linked to Poorer Survival in Oligometastatic Head and Neck Cancer Major protocol deviations cut survival time for head and neck cancer patients
This exploratory analysis of a randomized phase 2 trial (GORTEC 2014-04) in 69 patients with oligometastatic head and neck cancer found that…
Strict radiation quality checks linked to better survival for head and neck cancer patients. Minor or major errors during treatment reduced …
May 1, 2026
In a prospective cohort, periampullary tumor surgery affected quality of life and survival metrics
Orthopedics & Sports Medicine Cohort
In a prospective cohort, periampullary tumor surgery affected quality of life and survival metrics Life After Major Cancer Surgery Isn’t What We Thought
This prospective cohort study evaluated 111 patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy for periampullary tumors at a University Medical Cen…
Imagine waking up after major cancer surgery.
Frontiers Apr 24, 2026
Case report suggests grade 3 ICI-induced inflammatory arthritis may correlate with sustained response to tislelizumab in advanced head and neck carcinoma
Rheumatology Cohort
Case report suggests grade 3 ICI-induced inflammatory arthritis may correlate with sustained response to tislelizumab in advanced head and neck carcinoma Could a painful joint flare actually signal that cancer treatment is working long-term?
This case report and literature review describes a single patient with advanced unknown primary carcinoma of the head and neck receiving mai…
A patient with advanced head and neck cancer stayed in complete remission for over a year after joint pain from treatment forced doctors to …
Frontiers Apr 14, 2026

Questions about Head and Neck Cancer

What is the risk of acute kidney disease for head and neck cancer patients treated with cisplatin?

Cisplatin-based chemoradiotherapy in head and neck cancer carries a high risk of acute kidney injury, with reported incidences ranging from 20% to 69% depending on the cisplatin regimen and patient factors.

Full answer →