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Head and Neck Cancer clinical trials
Every US clinical trial registered for Head and Neck Cancer — phase mix, recruiting status, and the sponsors running them, straight from the NIH ClinicalTrials.gov registry.
259 US clinical trials · 89 currently recruiting
The research picture
Head and Neck Cancer has 259 registered US clinical trials, 89 of them open to new participants right now — about 34% of the total.
- 89
- recruiting participants now
- 34%
- of trials open to enrollment
- 12
- in Phase 3–4 (later-stage)
- 18
- top sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Counts reflect the public ClinicalTrials.gov registry as last mirrored by PlainTrial. Status and phase are reported by each study's sponsor. This is reference information, not medical advice.
Active & Recent Trials
Sample Collection for Ongoing Research and Product Evaluation Study
Natera
NCT07318051
Tissue Sample Collection From Patients With Head and Neck Cancer and From Healthy Participants
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
NCT00898638
cfDNA Assay Prospective Observational Validation for Early Cancer Detection and Minimal Residual Disease
Adela
NCT05366881
Predicting Response to Immunotherapy From Analysis of Live Tumor Biopsies
Elephas
NCT07327489
Prospective Evaluation of Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Therapy for Previously Irradiated Tumors
The New York Proton Center
NCT05313191
Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Diagnosing Osteoradionecrosis in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer That Is Primary, Has Come Back, or Has Spread to Other Places in the Body
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
NCT03145077
Immunobiology Blood and Tissue Collection of Upper Aerodigestive Malignancies
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
NCT05995821
The PhOCus Trial: Implementation of Pharmacogenomic Testing in Oncology Care
University of Chicago
NCT04541381
A Study of HER3-DXd in Subjects With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors
Daiichi Sankyo
NCT06172478
Biomarkers in Patients With Respiratory Tract Dysplasia or Lung Cancer, Head and Neck Cancer, or Aerodigestive Tract Cancer and in Normal Volunteers
University of Colorado, Denver
NCT00900419
Multi-Site Trial of Navigation vs Treatment as Usual to Improve Initiation of Timely Adjuvant Therapy
Medical University of South Carolina
NCT05793151
Identification and Characterization of Novel Proteins and Genes in Head and Neck Cancer
Stanford University
NCT00230308
A Study Evaluating the Integrative Medicine at Home (IM@HOME) Program in People With Cancer
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
NCT05053230
The SNAP Tool for Head and Neck Cancer Survivor-Caregiver Dyads
Medical University of South Carolina
NCT05811936
Cognitive Outcomes After Brain Substructure-informed Radiation Planning in Pediatric Patients
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
NCT05658731
Improving Care for Rural Patients With Solid Tumors
University of Colorado, Denver
NCT04916990
A Study to Learn About the Study Medicine Called PF-08046876 in People With Advanced Solid Tumors
Pfizer
NCT07090499
Comparing Two Ways to Manage Head and Neck Lymphedema
Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
NCT05182229
Perioperative Nutritional Optimization in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
University of Illinois at Chicago
NCT04449445
Implementing the NYU Electronic Patient Visit Assessment (ePVA) for Head and Neck Cancer In Rural and Urban Populations
The University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston
NCT06030011
Locally AblatiVe TherApy in OLigO-pRogressive SOlid TUmorS (VALOROUS)
University of California, Davis
NCT06103669
Atorvastatin to Reduce Cisplatin-Induced Hearing Loss Among Individuals With Head and Neck Cancer
National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)
NCT04915183
New MRI Biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancers
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
NCT03483337
Identification of Secreted Markers for Tumor Hypoxia in Patients With Head and Neck or Lung Cancers
Stanford University
NCT00568490
Building a Renewed ImaGe After Head & Neck Cancer Treatment (BRIGHT) Multi-Site RCT
Medical University of South Carolina
NCT05442957
A First in Human Study of ALX2004 With Advanced or Metastatic Selected Solid Tumors
ALX Oncology
NCT07085091
ATATcH Alternating Treatment Plans for Advanced Cancer
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
NCT05358548
NLit and Outcomes in HNC Survivor-Caregiver Dyads
University of Kansas Medical Center
NCT07021885
A Study of [225Ac]Ac-AKY-1189 in Patients With Solid Tumors
Aktis Oncology
NCT07020117
Photobiomodulation in Head and Neck Cancer-Related Chronic Lymphedema
Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
NCT06837480
A Motion Exergaming Approach for Symptom Management: HNC
University of Alabama at Birmingham
NCT04632654
Reflectance Confocal Microscopy of Oral Cancers in Vivo: a Preliminary Trial Comparing Intra-oral Imaging With Pathology
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
NCT02507141
Fatigue and Molecular Mechanisms in Cancer Patients Receiving CCRT
University of California, San Francis
NCT06633224
A Phase 2a, Single-dose, Open-label Study to Evaluate Diagnostic Performance and Safety of Pegsitacianine, an Intraoperative Fluorescence Imaging Agent for the Detection of Cancer, in Patients With Unknown Primary Head and Neck Cancer (ILLUMINATE STUDY)
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
NCT05576974
Dose Escalation and Dose Expansion Study of MDX2001 in Patients With Advanced Solid Tumors
ModeX Therapeutics, An OPKO Health Company
NCT06239194
Lead-212 PSV359 Therapy for Patients With Solid Tumors
Perspective Therapeutics
NCT06710756
Study of De_Intensified Postoperative Radiation Therapy for HPV Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
NCT03875716
COPD Care Pathway Among Patients With Cancer
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
NCT05984680
Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) for Early Treatment Response Assessment of Solid Tumors
Washington University School of Medicine
NCT04354064
Evaluation of Radiobiological Effects in Skin Toxicities Head and Neck Cancer Patients With PBS Proton Therapy
Covenant Health Cancer Center
NCT06183268
DESTINY-PANTUMOUR04
AstraZeneca
NCT07124000
TheraT® Vectors (Vaccines) Combined With Chemotherapy to Treat HPV16 Head and Neck Cancers
University of Chicago
NCT05108870
Sparing Parotid Ducts Via MRI Sialography for Reduced Patient-Reported Xerostomia
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
NCT07278557
Axoguard HA Plus Nerve Protector to Reduce Post-operative Neck and Shoulder Dysfunction in Patients Undergoing Neck Dissection
Matthew Spector
NCT07283861
Preservation of Swallowing in Respected Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Examining Radiation Volume Effects (PRESERVE): A Randomized Trial
London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
NCT03997643
Early Feeding After Oral Cavity Reconstruction
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
NCT04787939
Training Swallowing Initiation During Expiration
Northwestern University
NCT05278039
Jump: MR Simulation For Radiation Therapy Master Protocol
Brigham and Women's Hospital
NCT04545957
Invert-Prospective Phase II Randomized Trial of Involved Nodal Versus Elective Neck RadioTherapy
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
NCT06477692
Apixaban or Enoxaparin After Head and Neck Cancer Surgery
Kiranya Arnold
NCT07189897
Study of Non-invasive Acupuncture-like Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (Altens) to Help Alleviate Xerostomia After Radiation Therapy for Cancers of the Head and Neck
University of Rochester
NCT04805528
Postoperative Radiotherapy for Intermediate- and High-risk Patients With HNSCC Greater Than 6 Weeks After Surgery
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
NCT06607406
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Programmed Cell Death Protein 1(PD-1) Inhibition for Head and Neck Cancer Treatment De-escalation (NeoScorch HN)
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins
NCT07209189
ChatBot and Activity Monitoring in Patients Undergoing Chemoradiotherapy
Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine
NCT05318027
Gabapentin & Ketamine for Prevention/Treatment of Acute/Chronic Pain in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Natalie Lockney
NCT05156060
Selective Adjuvant Therapy for HPV-mediated Oropharynx SCCs Based on Residual Circulating Tumor DNA Levels (SAVAL)
University of Maryland, Baltimore
NCT06088381
Prehabilitation Protocol for Head and Neck Cancer Patients
University of Miami
NCT07318220
Microbiome in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
University of Colorado, Denver
NCT05837221
Preoperative Immunotherapy in Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Alain Algazi
NCT03708224
Repurposing Riluzole for Cancer-Related Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Trial
University of California, Irvine
NCT06580002
Intraoperative Ansa Cervicalis Nerve (ACN) Stimulation
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
NCT05650710
PromotinG Lung Cancer screenIng Awareness and Implementation in Hispanics/Latinx Head and Neck canceR Survivors
University of Miami
NCT06124508
Intratumoral Delivery of Viral Replicon (saRNA) Particles Expressing IL-12 in Head and Neck Cancer
VLP Therapeutics
NCT06736379
MEM-288 Oncolytic Virus Alone and in Combination With Standard of Care Therapy in Advanced Solid Tumors
Memgen
NCT05076760
A Study of Cemiplimab With Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy in People With Head and Neck Cancer
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
NCT04722523
Tongue Proactive Strengthening Exercise Program Following Partial/Hemi Glossectomy and Reconstruction
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
NCT07110142
Pilot Study of Management of Facial Paralysis in the Oncologic Patient: Nerve Transfer Techniques to Improve Facial Function and Quality of Life
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
NCT06667427
Addressing Taste Dysfunction With Miraculin in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy
University of California, San Francis
NCT05273307
Response-Adaptive Treatment in Untreated Locoregional HPV-Negative Head and Neck Cancer
University of Chicago
NCT07065630
RAPA-201 Therapy of Solid Tumors
Rapa Therapeutics
NCT05144698
Autologous CAR-T Cells Targeting CSPG4 in Relapsed/Refractory HNSCC
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
NCT06096038
Phase I Study of Preconditioning Radiation Therapy With IL-15 Transduced TGFBR2 KO CAR.TROP2-engineered Cord Blood-derived NK Cells in Patients With Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (RADIANCE-NK)
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
NCT07101432
Dosing Study of Radiation Combined With Tislelizumab and Pamiparib in Patients With Previously Treated Head and Neck Cancer
University of Chicago
NCT05526924
A Study of Pembrolizumab in Combination With Chemotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer
University of Chicago
NCT05420948
Supporting Treatment Resilience With Optimized Nutrition and Guided Exercise in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemoradiation
Renown Health
NCT07160296
Drug Screening Using Novel IMD in Salivary and Head and Neck Cancers
Brigham and Women's Hospital
NCT05553782
Antibiotic Treatment Effects on Intratumoral Bacteria Modulation in Surgical Patients With Oral Cancer
Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
NCT06627270
NT219 Combined With Standard of Care Biologic Therapy in Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
University of Colorado, Denver
NCT06919666
Preoperative Pembrolizumab and Chemotherapy in Resectable, Recurrent HNSCC
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
NCT05726370
Phase II Panitumumab-IRDye800 in Head & Neck Cancer
University of Alabama at Birmingham
NCT04511078
PD-L1 t-haNK, NAI IL-15sa and Cetuximab for Recurrent, Metastatic HNSCC
Glenn J. Hanna
NCT06239220
Riluzole For Preventing Cognitive Dysfunction in Ca Pts Receiving Chemo (REFOCUS): Pilot Trial
University of California, Irvine
NCT07447050
Exercise and Nutritional Prehabilitation for Head and Neck Cancer Patients
University of California, Davis
NCT06722508
Velopharyngeal Dysfunction in Head & Neck Cancer Patients, Pilot Study
Vanessa Torrecillas
NCT07264036
Novel Hypoxia Imaging for Head and Neck Cancer: Imaging Phenotype for Personalized Treatment
University of Utah
NCT06108089
Intraoral Hypothermia Device for Preserving Taste During Radiation
Henry Ford Health System
NCT06579248
3D Specimen Maps for RT Planning
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
NCT05743569
A Study of Decreasing Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy in People With Head and Neck Cancer
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
NCT05544136
Ovarian-Sparing Adaptive Radiotherapy in Young Adult Women
Washington University School of Medicine
NCT06904365
A Screening Study to Collect Samples for TAA, HLA & HLA Loss of Heterozygosity in Patients With Metastatic Solid Tumors
TScan Therapeutics
NCT05812027
A Basket Study of Customized Autologous TCR-T Cell Therapies in Patients With Locally Advanced (Unresectable) or Metastatic Solid Tumors
TScan Therapeutics
NCT05973487
RT With or Without Cetuximab in Treating Patients Who Have Undergone Surgery for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Radiation Therapy Oncology Group
NCT00956007
Enhancing Self Care Among Oral Cancer Survivors: The Empowered Survival Trial
Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
NCT04713449
Observational Study of Dental Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
NCT02057510
Sensor-Assisted Prevention of Dehydration in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
NCT02253238
Implementation and Effectiveness Trial of HN-STAR
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
NCT04208490
Clinical Registry of Long-Term Dental Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
NCT05325970
A Feasibility Study to Further the Development of Lung Cancer-based Precision Medicine
University of Arkansas
NCT02597738
Supportive Oncology Care At Home RCT
Massachusetts General Hospital
NCT04544046
Study of INBRX-106 and INBRX-106 in Combination With Pembrolizumab (Keytruda®) in Subjects With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors (Hexavalent OX40 Agonist)
Inhibrx Biosciences
NCT04198766
Phase Distribution
| Phase | Trial count |
|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 63 |
| Phase 2 | 74 |
| Phase 3 | 10 |
| Phase 4 | 2 |
Top Sponsors
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov, National Library of Medicine. Data is informational only.
Reading the Head and Neck Cancer Trial Landscape
ClinicalTrials.gov lists 259 US studies indexed under Head and Neck Cancer, and 89 of those are currently open to recruitment — roughly 34% of the total volume on the registry. That ratio is a useful proxy for activity level: a high share of recruiting studies often signals that research interest is current and that new enrollment opportunities are appearing, while a low share typically means the field is dominated by completed or follow-up work where most participant spots have already been filled. These counts reflect the public registry only and include studies at every stage of design, so they should be read as an index of research attention rather than as a measure of treatment availability.
The phase distribution for Head and Neck Cancer shows 12 late-stage studies (Phase 3 and Phase 4 combined) alongside 137 earlier-phase entries (Phase 1 through Phase 2). Phase 1 and Phase 2 studies focus on early safety signals, dosing, and preliminary effect, while Phase 3 studies are typically the larger efficacy and safety trials submitted toward regulatory review, and Phase 4 studies follow approved interventions in real-world use. A condition weighted toward later phases often reflects a mature research pipeline with several interventions already close to or past approval, whereas a heavier early-phase tilt suggests the field is still exploring new mechanisms and candidate approaches.
Top sponsor activity for Head and Neck Cancer is led by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center with 18 indexed trials, alongside 9 other organizations in the top contributor list. The list on this page surfaces up to 100 of the most relevant recent and active entries, ordered with recruiting studies first so practical options are visible. All figures are derived from the public ClinicalTrials.gov dataset maintained by the National Library of Medicine and are reproduced here for reference. Inclusion of a trial, sponsor, or intervention on this page is neither an endorsement nor a recommendation — eligibility, protocol changes, and site-level status can shift frequently, so always verify current details on ClinicalTrials.gov and consult a qualified healthcare provider before acting on anything you see here.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many clinical trials are there for Head and Neck Cancer?
PlainTrial tracks 259 US clinical trials for Head and Neck Cancer, of which 89 are currently recruiting participants. Data sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov.
How do I find a recruiting trial for Head and Neck Cancer?
Use the trial list above filtered by "Recruiting" status, or visit our trial finder at /recruiting to search by condition and state. Always discuss trial participation with your healthcare provider before enrolling.
Is this data current?
Data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov and reflects our most recent data pull. Trial status may have changed since then. Always verify current information at ClinicalTrials.gov before making decisions about participation.
Related
Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov (National Library of Medicine). Consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this data.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov (NIH/NLM) ClinicalTrials.gov AACT registry · 2026 Trial counts and statuses sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. Sponsor counts include both industry and federal/academic sponsors.