Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Trials

We checked your medical records and used our AI system to find clinical trials that you might qualify for. Additionally, we offer a concierge service to facilitate a smooth transition into the clinical trial.

Our team of specialized nurses and physicians ensures that every aspect of your trial participation is handled before, during, and after your enrollment. All the services we provide are completely free for both you and your treating oncologist.

Refers to cancers that start in tissues in the head and neck area, like the mouth, throat, and nose. The most common type of Head and Neck Cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. It comes from cells found on moist surfaces.

This does not include cancers in the nasopharynx, salivary glands, thyroid, or lymph nodes. Major types of Head and Neck Cancer include:

Oral cavity cancer: Starts in the tissues of the mouth. It often affects the lips, tongue, gums, inner cheeks, floor of the mouth, hard palate, and the area behind the wisdom teeth. A significant risk factor for this cancer is infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Oral cavity cancer trials explore advanced therapies to improve treatment and outcomes.

Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Originates in the nasopharynx, the upper part of the throat located behind the nose. Unlike most Head and Neck Cancers, nasopharyngeal cancer often involves non-keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma.

Oropharyngeal cancer: Starts in the middle of the throat, including the back of the tongue, soft palate, tonsils, and pharynx walls. It is often linked to HPV infection. Oropharynx cancer trials explore advanced therapies to improve treatment and outcomes.

Hypopharyngeal Cancer: Arises in the hypopharynx, the lower part of the throat located just above the esophagus and windpipe. Doctors often diagnose hypopharyngeal cancer at an advanced stage, making early detection and treatment crucial for better outcomes. Hypopharynx cancer trials explore advanced therapies to improve treatment and outcomes.

Laryngeal cancer: Starts in the larynx, where the vocal cords are. These cords are important for talking and breathing. Larynx cancer trials explore advanced therapies to improve treatment and outcomes.

Paranasal Sinus and Nasal Cavity Cancer: Occurs in the paranasal sinuses (the air-filled spaces around the nose) or the nasal cavity (the hollow space inside the nose). Smoking and long exposure to chemicals are closely linked to this type of cancer. These chemicals include wood dust and industrial substances.

Salivary Gland Cancer: Affects the salivary glands, which are responsible for producing saliva.

Risk factors for Head and Neck Cancer include tobacco use, heavy alcohol consumption, certain HPV infections, prolonged sun exposure (for lip cancer), and others.

All types of head and neck cancer use the TNM classification system for staging. This staging system gives a general idea, but staging may differ depending on where the head and neck cancer is. Participating in clinical trials allows patients to access cutting-edge options and contribute to medical research, regardless of their cancer stage:

Stage I: Early stage where the tumor is confined to the primary region (such as the oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, paranasal sinus, or nasal cavity).

Stage II: Localized stage, where the tumor begins to invade adjacent tissues.

Stage III: Locally advanced stage, where the tumor invades nearby structures or bones and possibly affects nearby lymph nodes on one side.

Stage IV: Advanced or metastatic head and neck cancer is when the tumor has spread extensively to nearby lymph nodes or distant organs.

Although the clinical presentation of Head and Neck Cancer varies depending on the location and type of malignancy, there is overlap in symptoms due to the proximity of structures in the head and neck region:

Lump or Swelling: A persistent, often painless, palpable mass in the neck or mouth.

Persistent Sore Throat: A sore throat that does not go away, often accompanied by difficulty swallowing.

Hoarseness or Voice Changes: Persistent changes in the voice, which may suggest a tumor affecting the vocal cords or larynx.

Difficulty Swallowing: Trouble swallowing, often caused by a tumor obstructing the throat or esophagus.

Ear Pain: Pain in the ear that may occur without an ear infection.

Nasal Obstruction or Bleeding: Persistent congestion or nosebleeds, particularly on one side.

Persistent Mouth Ulcers: Sores in the mouth that do not heal.

It is important to know the signs of Head and Neck Cancer. These signs include a lasting sore throat, hoarseness, and lumps in the neck. Recognizing these signs early can improve chances of survival.

Untreated or treatment-naive Head and Neck Cancer: Refers to patients who have not yet received any specific treatment for the disease. This could be due to various reasons, such as patient choice, late diagnosis, or ineligibility for certain treatments. Numerous clinical trials are specifically designed for newly diagnosed patients and untreated advanced Head and Neck Cancer, focusing on the effectiveness of novel therapies and combinations to enhance initial treatment outcomes and long-term prognosis.

Treated Head and Neck Cancer: Refers to patients who have already received treatment for Head and Neck Cancer. Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or a combination of these. The goal of treatment is to control the growth of cancer and alleviate symptoms.

Regardless of whether treatment has been received, clinical trials are available for both groups, constantly seeking to provide innovative options that improve prognosis and quality of life.

Resectable Head and Neck Cancer (Surgery-Eligible): This means that the cancer can be surgically removed. Surgery is typically performed on patients with early-stage, localized disease (Stage I and II), where the tumors have not yet spread extensively, allowing surgeons to remove them without risking further spread.

Unresectable Head and Neck Cancer (Not Surgery-Eligible): This means that the cancer cannot be surgically removed, possibly due to its location, size, or spread to nearby vital structures or distant organs, making surgery unsafe or impractical. In such cases, other treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or targeted therapies may be used to manage the disease.

Whether Head and Neck Cancer is classified as resectable or unresectable, clinical trial options are available. These trials provide access to experimental options and possibilities that may offer benefits beyond standard care, potentially improving outcomes for patients with different stages and types of head and neck cancer.

The treatment for Head and Neck Cancer depends on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, its location, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences. Here are the main treatment options:

Surgery: Often a primary treatment for Head and Neck Cancers. The goal is to remove the cancerous tissue while minimizing damage to the rest of the head and neck region. The extent of surgery depends on the size and location of the tumor.

Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy beams, such as X-rays or protons, to kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy can be used alone, after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells, or in combination with chemotherapy.

Targeted Therapy: Uses drugs designed to specifically target and interfere with molecules or proteins essential for cancer cell growth and survival. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, targeted therapy aims to affect only cancer cells, minimizing damage to normal cells. For example, EGFR Inhibitors block EGFR receptors to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells that rely on this pathway.

Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It can be given alone but is often used in combination with radiation therapy. Chemotherapy can shrink tumors before surgery or destroy cancer cells that might remain after surgery. Chemotherapy can be used before surgery to shrink the tumor (neoadjuvant therapy), after surgery to eliminate remaining cancer cells (adjuvant therapy), or in combination with radiation therapy (chemoradiation) to enhance effectiveness.

Immunotherapy: Involves using drugs that help the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. For example, Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors such as PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking tumors, thereby boosting the immune response.

The final selection of treatment should be determined by specialists, considering the specific cancer type and its staging, as outlined in the most up-to-date treatment guidelines.

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) is essential for linking patients with specific genetic mutations in their cancers to clinical trials for targeted treatments. This approach, part of personalized medicine, increases the effectiveness and success rates of these trials by ensuring patients receive therapies most likely to work for their particular cancer type.

The genetic mutations, also known as biomarkers, are often related to the disease’s origin. Some common biomarkers associated with myelofibrosis include:

JAK2 Mutations: Changes in the JAK2 gene, especially V617F, are common in myelofibrosis, seen in about half of patients. These mutations result in the excessive production of blood cells, contributing to the development of myelofibrosis.

CALR: A mutated protein that interacts with the MPL receptor on hematopoietic stem cells, activating the JAK-STAT pathway and leading to cell proliferation and inflammation. It is found especially in patients without the JAK2 mutation.

MPL Mutations: Mutations in the MPL (Myeloproliferative Leukemia Virus Oncogene) gene are less common but are still associated with myelofibrosis. MPL mutations affect the MPL receptor, which regulates blood cell production, contributing to the disease’s pathogenesis.

Triple-Negative Status: In some myelofibrosis cases, none of the above-mentioned mutations (JAK2, CALR, or MPL) are present. These cases are termed “triple-negative.” Despite the absence of these mutations, other genetic alterations or factors may drive myelofibrosis development in these individuals. Research continues to uncover additional biomarkers to explain these cases.

ASXL1: A mutated gene involved in DNA expression, associated with a poorer prognosis and higher risk of disease progression.

EZH2: A mutation involved in gene expression regulation, linked to a more aggressive disease course and poor prognosis.

SRSF2: Mutations that impair RNA splicing, leading to abnormal protein production and poor outcomes in high-risk disease.

IHC plays a crucial role in Head and Neck Cancer care by identifying specific biomarkers in tissue samples, helping to tailor treatments to the tumor’s unique characteristics. It helps in the development of new therapies through clinical trials, enhancing the overall effectiveness of cancer management and improving patient outcomes. Key biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer include:

p16: Indicates the presence of human papillomavirus (HPV)-related cancers. p16 positivity often correlates with better prognosis and response to radiation therapy.

PD-L1 (Programmed Death Ligand 1): A marker of immune evasion by tumors. High PD-L1 in Head and Neck Cancer suggests that the tumor may respond to immunotherapy, as blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway can enhance the immune system’s ability to attack cancer cells.

HER2 (Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2): Although less common in Head and Neck Cancer, HER2 overexpression can occur and is associated with a more aggressive disease, offering a target for HER2-directed therapies.

Ki-67: A marker of cell proliferation. High levels of Ki-67 indicate rapid tumor cell division, suggesting a more aggressive tumor, which may influence the intensity of the treatment approach.

Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB): Measures the total number of mutations within a tumor genome. High TMB may indicate that a tumor is more likely to respond to immunotherapy, as a greater number of mutations can make cancer cells more recognizable to the immune system.

Clinical trials play a crucial role in the treatment of stage 3 Head and Neck Cancer and stage 4 Head and Neck Cancer for several reasons:

Access to New Options: Clinical trials offer patients a chance to try new options that could work better, especially for serious illnesses like advanced head and neck cancer, where standard treatments might not be effective.

Improving Outcomes: By participating in clinical trials, patients contribute to knowledge that could improve survival rates and quality of life for future head and neck cancer patients.

Comprehensive Care: Patients in clinical trials often receive a high level of care and are closely monitored by a dedicated team of healthcare professionals and researchers.

Hope for the Future: For many patients with advanced head and neck cancer, participating in a clinical trial provides hope—both for themselves and the possibility that their participation will help others in the future.

Advancing Research: These trials are essential for research, helping scientists understand how new options work and for whom they work best. This can lead to the development of more effective strategies and personalized options.

Cancer is an unfortunate reality that touches many of us at some point in our lives. If you or a loved one has cancer, you may have heard or read that clinical research could offer access to potential new possibilities. But what exactly is clinical research? In this video, Massive Bio co-founder Arturo Loaiza-Bonilla, MD, explains how clinical research studies work, what to expect if you enroll in one, and why clinical research can be an important option for many cancer patients.

We dream of the day when cancer disappears from our lives. Massive Bio is working tirelessly to achieve that goal.