Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Trials

The Latest in Head and Neck Cancer Treatment Options

Many people have questions about Head and Neck Cancer, but there’s new hope. Our platform connects you with the latest clinical trials, focusing on advanced Head and Neck Cancer. We make it easier for patients to find and join these trials, providing access to the most recent treatments.

Our system links you with the newest clinical trials, offering new options for those dealing with Head and Neck Cancer. We provide comprehensive details about trials for every stage of the disease. These trials explore new treatment methods that are not yet widely available, targeting the unique markers of your cancer. With our support, you can proactively manage your condition.

How Our System Works

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.

Understanding the Disease

What is Head and Neck Cancer?

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.

Stages of Head and Neck Cancer

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 treatments 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.

Main Signs and Symptoms of Head and Neck Cancer

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.

Treated and Untreated Head and Neck Cancer

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 therapies that improve prognosis and quality of life.

Resectable (Surgery-Eligible) vs. Unresectable (Not Surgery-Eligible) Head and Neck Cancer

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 treatments and therapies that may offer benefits beyond standard care, potentially improving outcomes for patients with different stages and types of Head and Neck Cancer.

Current Treatment Options for 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.

NGS Testing and Clinical Trials

Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) allows for the detailed analysis of a wide range of biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancer, guiding personalized treatment strategies. Some key biomarkers identified by NGS include:

• TP53: The TP53 gene, which produces the p53 tumor suppressor protein, is frequently mutated in Head and Neck Cancers. p53 plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth and apoptosis (programmed cell death), and its dysfunction can lead to uncontrolled cell proliferation.
• EGFR (Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor): Overexpression or mutation of EGFR is common in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas and is associated with tumor growth, progression, and resistance to certain therapies.
• HPV-Related Genes: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)-associated Head and Neck Cancers, particularly oropharyngeal cancers, often involve integration of HPV DNA into the host genome. This can lead to overexpression of viral oncogenes like E6 and E7, which inactivate p53 and retinoblastoma (RB1) tumor suppressor pathways.
• PIK3CA: Encodes a molecule called PI3K, which promotes cell growth, survival, and metabolism. These mutations can lead to increased cell growth and survival.
• HER2: A mutated gene that leads to increased cell growth and division, associated with more aggressive cancers.
• NTRK: A rare genetic alteration where a portion of the NTRK gene fuses with another gene, leading to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer development.
• CDKN2A: Alterations in the CDKN2A gene, which encodes the p16 protein, are common in Head and Neck Cancers. p16 is involved in cell cycle regulation, and its loss can contribute to uncontrolled cell division.
• NOTCH1: Mutations in NOTCH1, a gene involved in cell differentiation and apoptosis, have been identified in Head and Neck Cancers. These mutations can contribute to the development and progression of cancer.
• HRAS and KRAS: Mutations in HRAS and KRAS genes, which are part of the RAS/MAPK pathway, can be found in Head and Neck Cancers. These mutations generally lead to increased cell proliferation and survival.

Immunohistochemistry (IHC) Testing and Clinical Trials

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.

The Role of Clinical Trials in Head and Neck Cancer

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 Treatments: Clinical trials offer patients a chance to try new treatments 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 treatments work and for whom they work best. This can lead to the development of more effective treatment strategies and personalized medicine.