Metastatic Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

19

Review clinical trials related to Metastatic Head And Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Use filters to narrow results by trial status, phase, treatment, biological sex and sponsor.

Condition / disease
Location
Status: Recruiting

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 have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced). Cabozantinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as nivolumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. This trial may help doctors determine how quickly patients can be divided into groups based on biomarkers in their tumors. A biomarker is a biological molecule found in the blood, other body fluids, or in tissues that is a sign of a normal or abnormal process or a sign of a condition or disease. A biomarker may be used to see how well the body responds to a treatment for a disease or condition. The two biomarkers that this trial is studying are "tumor mutational burden" and "tumor inflammation signature." Another purpose of this trial is to help doctors learn if cabozantinib and nivolumab shrink or stabilize the cancer, and whether patients respond differently to the combination depending on the status of the biomarkers.

Participants needed: 150
Trial details
Phase: Phase 2Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI)Updated: Jun 26, 2026Locations: 223
Eligibility criteria

STEP 1 - SPECIMEN SUBMISSION [+73]

Status: Recruiting

Personalized Neoantigen Peptide-Based Vaccine in Combination With Pembrolizumab for Treatment of Advanced Solid Tumors

This phase I/II trial tests the safety and tolerability of an experimental personalized vaccine when given by itself and with pembrolizumab in treating patients with solid tumor cancers that have spread to other places in the body (advanced). The experimental vaccine is designed target certain proteins (neoantigens) on individuals' tumor cells. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Giving the personalized neoantigen peptide-based vaccine with pembrolizumab may be safe and effective in treating patients with advanced solid tumors.

Participants needed: 132
Trial details
Phase: Phase 1, Phase 2Age: 16+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Mayo ClinicUpdated: Jun 23, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Willing to provide tissue specimens per protocol [+82]

Pregnant person [+63]

Status: Recruiting

Morning Versus Afternoon Administration of Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors, The Knight SHIFT Study

This phase IV trial is evaluating whether morning versus afternoon administration of standard of care immunotherapy impacts its effectiveness in treating patients with solid tumors that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced) or that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic). Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies may help the body's immune system attack the cancer and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Circadian rhythm refers to the internal biological clock in which various processes in the body, including immune cell activity, are controlled by the time of day. Exactly how this works is not fully understood, and the researchers want to see if circadian rhythm control of the immune system can influence response to immunotherapy based on whether it is given in the morning (before 11:00 am) or afternoon (12:00pm). The time of day that immunotherapy is given (morning versus afternoon) may impact the effectiveness in treating patients with advanced or metastatic solid tumors.

Participants needed: 160
Trial details
Phase: Phase 4Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: OHSU Knight Cancer InstituteUpdated: Jun 12, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Must provide written informed consent before any study-specific procedures or in... [+9]

Prior ICI-based regimen for treatment of cancer [+3]

Status: Recruiting

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 after a period of improvement (recurrent) and/or that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic). Cetuximab is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It binds to a protein called EGFR, which is found on some types of tumor cells. This may help keep tumor cells from growing. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the tumor, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Giving cetuximab and pembrolizumab together may be more effective at treating patients with recurrent and/or metastatic HNSCC than pembrolizumab alone.

Participants needed: 158
Trial details
Phase: Phase 3Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI)Updated: Jun 11, 2026Locations: 177
Eligibility criteria

Histologically confirmed diagnosis head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC... [+34]

Status: Recruiting

PD-L1 t-haNK, NAI 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), NAI (a manufactured protein that stimulates the immune system), and cetuximab (a targeted antibody) in treating advanced head and neck cancer. The names of the therapies involved in this study are: * PD-L1 t-haNK cell therapy (a NK cell therapy infusion) * NAI (a type of recombinant human superagonist) * Cetuximab (a type of antibody)

Participants needed: 25
Trial details
Phase: Phase 2Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Glenn J. HannaUpdated: Jun 11, 2026Locations: 2
Eligibility criteria

Participants must have an existing histologically confirmed diagnosis of head an... [+15]

Have been previously treated with 3 or more lines of systemic therapy for R/M HN... [+8]

Status: Recruiting

Comparison of In-Home Versus In-Clinic Administration of Subcutaneous Nivolumab Through Cancer CARE (Connected Access and Remote Expertise) Beyond Walls (CCBW) Program

This phase II trial compares the impact of subcutaneous (SC) nivolumab given in an in-home setting to an in-clinic setting on cancer care and quality of life. Currently, most drug-related cancer care is conducted in clinic type centers or hospitals which may isolate patients from family, friends and familiar surroundings for many hours per day. This separation adds to the physical, emotional, social, and financial burden for patients and their families. Traveling to and from medical facilities costs time, money, and effort and can be a disadvantage to patients living in rural areas, those with low incomes or poor access to transport. Studies have shown that cancer patients often feel more comfortable and secure being cared for in their own home environments. SC nivolumab in-home treatment may be safe, tolerable and/or effective when compared to in-clinic treatment and may reduce the burden of cancer and improve the quality of life in cancer patients.

Participants needed: 50
Trial details
Phase: Phase 2Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Mayo ClinicUpdated: Jun 9, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Age ≥ 18 years [+34]

Patients receiving any other investigational or standard of care agent which wou... [+28]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Pharmacokinetic Study of Pembrolizumab and Its Impact on Immunity and the Tumor Microenvironment, Which May Explain the Efficacy of Post-immunotherapy Chemotherapy.

This is a single-center pharmacokinetic study evaluating the impact of residual pembrolizumab levels on the efficacy of salvage chemotherapy following immunotherapy in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) not amenable to curative local treatment.

Participants needed: 110
Trial details
Phase: Phase 4Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Centre Antoine LacassagneUpdated: Jun 8, 2026
Eligibility criteria

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including adenocarcinoma and squamous cell c... [+11]

History of cancer, except for cancers in complete remission for more than 3 year... [+7]

Status: Recruiting

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 ficerafusp alfa in combination with pembrolizumab versus placebo with pembrolizumab in 1L PD-L1-positive, recurrent or metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC).

Participants needed: 650
Trial details
Phase: Phase 2, Phase 3Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Bicara TherapeuticsUpdated: Jun 2, 2026Locations: 173
Eligibility criteria

Age ≥18 years on the day the Informed Consent Form is signed. [+7]

Disease suitable for local therapy administered with curative intent. [+17]

Status: Recruiting

Study Evaluating [18F]NOTA-ABY030 for Safety and Tolerability of Indeterminate Primary and/or Metastatic Disease in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This Phase I, single-institution, open-label study will evaluate the safety, tolerability, and diagnostic performance of \[18F\]NOTA-ABY030 PET/CT in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who present with indeterminate lesions on standard imaging. The investigational agent is a radiolabeled anti-EGFR affibody designed for rapid clearance and improved tumor-to-background contrast. All participants will receive a 50 mg cetuximab loading dose followed by a bolus of \[18F\]NOTA-ABY030, with PET/CT imaging performed at defined intervals to assess biodistribution and lesion uptake. The primary objective is to determine safety and tolerability; secondary objectives include radiation dosimetry and comparison of sensitivity and specificity to conventional imaging modalities (MRI, CT, and \[18F\]FDG-PET/CT). This approach aims to improve diagnostic accuracy, reduce unnecessary biopsies, and streamline treatment decisions for patients with HNSCC.

Participants needed: 25
Trial details
Phase: Phase 1Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer CenterUpdated: May 11, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Age ≥ 18 years. [+9]

Myocardial infarction (MI); cerebrovascular accident (CVA); uncontrolled congest... [+7]

Status: Recruiting

(89Zr Panitumumab) With PET/CT for Diagnosing Metastases in Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The goal of this phase I clinical trial is to evaluate the usefulness of an imaging test (zirconium Zr89 panitumumab \[89Zr panitumumab\]) with positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) for diagnosing the spread of disease from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastasis) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Traditional PET/CT has a low positive predictive value for diagnosing metastatic disease in head and neck cancer. 89Zr panitumumab is an investigational imaging agent that contains radiolabeled anti-EGFR antibody which is overexpressed in head and neck cancer. The main question this study aims to answer is the sensitivity and specificity of 89Zr panitumumab for the detection of indeterminate metastatic lesions in head and neck cancer. Participants will receive 89Zr panitumumab infusion and undergo 89Zr panitumumab PET/CT 1 to 5 days after infusion. Participants will otherwise receive standard of care evaluation and treatment for their indeterminate lesions. Researchers will compare the 89Zr panitumumab to standard of care imaging modalities (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), CT, and/or PET/CT).

Participants needed: 60
Trial details
Phase: Phase 1Age: 19+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Eben RosenthalUpdated: May 8, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Age >= 19 years [+7]

Myocardial infarction (MI); cerebrovascular accident (CVA); uncontrolled congest... [+7]

Status: Not yet recruiting

Low Dose, Reduced Frequency Nivolumab for the Treatment of Unresectable or Metastatic Cancer, AFFORD IO Trial

This phase II trial studies how well low dose, reduced frequency nivolumab works in treating patients with cancer that cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable) or that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic). Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as nivolumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Nivolumab is a type of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI). ICIs have revolutionized the treatment of numerous cancers with remarkable improvement in participant outcomes. However, accessibility of ICIs is extremely poor on a global scale, mainly due to high costs. Previous research has suggested that these drugs can be given at lower doses and reduced frequency than their approved dosing regimens, with similar results. Giving nivolumab at a lower dose and less often may help reduce the cost of therapy, improve immunotherapy accessibility, and therefore improve survival outcomes globally.

Participants needed: 50
Trial details
Phase: Phase 2Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Fred Hutchinson Cancer CenterUpdated: May 8, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Participants are eligible if they have one of these histologically confirmed, un... [+23]

Prior exposure to any immune-checkpoint inhibitor for any reason [+17]

Status: Recruiting

Remote Audiometry to Monitor for Treatment-Related Hearing Loss in Patients With H&N SCC Receiving Cisplatin and/or Radiation

This clinical trial tests the impact of offering hearing tests (audiometry) close to home and remotely on participation in monitoring for treatment-related hearing loss in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer receiving cisplatin and/or radiation. Cisplatin, a chemotherapy often used to treat head and neck cancers, and radiation given near the ear can cause hearing loss in some patients. Hearing loss can have a major negative impact on quality of life, contributing to social isolation and frustration. Identifying hearing changes may allow treatment changes to prevent further loss. Audiometry measures hearing loss using a graphic record of the softest sounds that a person can hear at various frequencies. It is recommended patients have a hearing test before, during and after treatment to monitor for any hearing loss. This is usually done in the office and performed on the same day as other visits whenever possible, however, patients who live far away or have stage IV cancer, may have more difficulty coming back for hearing tests. Offering close to home and remote audiometry may improve monitoring for hearing loss in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer receiving cisplatin and/or radiation.

Participants needed: 118
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Emory UniversityUpdated: Apr 23, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Adult patients, male or female, aged ≥ 18, able to provide informed consent [+3]

Patients with profound hearing loss in both ears, which precludes an accurate he... [+1]

Status: Recruiting

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 Neck Cancer. The primary hypothesis is that ficlatuzumab combined with cetuximab is superior to cetuximab alone in terms of progression-free survival and/or overall survival.

Participants needed: 410
Trial details
Phase: Phase 3Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: AVEO Pharmaceuticals, Inc.Updated: Apr 9, 2026Locations: 112
Eligibility criteria

Male or female and ≥ 18 years of age [+11]

Participants who have received > 2 prior lines of anticancer therapy or prior tr... [+13]

Status: Recruiting

Alpha Radiation Emitters Device (DaRT) in Combination With Check Point Inhibitor for the Treatment of Recurrent Unresectable or mHNSCC

A unique combinational treatment for cancer employing intratumoral diffusing alpha radiation emitter device with check point inhibitor for recurrent unresectable or metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Participants needed: 48
Trial details
Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Alpha Tau Medical LTD.Updated: Apr 6, 2026Locations: 3
Eligibility criteria

Pathologically confirmed, metastatic, or recurrent unresectable squamous cell ca... [+15]

Previous treatment for metastatic disease (for recurrent unresectable disease, p... [+16]

Status: Recruiting

Cetuximab After Immunotherapy for the Treatment of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer

This is a Phase II treatment, non-randomized, open label clinical trial to study the efficacy of the Cetuximab when administered as single agent in recurrent/ metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma after the failure or intolerance of immuno-oncology or immuno-oncology combined with chemotherapy.

Participants needed: 38
Trial details
Phase: Phase 2Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Wake Forest University Health SciencesUpdated: Mar 18, 2026Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Patients must have histologically or cytologically confirmed head and neck squam... [+6]

Prior treatment with Cetuximab or prior therapy that specifically and directly t... [+12]

Status: Recruiting

Losartan, Pembrolizumab and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Patients With Locally Recurrent, Refractory or Oligometastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This phase Ib trial tests the safety, side effects and how well losartan, pembrolizumab and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for the treatment of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has come back to nearby tissue or lymph node after a period of improvement (locally recurrent), that has not responded to previous treatment (refractory) or that has spread from where it first started to multiple other placed in the body (oligometastatic). Losartan is a drug used to treat high blood pressure that may enhance the effects of other cancer treatments such as immunotherapy and radiation. Immunotherapy with pembrolizumab may induce changes in body's immune system and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. SBRT is a type of external radiation therapy that uses special equipment to position a patient and precisely deliver radiation to tumors in the body (except the brain). The total dose of radiation is divided into smaller doses given over several days. This type of radiation therapy helps spare normal tissue. Giving losartan, pembrolizumab and SBRT may work better in treating patients with locally recurrent, refractory or oligometastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Participants needed: 24
Trial details
Phase: Phase 1Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: University of California, DavisUpdated: Mar 12, 2026Locations: 2
Eligibility criteria

Histologically or cytologically confirmed locoregionally recurrent, refractory,... [+18]

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma, salivary gland carcinoma or primary skin squamous cell... [+21]

Status: Recruiting

TMV Vaccine Therapy Alone and With Pembrolizumab for the Treatment of Recurrent and/or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer

This phase Ib trial tests the safety, side effects and best dose of tumor membrane vesicle (TMV) vaccine therapy alone and in combination with pembrolizumab and evaluates how well it works in treating patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer that has come back after a period of improvement (recurrent) or that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic). Vaccines made from a person's tumor cells, such as TMV vaccines, may help the body build an effective immune response to kill tumor cells. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Giving TMV vaccine therapy alone or with pembrolizumab may be safe, tolerable and/or effective in treating patients with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer.

Participants needed: 40
Trial details
Phase: Phase 1Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Emory UniversityUpdated: Mar 4, 2026Locations: 2
Eligibility criteria

Must be at least ≥ 18 years of age [+22]

Salivary tumors and non-squamous cell histology in head and neck cancer [+14]

Status: Recruiting

Lovastatin and Pembrolizumab for the Treatment of Patients With Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer, LAPP Trial

This phase II trial tests how well lovastatin and pembrolizumab work in treating patients with head and neck cancer that has come back after a period of improvement (recurrent) or that has spread from where it first started (primary site) to other places in the body (metastatic). Lovastatin is a drug used to lower the amount of cholesterol in the blood and may also cause tumor cell death. In addition, studies have shown that lovastatin may make the tumor cells more sensitive to immunotherapy. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as pembrolizumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Giving lovastatin and pembrolizumab may kill more tumor cells in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer.

Participants needed: 28
Trial details
Phase: Phase 2Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: Emory UniversityUpdated: Feb 11, 2026Locations: 2
Eligibility criteria

Adult patients, male or female, aged ≥ 18, able to provide informed consent [+16]

Patients already taking a statin drug [+8]

Status: Recruiting

A Study of Evofosfamide in Combination with Zalifrelimab and Balstilimab

The purpose of this Phase 1/2 study is to test the overall safety, tolerability, and effectiveness of the combination investigational drugs evofosfamide, zalifrelimab, and balstilimab in treating advanced or metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, and human papilloma virus (HPV)-negative squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN).

Participants needed: 71
Trial details
Phase: Phase 1, Phase 2Age: 18+Biological sex: AllType: InterventionalSponsor: ImmunoGenesisUpdated: Jan 21, 2025Locations: 1
Eligibility criteria

Histologically confirmed locally advanced or metastatic castration-resistant pro... [+15]

A history of currently active/uncontrolled autoimmune diseases or disorders, inc... [+19]