Immune-boosting drug plus chemotherapy before and after surgery for recurrent head and neck cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT05726370 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a medication called combined with standard chemotherapy drugs given before surgery, followed by more after surgery. The medication works by helping your immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. This approach is being studied for people with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has returned after previous treatment or appeared in an area that was previously treated with radiation.

While the medication is approved for advanced head and neck cancer that cannot be surgically removed, it has not yet been tested in this specific setting—given before and after surgery for cancer that can still be surgically removed. This trial aims to see whether using this medication at this stage of treatment can improve outcomes for patients with recurrent disease.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has returned after previous treatment, or a new cancer in an area previously treated with radiation
your cancer can be surgically removed with curative intent
at least 6 months have passed since you finished your last cancer treatment (surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy)
you are at least 18 years old and in generally good health (able to carry out daily activities with minimal limitations)
your blood counts, liver function, and kidney function are adequate as measured by blood tests

You likely don't qualify if…

you have a serious heart condition or have previously received heart-damaging chemotherapy without clearance from a cardiologist
you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or unwilling to use reliable birth control during the study
you have severe organ damage (very low kidney, liver, or bone marrow function)
you are unable or unwilling to undergo a tumor biopsy before treatment begins

What participation looks like

You will receive two cycles of the medication plus chemotherapy drugs (given every 3 weeks), with imaging scans and biopsies to monitor how your tumor responds. About 3 to 6 weeks after your last chemotherapy cycle, you will have surgery to remove the cancer. After recovery from surgery, you will receive up to 15 additional cycles of the medication alone (one injection every 3 weeks). Throughout the study, you will have regular doctor visits, blood tests, and imaging scans to monitor your health and how well the treatment is working. The entire study participation may last up to 5 years.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 1, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

United States

Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts