Adding a new antibody drug to radiation for advanced head and neck cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT07333274 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated January 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 3 — Testing in thousands of people, comparing the treatment against what doctors currently use. This is the last big step before approval.

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether adding , an experimental antibody medication, to radiation therapy works better than radiation alone for people with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who cannot tolerate standard chemotherapy. About 335 patients will be enrolled across roughly 70 sites worldwide. Half will receive radiation plus the medication, and half will receive radiation alone.

Many patients with advanced head and neck cancer cannot receive standard chemotherapy because of age, kidney problems, hearing issues, or other health conditions. This trial is exploring whether this medication can improve outcomes for these patients who have fewer treatment options.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 18 years old
you have been diagnosed with stage III or IVB head and neck squamous cell cancer (in the mouth, throat, or voice box) that cannot be surgically removed
you are unable to receive standard platinum-based chemotherapy for reasons like age over 65, kidney dysfunction, hearing loss, nerve damage, or heart problems
you have adequate blood counts, kidney function, and liver function as confirmed by blood tests
you have a good enough physical condition to tolerate radiation therapy (ECOG performance status 0–1)
you are expected to live at least 6 months

You likely don't qualify if…

you have received a PD-1 inhibitor, EGFR antibody, or similar cancer drug within the past 4 weeks
you have a history of other cancers (except treated skin cancer)
you have an active infection such as HIV, hepatitis, or tuberculosis
you have uncontrolled serious health conditions like heart failure, severe lung disease, or severe liver disease
you are allergic to nimotuzumab or its ingredients

What participation looks like

You will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one receiving radiation therapy plus infusions, and the other receiving radiation therapy alone. Radiation treatment typically occurs daily over several weeks. If assigned to the medication group, you will receive the antibody drug by intravenous infusion on a set schedule during your radiation course. You will have regular clinic visits, blood tests, and imaging scans to monitor how well the treatment is working and to check for side effects.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 21, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

China

Shandong First Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Shandong, Province