Clinical Research Directory

Molecular and Genomic Profiling of Head and Neck Tumors

The purpose of this study is to study the genetic profile of head and neck tumors and their relationship to treatment response and outcome

A Study of Disitamab Vedotin in Previously Treated Solid Tumors That Express HER2

This clinical trial is studying advanced or metastatic solid tumors. Once a solid tumor has grown very large in one spot or has spread to other places in the body, it is called advanced or metastatic cancer. Participants in this study must have head and neck cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, endometrial cancer, or ovarian cancer. In the first part of the study, participants must have tumors that have a marker called HER2. This clinical trial uses an experimental drug called disitamab vedotin (DV). DV is a type of antibody-drug conjugate or ADC. ADCs are designed to stick to cancer cells and kill them. In this study, all participants will get DV once every 2 weeks. This study is being done to see if DV works to treat different types of solid tumors that express HER2. It will also test how safe the drug is for participants. This trial will also study what side effects happen when participants get the drug. A side effect is anything a drug does to your body besides treating the disease.

Biospecimen Procurement for Head and Neck Disorders

Background: Researchers want to learn more about head and neck disorders. Understanding these disorders could help them find better treatments. To do this, they are collecting tissue samples for research. Objective: To create a repository of tissue samples and data to better study conditions of the head and neck. Eligibility: People who had or will have tissue samples taken because of a head or neck disorder. They must be ages 3 and older and not pregnant to join Part 2. Design: Participants will be screened with a questionnaire, medical history, and physical exam. Part 1. Participants will give permission for any of their tissue samples leftover from private care or other research protocols to be used. If participants tissue did not contain normal tissue or if they have a condition that suggests a genetic issue, they will be invited to join Part 2. Part 2: Participants will have additional samples collected. These could be: * Blood: Blood is drawn through a needle in the arm. * Cheek swab or brushing: A cotton swab or small brush is rubbed inside the cheek. * Saliva: They rinse their mouth with water and spit into a tube or cup. * Skin biopsy: They are injected with a numbing drug. A biopsy tool removes a small piece of skin. * Mucosal biopsy: They are injected in the mouth with a numbing medication. A small piece of tissue from the inside of the cheek is removed. Participants samples will be used for future research, including genetic testing.

Ozone Therapy With Biomimetic Oral Care for Cancer-Related Oral Mucositis

Oral mucositis is a frequent and often debilitating complication of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, particularly in patients treated for head and neck cancers. It is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the oral mucosa, leading to pain, difficulty swallowing, taste disturbances, dry mouth, and impairment of daily activities. In more severe cases, oral mucositis may require modification or temporary interruption of cancer treatment. This randomized controlled clinical trial is designed to assess the clinical effectiveness of gas ozone therapy in patients with radio- and chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. In addition, the study will evaluate whether combining ozone therapy with a structured biomimetic oral care regimen, including toothpaste and mouthwash, provides additional clinical benefit compared with ozone therapy alone. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to one of two parallel groups. The control group will receive gas ozone therapy administered in an outpatient setting according to a standardized protocol. The experimental group will receive the same ozone therapy combined with a defined home oral care regimen. Each participant will be followed for 30 days. The primary outcome is the change in oral mucositis severity, assessed using the World Health Organization Oral Toxicity Scale. Secondary outcomes include oral pain intensity, salivary flow rates, perceived dry mouth, taste alterations, swallowing function, oral pH, overall oral health-related quality of life, and treatment tolerability. The findings of this study are expected to clarify the role of ozone-based supportive care strategies in the management of cancer therapy-related oral mucositis and to contribute to the development of standardized non-pharmacological treatment protocols.

Factors Sustaining Tobacco Abstinence in Cancer Patients Treated With Radio-chemotherapy or Radiotherapy

The TABAC STOP ORL POUMON study aims to evaluate the factors influencing long-term smoking cessation in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) or lung cancer undergoing radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. This is a single-center observational study, following patients at 1, 6, and 12 months after treatment completion. The primary objective is to determine the proportion of abstinent patients at 6 months, while secondary objectives analyze factors influencing abstinence, smoking trajectories, and reasons for relapse. A total of 100 patients will be included to ensure robust statistical analysis.

Basket Study of Entrectinib (RXDX-101) for the Treatment of Patients With Solid Tumors Harboring NTRK 1/2/3 (Trk A/B/C), ROS1, or ALK Gene Rearrangements (Fusions)

This is an open-label, multicenter, global Phase 2 basket study of entrectinib (RXDX-101) for the treatment of patients with solid tumors that harbor an NTRK1/2/3, ROS1, or ALK gene fusion. Patients will be assigned to different baskets according to tumor type and gene fusion.

The MOMENTUM Study: The Multiple Outcome Evaluation of Radiation Therapy Using the MR-Linac Study

The Multi-OutcoMe EvaluatioN of radiation Therapy Using the Unity MR-Linac Study (MOMENTUM) is a multi-institutional, international registry facilitating evidenced based implementation of the Unity MR-Linac technology and further technical development of the MR-Linac system with the ultimate purpose to improve patients' survival, local, and regional tumor control and quality of life.

A Study of Decreasing Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy in People With Head and Neck Cancer

The purpose of this study is to test the treatment approach of de-escalated radiation and chemotherapy followed by a planned neck dissection surgery in people with head and neck cancer. The study will look at how effective the treatment approach is against participants' cancer.

First in Human Study of AZD9592 in Solid Tumors

This is a first-in-human (FIH) Phase I, multi-center, open-label, study of AZD9592, in patients with advanced solid tumors. The study consists of several study modules, each evaluating the safety, tolerability, preliminary efficacy, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics, anti-tumor activity, and immunogenicity of AZD9592, as monotherapy or in combination with anti-cancer agents.

A Phase 1/2 Study of KSQ-001EX, Autologous Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes Engineered to Inactivate the SOCS1 Gene, in Patients With Select Advanced Solid Tumors

To learn if KSQ-001EX is safe to give to participants with advanced forms of solid tumors.

Heavy Strength Training in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

Despite improvements in treatments, head and neck cancer survivors (HNCS) still endure acute and chronic side effects such as loss of muscular strength, limitations in physical functioning, fatigue, and swallowing difficulties that impact quality of life (QoL) and limit return to work. Light-to-moderate intensity strength training (LMST) has been shown to improve some side effects. Heavy lifting strength training (HLST) may further improve outcomes in some populations, however, only one small pilot study has focused on HNCS. The LIFTING 2 trial will be the first to examine the feasibility and effects of a HLST program versus no exercise in HNCS.

Access to Care Pilot for ED-Presenting Head and Neck Cancer Patients (ENRICH-HNC)

Patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer (HNC) after presenting to an emergency department (ED) often face significant delays in diagnosis and treatment. These patients are frequently younger, underinsured, and experience multiple socioeconomic and systems-level barriers to accessing timely cancer care. Delays of more than 30 days have been associated with worse outcomes, including higher recurrence rates and reduced survival. This pilot study will evaluate the feasibility and early impact of a community-based navigation program designed to improve access to timely care for ED-presenting HNC patients. The study embeds trained Community Health Support Specialists (CHSS) from the Engaging Navigators to Reduce Inequities in Cancer Health (ENRICH) program into the ED-to-treatment pathway. After ED discharge, CHSS staff will contact participants by telephone or text message to identify barriers to care-such as transportation, insurance, housing, or communication challenges-and connect them with appropriate community or institutional resources. All participants will receive the CHSS navigation intervention. Outcomes will be compared with a historical cohort of similar ED-presenting HNC patients treated prior to program implementation. The primary outcomes are time from ED discharge to diagnostic biopsy and time from ED discharge to initiation of definitive treatment. Secondary outcomes include feasibility, measured as the proportion of participants who complete CHSS navigation, and exploratory analyses of the types of barriers identified and resolved. Findings from this pilot will generate preliminary data to inform larger studies aimed at improving access, reducing disparities, and accelerating treatment for head and neck cancer patients who first present in the emergency setting.

Intratumoral N17350 in Advanced Solid Tumors

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if N17350 works to treat advanced solid tumors in adults. It will also learn about the safety of N17350 and help determine the best dose to use in future studies. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Does N17350 cause tumors to shrink or stop growing in some participants with advanced solid tumors? 2. Are there any side effects for participants when taking N17350? 3. What is the safest dose of N17350 and the dose that should be used for further study? 4. Researchers will give N17350 directly into tumor lesions using a needle (intratumoral injection). This is an open-label study, meaning all participants will receive N17350 and there is no placebo. Participants will: 1. Receive injections of N17350 into tumor lesions every second week for 8 or 12 weeks 2. Visit the clinic regularly for checkups, blood tests, and monitoring for side effects 3. Have imaging scans (such as CT or MRI) to measure tumors and assess response 4. Provide blood samples and, when required, tumor samples to help researchers understand how N17350 affects the tumor and the immune system

Safety and Tolerability of the Use of Copaiba in Patients With Oral Cancer Submitted to Radiotherapy

This study aims to propose an alternative and auxiliary methodology for the prevention and treatment of Oral Mucositis (OM) in patients undergoing radiotherapy or radio and chemotherapy for head and neck neoplasms through the use of copaiba-based mouthwash, since the treatment that currently has proven efficacy for the prevention of OM(Low Power Laser Therapy) cannot be applied in tumor regions due to the risk of stimulating the tissue proliferation of malignant cells.

Photobiomodulation Therapy Plus M-health in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: LAXER Study

The Photobiomodulation therapy could have positive effects on quality of life and oral health in head and neck cancer survivors post-radiotherapy. The improvement in quality of life will be maintained after a follow-up period.

Quality of Life After Primary TORS vs IMRT for Patients With Early-stage Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is now the most frequently diagnosed head and neck cancer in Denmark which is mainly due to the increase of Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Patients with HPV-positive OPSCC have a significantly higher survival rate compared to HPV-negative OPSCC. The traditional primary treatment modality in Denmark is Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), and in advanced stages in combination with chemotherapy. Since 2009, Transoral Robotic Surgery (TORS) has enabled surgeons to perform minimally invasive surgery as an alternative to standard radiotherapy treatment which is considered the primary treatment for OPSCC in many countries. There is a lack of randomised trials comparing long-term functional outcomes after TORS or IMRT. Current data are mostly derived from retrospective studies with selection bias. However, several small retrospective studies have shown promising results when comparing the two treatment modalities in favour of TORS with regards to treatment related swallowing function and quality of life (QoL) without compromising survival outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the early and long-term functional outcomes following two treatment arms 1) TORS combined with neck dissection and 2) IMRT±concurrent chemotherapy with a special focus on swallowing-related QoL.

Head and Neck Cancer Study Project in the Geriatric Population

This is a study conducted in patients with a diagnosis of stage IB-IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Patients will have a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) as part of standard assessments. The patients classified as frail, with a CGA score of 3-5, will then be treated with a novel reduced intensity regimen. The regimen will be tailored based on the programmed cell death ligand 1 combined positive score (PD-L1 CPS) and will involve 4 cycles of systemic chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy followed by radiation treatment.

Dose Finding Study of Zanzalintinib With Pembrolizumab and Cetuximab in Head and Neck SCC

This Phase I clinical trial evaluates the safety, tolerability, and optimal dosing of Zanzalintinib in combination with Pembrolizumab and Cetuximab in patients with recurrent and/or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (R/M HNSCC). The study aims to establish the maximally tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended Phase II dose (RP2D) while also exploring efficacy outcomes, including progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

NIDCD Otolaryngology Clinical Protocol Biospecimen Bank

Background: Many disorders of the head and neck can affect a person s hearing; balance; smell; taste; swallowing; voice; or speech. These disorders include cancers and genetic and inflammatory diseases. To find better ways to diagnose and treat these disorders, researchers need to study tissues and other biological samples from people who have them. Objective: To collect biological samples for a repository that will be used for research. Eligibility: People of any age with a disorder of the head and neck that requires the taking of biological samples. The conditions may be any that affect hearing; balance; smell; taste; swallowing; voice; or speech. Design: Part 1: Participants will give permission for their leftover tissue samples to be used for research. These are tissue samples from the head and neck that were collected in the course of routine tests and care or other research studies. Information on each participant s age, diagnosis, and previous treatments will also be collected. Part 2: Some participants may be asked for more samples. All those aged 3 years or older will have a physical exam. They will provide blood and saliva samples. A cotton swab or brush will be used to collect cells from the inside of the cheek. Participants 18 years or older may have additional tests. They may provide nasal secretions: A piece of gelfoam or a sponge will be placed in the nose to soak up secretions for 5 to 10 minutes. They may have biopsies: Small samples of tissue will be cut from the skin and the tissue lining the mouth. Samples may be used for genetic testing.

DPYD Pharmacogenomics and Fluoropyrimidine (FP) Dose-Adjustment

To prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of DPYD-guided dosing strategies in a real-world clinical setting, specifically by comparing the incidence of severe (Grade 3 and 4) fluoropyrimidine-related toxicities of heterozygous DPYD variant patients assigned to DPYD-guided reduced dosing versus patients with standard dosing in the control arm.

Decitabine and Nivolumab in Participants With Recurrent/Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

This research study is for people who have recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) that has been confirmed by tissue or cell analysis and is considered incurable with local treatments. People who are eligible to receive anti-PD-L1 therapy as a first line treatment and whose primary tumor is located in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx, may be eligible to participate. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the immunogenicity of decitabine in combination with nivolumab, and to evaluate the safety and tolerability of decitabine in combination with nivolumab and to determine the maximum tolerated dose. Decitabine is a drug that is currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Decitabine is considered an investigational (experimental) drug in this study because it is not approved by the FDA for the treatment of HNSCC. Decitabine is a chemotherapy drug that works by targeting DNA methylation, a process that can restore normal function to genes that are involved in cell growth and differentiation. This can help reduce the growth of cancer cells. Nivolumab is a drug that is approved by the FDA for the treatment of HNSCC, as well as other types of cancer. Nivolumab is an immunotherapy drug that works by helping the body's immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

Study of Pembrolizumab Given Prior to Surgery and in Combination With Radiotherapy Given Post-surgery for Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (MK-3475-689)

This is a randomized, active-controlled, open-label study of pembrolizumab given prior to surgery and pembrolizumab in combination with standard of care radiotherapy (with or without cisplatin), as post-surgical therapy in treatment naïve participants with newly diagnosed Stage III/IVA, resectable, locoregionally advanced, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (LA-HNSCC). Efficacy outcomes will be stratified by programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) status. The primary hypothesis is that pembrolizumab given before surgery and after surgery in combination with radiotherapy (with or without cisplatin) improves event-free survival compared to radiotherapy (with or without cisplatin) given after surgery alone.

Study of Safety and Tolerability of BCA101 Monotherapy and in Combination Therapy in Patients With EGFR-driven Advanced Solid Tumors

The investigational drug to be studied in this protocol, BCA101, is a first-in-class compound that targets both EGFR with TGFβ. Based on preclinical data, this bifunctional antibody may exert synergistic activity in patients with EGFR-driven tumors.

The EMINENCE Study - PET/MR Imaging of Head Neck Cancer

Head and neck cancers (HNC) often receive radiotherapy as part of their treatment. However, unacceptable failure rates and severe side effects remain a challenge. The improvements in radiotherapy are closely related to improvements in medical imaging. Functional imaging, where intratumoural characteristics such as tumour oxygenation, metabolism, and blood vessel function can be quantified, offers possibilities to personalize the radiotherapy. In this study we will establish the clinical workflow for PET- and MRI-based radiotherapy in HNC by acquiring images prior to and during radiotherapy to develop new concepts for image-based biologically adaptive radiotherapy, both based on photon-based radiotherapy and also proton therapy, which soon will be available for cancer patients in Norway. The investigators aim to contribute towards further developments of personalised high-precision radiotherapy for HNC patients resulting in improved outcome, reduced side-effects and better quality of life.