Head and Neck Cancers
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Jul 20 – Jul 27, 2026
Safety and efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation in solid cancers resistant to immune checkpoint inhibitors: results of the MITRIC trial.
J IMMUNOTHER CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #12/183TOP-TIER
This single-arm phase IIa basket trial (MITRIC; NCT05286294) tested the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) responders to patients with advanced cancers refractory to ICIs. Patients received up to five FMT administrations in combination with ICIs, with FMT-related adverse events and objective response as co-primary endpoints. Among 12 participants with various solid tumors, no objective responses were observed, five achieved stable disease, and median progression-free survival and overall survival were 1.5 and 10.1 months, respectively. Although FMT plus ICIs proved safe and feasible, clinical activity was limited, highlighting the need for further studies.
10.1136/jitc-2026-015122
Jul 13 – Jul 20, 2026
OPTIM: a randomized phase II trial of nivolumab followed by nivolumab-ipilimumab or docetaxel at progression in recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (OPTIM; AIO-KHT-0117).
BRIT J CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #47/326
This randomized phase II trial investigated staggered immune checkpoint inhibition versus docetaxel in nivolumab-refractory recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Adults received nivolumab and were randomized at progression to nivolumab-ipilimumab (NIVO-IPI) or docetaxel (DOCE). Among 31 patients, ORR was 0% (NIVO-IPI) versus 17.6% (DOCE), with median PFS of 1.97 vs 3.66 months (P=0.036) and median OS of 3.97 vs 11.9 months (P=0.356). NIVO-IPI did not improve efficacy over docetaxel, showing numerically inferior survival, while docetaxel had greater grade ≥3 toxicity (68.8% vs 38.5%).
10.1038/s41416-026-03558-z
A Phase 1 Trial of Dose-Escalated Hypofractionated Adaptive Radiation Therapy With Atezolizumab for Advanced Head and Neck Cancers.
INT J RADIAT ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #14/212
This single-center, prospective phase 1 clinical trial evaluated the safety and maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of dose-escalated hypofractionated adaptive radiation therapy (50, 55, or 60 Gy in 15 fractions) combined with atezolizumab in patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Eighteen patients received either concurrent or adjuvant atezolizumab, with study amendments after toxicity observed in the initial cohort. After the amendment, no dose-limiting toxicities were reported, establishing 60 Gy with adjuvant atezolizumab as the MTD, and among 7 patients at the highest dose, 1-year progression-free survival was 71.4%. The study concluded that radiation dose escalation to 60 Gy is safe with adjuvant atezolizumab, whereas concurrent delivery resulted in excess herpes virus toxicity.
10.1016/j.ijrobp.2026.06.3053
Effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride in preventing radiation-induced caries: A pilot study.
J AM DENT ASSOC · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #24/162
This randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial evaluated the effectiveness of professionally applied 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in preventing radiation-induced dental caries in 56 head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Participants were assigned to receive SDF or placebo before and after radiotherapy, with caries increment, salivary flow, gingival index, and oral health-related quality of life assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months. At 3 and 6 months, median caries increments were significantly lower in the SDF group (3 months: 1.0 vs 2.0, P=.027; 6 months: 2.0 vs 3.0, P=.030), and 47.1% of SDF participants developed no new lesions compared to 5.9% on placebo (P=.017). The study concluded that topical SDF reduces caries progression in this population, serving as a practical preventive intervention.
10.1016/j.adaj.2026.05.008
Larotrectinib in TRK fusion differentiated thyroid carcinoma: updated trial data.
ENDOCR-RELAT CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #43/191
This pooled analysis from three phase 1-2 larotrectinib clinical trials prospectively evaluated 24 patients with TRK fusion differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) using an independent review committee. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1, with secondary endpoints including duration of response (DoR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and safety. ORR was 79% (95% CI 58-93), with 13% complete responses, median DoR 35 months (95% CI 22-NE), median PFS 44 months (95% CI 35-NE), and 6-year OS rate 71% (95% CI 50-91); treatment-related adverse events were mainly Grade 1/2 with no discontinuations. The authors conclude larotrectinib continues to demonstrate durable disease control, extended survival, and a favorable long-term safety profile in advanced TRK fusion DTC.
10.1530/ERC-25-0531
Efficacy and safety of dabrafenib plus trametinib in adults with differentiated thyroid cancer: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.
LANCET ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #8/326TOP-TIER
This phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated dabrafenib plus trametinib in 153 patients with radioactive iodine-refractory BRAF-positive differentiated thyroid cancer. Patients were randomized 2:1 to receive the combination or placebo, with progression-free survival as the primary endpoint. Dabrafenib plus trametinib significantly improved median progression-free survival (12.8 vs. 3.7 months; HR 0.38, p<0.0001) and overall response rate (57% vs. 4%; p<0.0001), though interim overall survival was not significant. The authors conclude the combination is effective as second-line therapy with no new safety signals.
10.1016/S1470-2045(26)00133-6
Jul 06 – Jul 13, 2026
Randomized, multicenter phase 3 study evaluating radiotherapy versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients achieving CR/PR after induction chemotherapy.
BMC MED · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #19/332
This multicenter, randomized, open-label, phase 3 noninferiority trial at 7 Chinese hospitals compared radiotherapy (RT) versus concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in 220 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients who achieved complete or partial response after induction chemotherapy. Patients were allocated 1:1 to IC+RT (n=109) or IC+CCRT (n=111), with progression-free survival as the primary endpoint. Five-year PFS was 87.0% vs. 80.7% (P=0.21), with no significant differences in secondary survival endpoints; the IC+RT group had significantly lower grade 3-4 hematologic and gastrointestinal toxicities. The trial was terminated early due to slow accrual, and the authors conclude that IC+RT has a favorable safety profile but definitive noninferiority cannot be claimed.
10.1186/s12916-026-05064-8
Quality of life and cost-effectiveness of preoperative accelerated versus postoperative conventional radiotherapy for oral cavity cancer: Results from the randomised ARTSCAN 2 trial.
RADIOTHER ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #22/212
This randomized controlled trial compared preoperative accelerated fractionation radiotherapy with postoperative conventional radiotherapy for oral cavity cancer in 240 patients. The methodology involved HRQoL assessment using validated questionnaires at five timepoints over five years, alongside direct and indirect cost analyses for cost-utility evaluation (based on QALYs) in 204 patients. Results showed preoperative AF RT resulted in significantly worse HRQoL scores on certain head-and-neck domains up to two years post-treatment, and was less effective and more expensive than postoperative CF RT. The authors conclude postoperative CF RT remains the preferred standard due to superior HRQoL and cost-effectiveness.
10.1016/j.radonc.2026.111688
Jun 22 – Jun 29, 2026
Long-Term Follow-Up of JCOG1008, a Randomized Phase II/III Trial of Chemoradiotherapy Comparing 3-Weekly Cisplatin With Weekly Cisplatin in Postoperative Head and Neck Cancer.
J CLIN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #6/326TOP-TIER
JCOG1008 is a randomized phase II/III postoperative trial in high-risk locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck comparing concurrent chemoradiotherapy with cisplatin 100 mg/m^2 every 3 weeks for three cycles versus 40 mg/m^2 weekly for seven cycles. A total of 261 patients were randomized and followed for a median of 5.6 years. Five-year overall survival was 58.7% in the 3-weekly arm and 71.2% in the weekly arm (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.52–1.12), with both 5-year relapse-free survival and local relapse-free survival numerically favoring weekly dosing; no late adverse event differed by more than 10% between arms. The long-term analysis confirms noninferiority of weekly cisplatin plus radiotherapy and supports it as a reasonable alternative to the 3-weekly regimen in this setting.
10.1200/JCO-25-01708
Randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial of an intraoral photobiomodulation device for oral mucositis and associated complications due to radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.
SUPPORT CARE CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #17/173
This randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial assessed the safety and efficacy of an LED-based photobiomodulation (PBM) device in reducing oral mucositis (OM) severity among 85 head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing high-dose intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), with or without concurrent chemotherapy. Participants received daily 10-minute PBM or sham treatments before IMRT over 6-8 weeks, followed by post-treatment assessments. The PBM group showed a significantly lower incidence of severe OM (36.8% vs. 57.1%, p=0.046) and associated complications, including better taste preservation (p=0.034) and fewer feeding tube placements (p=0.073), with no device-related adverse events. This study concludes that PBM is a safe, effective intervention for reducing treatment-related toxicities in HNC patients undergoing IMRT, supporting guideline recommendations for PBM use.
10.1007/s00520-026-10904-7
A Phase 2 Feasibility Study Combining Pembrolizumab and Metformin in patients with Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer.
CLIN CANCER RES · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #29/326TOP-TIER
This Phase 2 feasibility trial tested the combination of metformin (up to 2000 mg/day) and pembrolizumab (200 mg q3w) for patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC) to evaluate overall response rate and assess NK cell activity. Patients were randomized 1:1 into two arms differing in the sequence of therapy. Of the 18 evaluable patients, four achieved complete responses and five achieved partial responses for an overall response rate of 50% (95%CI [29,71]). The combination was well tolerated, had no unexpected severe toxicities, and showed promising activity meriting further investigation in a larger trial.
10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-26-0874
Tumoral and Systemic Immune Correlates of Response to Concurrent Pembrolizumab and Chemoradiotherapy in Patients with Resected High-Risk Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.
CLIN CANCER RES · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #29/326TOP-TIER
This phase I prospective clinical trial (NRG-HN003) evaluated concurrent pembrolizumab plus adjuvant cisplatin-radiotherapy in 34 patients with resected, high-risk, HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Tumour PD-L1 combined positive score (CPS) and stromal PD-L1+ cell density, TP53 mutation status, 29 soluble serum biomarkers (Luminex), and peripheral immune-cell subsets (spectral flow cytometry) were analysed at baseline and post-treatment and correlated with disease-free survival (DFS). Patients with PD-L1 CPS ≥ 20 showed numerically worse DFS, whereas higher densities of PD-L1-positive stromal cells, elevated baseline GM-CSF, IL-2, nectin-2, and greater frequencies of CD8+ granzyme K+ T cells, post-treatment CD8+ CD39+ and regulatory CD4+ cells, and expanded effector/central memory T cells predicted improved DFS; high baseline serum arginase-1 correlated with poorer outcomes. The authors conclude that specific tumoural and systemic immune parameters may identify patients deriving greater benefit from pembrolizumab-chemoradiotherapy, warranting confirmation in larger trials.
10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-25-4796
What is the Impact of Treatment De-Escalation on Patient Reported Outcomes in Patients with T1-T2 Oropharyngeal Cancers? A Secondary Analysis of the ORATOR Studies.
INT J RADIAT ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #14/212
This secondary analysis of the ORATOR studies evaluated the impact of radiation dose de-escalation (70 Gy vs. 60 Gy) on patient-reported outcomes (PROs) and toxicity in 59 p16-positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) patients treated with primary radiotherapy. The study compared PROs (MDADI, EORTC QLQ-C30/H&N35), toxicity, and survival outcomes between the two dose groups. At 1-year follow-up, the 60 Gy cohort showed significantly better MDADI total scores (+1.9 ± 12.2 vs. -5.8 ± 11.3, p=0.035) and functional scores (+5.5 ± 12.7 vs. -3.3 ± 12.2, p=0.023), along with improved EORTC QOL domains (p < 0.05) and lower grade 2-3 toxicity rates (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that de-escalation to 60 Gy may improve PROs and reduce toxicity in early-stage p16-positive OPSCC, though direct comparative trials are needed.
10.1016/j.ijrobp.2026.06.3054
Jun 15 – Jun 22, 2026
A randomized controlled trial comparing the effect of salivary substitute and fluoride varnish on radiation caries in irradiated head and neck cancer patients.
SUPPORT CARE CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #17/173
In this randomized controlled trial, investigators evaluated salivary substitute and fluoride varnish for preventing radiation caries in head and neck cancer patients. Four hundred eighty-two patients (407 men, 75 women; 18–79 years) were randomized into three groups to receive one or both interventions. DMFS scores rose significantly (p<.05) in all groups over 12 months, with no significant intergroup differences by Bonferroni test. Combination of salivary gland-sparing radiotherapy, professional care, home care measures, and patient education is critical for managing oral issues in HNC survivors.
10.1007/s00520-026-10909-2
Pembrolizumab Plus Quad-Shot Radiotherapy for Recurrent, Unresectable, or Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer: A Nonrandomized Clinical Trial.
JAMA OTOLARYNGOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #3/67
This single-arm, phase 2, prospective trial assessed pembrolizumab (200 mg/m2 every 3 weeks) combined with cyclic low-dose quad-shot radiotherapy (14.8 Gy in four 3.7-Gy fractions) in patients with recurrent, unresectable, or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma amenable to radiotherapy. Twenty-one patients were enrolled between February 2021 and May 2024; 15 were evaluable for response and 20 for survival analyses. The overall response rate was 47 % (95 % CI 21–73 %), while median progression-free survival and overall survival in treated patients were 9.2 months (95 % CI 3–17) and 14.9 months (95 % CI 5–NE), respectively; grade 3 and 4 adverse events occurred in six and two patients. Investigators conclude that pembrolizumab plus quad-shot radiotherapy is feasible and shows promising efficacy, meriting confirmation in randomized trials.
10.1001/jamaoto.2026.1527
A multicentre phase 2 study of trifluridine/tipiracil in recurrent/metastatic platinum resistant nasopharyngeal carcinomas.
CLIN CANCER RES · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #29/326TOP-TIER
This prospective, single-arm, phase II trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of trifluridine/tipiracil (FTD/TPI) in 35 patients with platinum-resistant recurrent/metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The primary endpoint was disease control rate (DCR) at 12 weeks, which was 57.1% (95% CI: 39.4%-73.7%), with an overall response rate of 22.9% (95% CI: 10.4-40.1). Median progression-free survival was 6.5 months, and median overall survival was 13.1 months. FTD/TPI demonstrated manageable hematologic toxicity and encouraging antitumor activity, representing a convenient oral alternative to intravenous chemotherapy.
10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-26-1167
Becotatug Vedotin for Recurrent/Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (Magic-M001): A Multicenter, Randomized Trial.
ANN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #4/326TOP-TIER
This multicenter, open-label, randomized trial (Magic-M001) evaluated the anti-EGFR antibody–drug conjugate becotatug vedotin versus physician’s-choice chemotherapy (capecitabine or docetaxel) in 173 patients with recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma who had progressed after at least two prior lines including PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors. Participants were randomized 1:1 to becotatug vedotin 2.3 mg/kg every three weeks or chemotherapy; co-primary endpoints were objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS), assessed by an independent review committee. Becotatug vedotin achieved a higher ORR (30.2% vs 11.5%; P = 0.003) and longer median PFS (5.82 vs 2.83 months; HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.43–0.91; P = 0.01); interim OS was 17.08 vs 11.99 months (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.48–1.12; P = 0.15) after 13.47 months’ follow-up. The drug provided significant efficacy benefits with safety comparable to chemotherapy, suggesting a promising new option for heavily pretreated NPC.
10.1016/j.annonc.2026.06.003
Jun 08 – Jun 15, 2026
Liposomal doxorubicin plus nab-paclitaxel with/without chemoradiotherapy in head and neck adenoid cystic carcinoma: single-arm phase II study.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCT TAR · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #1/319TOP-TIER
This single-arm, open-label, multicenter phase II clinical trial evaluated the efficacy of liposomal doxorubicin (20 mg/m2) and nab-paclitaxel (120 mg/m2) administered over three 21-day cycles in patients with unresectable locally advanced or recurrent/metastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of the head and neck (LA or R/M ACCHN). Eligible patients received subsequent chemoradiotherapy (cCRT). Among the 31 evaluable patients, the objective response rate was 90.3% (95% CI, 74.2-98.0%), including 48.4% complete responses, while the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 25.7 months (1-year PFS: 77.1%), with a median overall survival (OS) not reached (1-year OS: 90.0%). The study demonstrated high efficacy and manageable safety, suggesting chemotherapeutic nanomedicines, particularly with sequential cCRT, may be effective for this population.
10.1038/s41392-026-02725-1
TQB2618 plus penpulimab, alone or in combination with chemotherapy, for recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma: a multicentre, two-cohort, phase 2 trial.
CLIN CANCER RES · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #29/326TOP-TIER
This multicentre, two-cohort, open-label phase 2 trial (NCT05563480) assessed dual TIM-3/PD-1 blockade with TQB2618 plus penpulimab, either alone (TP cohort) or with gemcitabine-cisplatin chemotherapy (TPGC cohort), in recurrent or metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Seventeen patients previously exposed to PD-(L)1 inhibitors received the dual antibodies every 3 weeks, while 30 treatment-naïve patients received 4–6 cycles of combined immunotherapy and chemotherapy followed by maintenance immunotherapy. No dose-limiting toxicities were seen; the TP cohort achieved 58.8 % disease control without objective responses and a median PFS of 1.6 months (95 % CI 0.0–3.2), whereas the TPGC cohort showed an 86.2 % objective response rate (13.8 % complete), median PFS of 10.8 months (95 % CI 9.6–16.4) and unreached median OS; grade 3–4 treatment-related adverse events occurred in 11.8 % versus 83.3 %, predominantly hematological. The study concludes that adding chemotherapy yields substantial antitumor activity with manageable toxicity, while the chemotherapy-free regimen is ineffective in immunotherapy-refractory disease.
10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-26-0347
Efficacy and safety of toripalimab in combination with cetuximab in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (R/M HNSCC): a phase 1b/2 study.
SIGNAL TRANSDUCT TAR · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #1/319TOP-TIER
This open-label, multicenter phase 1b/2 trial evaluated toripalimab plus cetuximab in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, enrolling platinum-refractory (Cohort A, n=45) and previously untreated PD-L1–positive patients (Cohort B, n=43). Patients received toripalimab 240 mg IV every 3 weeks plus cetuximab (400 mg/m² loading, then 250 mg/m² weekly); primary endpoints were safety (phase 1b) and ORR (phase 2), with PFS and OS secondary. Cohort A achieved ORR 60.0% (95% CI 44.3–74.3), median PFS 9.9 months (95% CI 4.2–19.4), and OS 14.1 months; PD-L1–positive vs negative showed ORR 64.5% vs 40.0%, PFS 10.4 vs 4.0 months, OS 15.4 vs 13.3 months. Cohort B had ORR 44.2% (95% CI 29.1–60.1), PFS 8.2 months (95% CI 4.2–17.1), OS 18.1 months; grade ≥3 TEAEs occurred in 53.3% and 51.2%, with no novel safety signals.
10.1038/s41392-026-02707-3
Efficacy and safety of schedule-modified oral capecitabine/S-1 as maintenance therapy for stage N3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma after definitive chemoradiotherapy: a multicentre, single-arm phase II clinical trial.
BMC ORAL HEALTH · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #30/162
This single-arm, multicenter phase II trial examined schedule-modified oral maintenance chemotherapy with capecitabine or S-1 after definitive chemoradiotherapy in patients with high-risk non-metastatic N3 nasopharyngeal carcinoma. A total of 115 patients received induction chemotherapy (gemcitabine/nedaplatin), followed by concurrent definitive chemoradiotherapy (nedaplatin), and 12 cycles of capecitabine or S-1. After a median follow-up of 46.2 months, the 2-year progression-free survival was 92.0% (95% CI: 87.1–97.2), overall survival was 98.3%, locoregional recurrence-free survival was 98.1%, and distant metastasis-free survival was 92.9%. The findings support the efficacy and manageable toxicity of this approach, with 78.3% completing all 12 cycles and only 7.0% experiencing grade 3 adverse events.
10.1186/s12903-026-08865-8
Phase I trial of intravenous VCN-01 oncolytic adenovirus and durvalumab in patients with head and neck metastatic squamous cell carcinoma refractory to immunotherapy.
CLIN CANCER RES · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #29/326TOP-TIER
This phase I trial evaluated intravenous VCN-01 oncolytic adenovirus combined with durvalumab in 20 patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma refractory to anti-PD-(L)1 therapy. Patients received low (3.3E12 vp) or high (1.0E13 vp) dose VCN-01 with durvalumab either concomitantly or sequentially. Dose-limiting toxicities occurred in 2 of 6 (Arm I LD), 1 of 8 (Arm II LD), and 0 of 6 (Arm II HD) patients. Arm II HD showed the longest median overall survival of 17.3 months (8.1-NE), with 61.1% of patients alive >12 months, and the recommended phase 2 dose was 1.0E13 vp on the sequential schedule.
10.1158/1078-0432.CCR-26-0601
Jun 01 – Jun 08, 2026
Lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab versus standard of care in recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: Randomized, phase 2 LEAP-009 trial.
EUR J CANCER · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #45/326
The LEAP-009 phase 2 randomized clinical trial evaluated lenvatinib plus pembrolizumab versus standard-of-care (SOC) or lenvatinib monotherapy in 374 adults with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma progressing within 12 weeks of prior platinum-based and anti-PD-(L)1 therapy. Participants were randomized 3:3:2 to lenvatinib-pembrolizumab (n=144), SOC (n=142), or lenvatinib (n=88), with median follow-up of 16.5 months. Median overall survival was 8.4 months with lenvatinib-pembrolizumab, 11.3 months with SOC (HR 1.48, 95% CI 1.11–1.97; P=0.996), and 10.6 months with lenvatinib; treatment-related AEs caused discontinuation in 16.8%, 8.6%, and 15.9%, respectively. Lenvatinib-pembrolizumab did not improve overall survival versus SOC, with higher discontinuation rates, indicating further research is needed for second-line therapies.
10.1016/j.ejca.2026.116824
Efficacy of Esomeprazole Cream in Preventing Radiation-Induced Dermatitis in Cancer Patients.
J PAIN SYMPTOM MANAG · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #53/332
This randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 2% esomeprazole cream in preventing acute radiation-induced dermatitis (RID) among 36 patients with head and neck cancer. In the first phase, the cream’s physical, sensory, and chemical properties were characterized, and in the second phase participants were randomly assigned to esomeprazole (n=18) or placebo (n=18). Esomeprazole cream significantly reduced RID severity, delayed its onset, and improved post-radiation skin burning, dryness, and pain over eight weeks, although no significant improvement in quality of life was observed. Larger, multicenter trials are warranted to confirm these findings and evaluate long-term outcomes.
10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2026.05.015
MAGE-A4/MAGE-A8-targeted TCR-based bispecific T cell engager in recurrent and/or refractory solid tumors: a phase 1 trial.
NAT MED · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #1/195TOP-TIER
This phase 1 prespecified interim analysis evaluated IMA401, a novel TCR-based bispecific T cell engager, in 61 patients with recurrent and/or refractory solid tumors, administered intravenously with or without pembrolizumab. The primary focus was maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D), with secondary endpoints including safety, antitumor activity, and pharmacokinetics. The MTD was not reached, RP2D was determined as 1-2 mg biweekly, and treatment-related adverse events were primarily grade 1-2 and manageable. Efficacy-evaluable population ORR was 14% (8/56); at RP2D, ORR was 20% (8/41), with the largest subgroup—head and neck cancer—showing 29% (4/14) response and a median response duration of 8.8 months.
10.1038/s41591-026-04455-x
Amivantamab in recurrent/metastatic HNSCC after checkpoint inhibitor and chemotherapy: pivotal results from the phase 1b/2 OrigAMI-4 study.
J CLIN ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #6/326TOP-TIER
This multicenter phase 1b/2 OrigAMI-4 trial prospectively evaluated subcutaneous amivantamab, an EGFR-MET bispecific antibody, in 102 patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who had progressed after PD-(L)1 inhibitor and platinum-based chemotherapy. Participants received amivantamab every three weeks; efficacy was measured by RECIST v1.1 with blinded independent central review, and secondary endpoints included duration of response, progression-free survival, overall survival, and safety. The study achieved a 42 % objective response rate (95 % CI 32–52 %), including 15 % complete responses; median duration of response was not reached, with 56 % ongoing ≥6 months, while median PFS and OS were 6.8 months (95 % CI 5.2–8.3) and 12.5 months (95 % CI 10.2–16.8), respectively. Adverse events were consistent with prior experience, treatment-related discontinuations were 8 %, and investigators conclude amivantamab provides greater antitumor activity than historical paclitaxel or cetuximab in this setting.
10.1200/JCO-26-01042
May 25 – Jun 01, 2026
High-dose stereotactic radiotherapy boost in the radical treatment of head and neck tumors.
RADIAT ONCOL · Q1 JOURNAL - RANK #51/212
This prospective, single-center clinical trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of combining conventionally fractionated radiotherapy with a high-dose stereotactic radiotherapy boost for the radical treatment of head and neck tumors in 28 patients. Tumor response included an 89% complete response rate, with disease progression causing five deaths, and late toxicities such as carotid blow-out syndrome and brain necrosis occurring at higher boost doses. The study found that a boost dose of 10 Gy provided promising efficacy with permissible toxicity compared to higher doses, which increased the risk of adverse events. The study was approved by a bioethics committee and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, with findings suggesting a potential role for stereotactic boosts in optimizing head and neck cancer outcomes.
10.1186/s13014-026-02857-2