Active — Not RecruitingPhase 2

"QUAD SHOT" Radiotherapy With Pembrolizumab in Patients With Recurrent Head & Neck Cancer

United States30 participantsStarted 2020-12-23

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this study is to test the safety of palliative "QUAD SHOT" radiotherapy combined with pembrolizumab and evaluate the effects of the combination treatment patients with recurrent cancer of head and neck.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Age 18 years and older
. Written informed consent and any locally-required authorization obtained from the patients prior to performing any protocol-related procedures, including screening evaluations
. Pathologically (histologically or cytologically) proven diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (nasopharynx, oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, or unknown primary).
. Locally recurrent or metastatic HNSCC not deemed amenable to curative-intent salvage therapy, in whom at least six months have passed since their prior RT, if received.
. Must have evaluable lesion per RECIST v1.1
. Patients agree to provide their smoking history prior to registration
. ECOG performance status of 0-2
. Adequate bone marrow: absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,500/μl, platelets ≥ 100,000/μl, hemoglobin ≥ 9 g/dL

Exclusion criteria

. Histologically confirmed other types (Non-SCC) of salivary gland cancer
. History of another primary malignancy EXCEPT For:

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Tumor Response Rate

Timeframe: up to 2 years

Health-Related Quality of Life Questionnaire

Timeframe: up to 2 years

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04373642

SponsorUniversity of Oklahoma

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-10-14

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Head and Neck Cancer trials