# Clinical research in head and neck cancer treatments

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/clinical-research-in-head-and-neck-cancer-treatments
> Updated: 2026-09-08T16:40:51.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

Recent clinical research has focused on various treatment modalities for head and neck cancer, specifically addressing recurrence and surgical preparation.

A study by the Cancer Center Clínica Universidad de Navarra (CCUN) investigated re-irradiation using modulated proton therapy via Pencil Beam Scanning (PBS) for recurrent head and neck cancer. The study, involving 65 patients, reported a 67 percent one-year global survival rate and a median global survival of 17.2 months. Researchers noted high treatment completion rates and minimal severe acute toxicities.

Other investigations have explored immunotherapy and vaccine-based approaches. A phase I/II trial of the experimental therapeutic HPV vaccine PepCan aimed to stimulate immune responses against HPV-associated targets, though researchers stated, “PepCan does not seem to be effective in reducing recurrence; however, the results are inconclusive given the small patient numbers.”

Additionally, research into neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy for resectable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma found that combining chemotherapy with immunotherapy before surgery resulted in a 67 percent rate of pathologic complete or major pathologic response, compared to 3.6 percent for patients receiving immunotherapy alone.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Research explores new treatments for head and neck cancer

New research highlights advancements in head and neck cancer treatment, including a 67 percent response rate using chemoimmunotherapy and investigations into the therapeutic HPV vaccine PepCan.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/research-explores-new-treatments-for-head-and-neck-cancer

### 2026-08-31: Proton therapy re-irradiation shows 67% survival in head and neck cancer study

A study by Clínica Universidad de Navarra shows proton therapy re-irradiation achieves a 67% one-year survival rate for recurrent head and neck cancer patients with minimal severe toxicity.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/proton-therapy-re-irradiation-shows-67-survival-in-head-and-neck-cancer-study

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Cite as: Clinical research in head and neck cancer treatments. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/clinical-research-in-head-and-neck-cancer-treatments