Managing metastatic neck nodes in hypopharyngeal cancer
Official title: The Management of Metastatic Neck Nodes in N2/3 Hypopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Prospective Study
Run by Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University · NCT05494190 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether surgery or chemotherapy works better for patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer that has spread to their neck nodes.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 111 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy |
| Locations | 3 sites (Harbin, Heilongjiang and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 1, 2022 |
| Main results expected | November 2027 |
| Study ends | November 2027 |
| Registry record updated | December 30, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT05494190 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 75 with pathologically diagnosed hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma classified as T1/2 N2/3 M0.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with non-resectable metastatic lesions or those outside the age range may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to determine the most effective treatment strategy for patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) who have bulky metastatic neck nodes classified as N2/3. It is a multi-center, open-label, randomized controlled study that will enroll 111 patients. Participants will be divided into two groups: one receiving surgery and the other undergoing induction chemotherapy. Depending on their response to treatment, patients will either continue with surgery or receive concomitant chemoradiotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve survival outcomes for patients with advanced hypopharyngeal cancer by optimizing treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in managing metastatic neck nodes in head and neck cancers, suggesting that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Able to understand and willing to sign a written informed consent document. 2. Age ≥ 18 and ≤ 75 years. 3. Male or female. 4. Karnofsky physical status (KPS): ≥ 80 5. Hepatic function, renal function and normal blood test. Hepatic function: Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 2.5 upper limit of normal, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ≤ 2.5 upper limit of normal. Serum total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 upper limit of normal. Kidney function: Serum creatinine \< upper limit of normal value and creatinine clearance rate \> 60 ml/(min\*1.73m2) (Cockcroft-Gault formula). Blood test: neutrophil (Neu) ≥ 1.5×109/L, platelet (PLT) ≥ 100×109/L, hemoglobin (HGB) ≥ 90 g/L. 6. Pathologically diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx. 7. After clinical and radiographic evaluations, clinically classified as T1/2 N2/3 M0 stage according to American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC, eighth edition). 8. Resectable regional metastatic lesion (incompletely tumor- wrapped carotid vascular). 9. Assessable tumor lesions according to Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST, Version 1.1). 10. Radical treatment intent. 11. Male patients with fertility and female patients with fertility and pregnancy risk must agree to use contraceptive methods throughout the study period, and continued until at least 6 months after the last dose of cisplatin. Female patients who do not have fertility (ie meet at least one of the following criteria): Have undergone hysterectomy and/or bilateral oophorectomy with archival records, medically confirmed ovarian function decline; In postmenopausal state. It is defined as: At least 12 months of continuous menstruation without other pathological or physiological reasons, and the status confirmed by serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels is consistent with postmenopausal status. 12. Good compliance. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Distant metastatic disease 2. Have a history of other cancers or coinstantaneous second primary tumor 3. Previous treatment for the primary tumor, including radiotherapy, surgery except biopsy operation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and biological targeted therapy. 4. Patients who have participated in other clinical trials within 1 month before the test. 5. Patients estimated to have poor tolerance to induction chemotherapy. 6. The investigator believes that it is inappropriate for individuals to participate in the trial: having, for example, severe acute or chronic medical conditions (including immune colitis, inflammatory bowel disease, non-infectious pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis) or mental illness (including recent time \[within the past year\] or active suicidal ideation or behavior). 7. Palliative treatment intent. 8. Pregnant or lactating women.
Where it's running
-
Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China Recruiting -
Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital
Harbin, Heilongjiang, China Not yet recruiting -
Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University
Jinan, Shandong, China Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ming Zhang, PhD — Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University
- Study coordinator: Feiran Li
- Email: lifr214@163.com
- Phone: 8664377134
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Mild heat therapy added to standard treatment for locally advanced head and neck cancer
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Chemotherapy plus finotonlimab before main treatment for locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer
This tries giving finotonlimab (a PD‑1 drug) together with chemotherapy before definitive treatment for adults with resectable stage III–IVA hypopharyngeal cancer who have at least a 50% tumor shrinkage.
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Neoadjuvant EGFR-ADC plus anti-PD-1 therapy for resectable locally advanced hypopharyngeal cancer
This trial tests whether a targeted EGFR-ADC drug plus an anti-PD-1 antibody given before surgery can improve outcomes for adults with resectable locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.
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Window of Opportunity to Preserve Laryngeal Function
This trial will try a short course of platinum chemotherapy plus paclitaxel and the immunotherapy toripalimab before surgery to see if adults with advanced laryngeal or hypopharyngeal squamous cell cancer can keep their voice box and still get good cancer control.
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Personalized compartment-sparing postoperative radiation for head and neck cancer
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.