Clinical Trials

Overview of Clinical Trials

Clinical trials are medical research studies that aim to investigate and compare different approaches to prevention, diagnosis, or treatment. In the context of head and neck cancers, trials may explore new ways to deliver existing treatments, evaluate new medicines, or test supportive care approaches. The goal of a clinical trial is to understand if these options are as good as or better than the current standard care available for head and neck cancers.

All studies are carefully planned with input from independent experts and ethics committees and follow approved protocols to protect participants and ensure reliable results.

How Participation Works

If a clinician believes a study may be relevant, they can discuss eligibility with you. Taking part is voluntary and you can withdraw at any time. Participation may involve scheduled visits, monitoring for side effects, and sharing health information in line with approved safeguards.
Each study has specific eligibility criteria (who can take part) and exclusion criteria (who cannot). These criteria help ensure that results are accurate and that participation is safe for those involved. Speak with your healthcare professional to understand whether a study is suitable for your circumstances.

Informed Consent & Your Rights

Before you decide, the research team will explain the purpose of the study, what will happen if you take part, possible risks and benefits, and your rights. You can ask questions and take time to decide. You may withdraw without giving a reason, and this will not affect your usual care.

Safety, Ethics & Privacy

All clinical trials in Europe must follow strict rules designed to protect participants and ensure transparency. Every study is reviewed by ethics committees and regulated under the EU Clinical Trials Regulation, which oversees how research is planned and shared through the Clinical Trials Information System (CTIS).

Your personal information is handled securely under approved privacy laws. Trial data may be reviewed by authorised bodies for safety or quality checks, but published results never include personal details. If you have any questions about how your data is used or protected, speak with your healthcare professional.

Diversity, Inclusion & Access

Clinical trials aim to include participants from a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and health experiences so that research findings reflect the diversity of people affected by head and neck cancers. However, not every study is open to everyone, eligibility criteria are designed to protect participants and ensure accurate results.

If you are interested in learning more, speak with your healthcare professional about trials that consider diverse needs and access factors, such as travel, language support, or additional care requirements. Inclusive participation helps make future treatments safer and more effective for everyone.

How to Read a Trial Listing

Official listings typically include the following information about a trial:

  • The purpose of the trial: what the study aims to learn or test.
  • Status: whether the trial is currently recruiting participants, under way, or completed
  • Design and phase: how the study is structured and which stage of research it represents (for example, early safety testing or larger-scale evaluation)
  • Who can take part (inclusion/exclusion criteria): the eligibility and exclusion criteria that determine who the study is suitable for
  • Locations: where the trial sites are based
  • How to contact the study team: details for getting in touch with the organizers if you’d like to learn more

Some EU listings also provide key documents (for example, a protocol synopsis or results summary).

Find Official Trial Registries

For up-to-date, authoritative information, you can search:

  • EU Trials Map (EMA) – an interactive tool showing where clinical trials are taking place across Europe. You can search by condition, country, or trial type

Finding Head and Neck Cancer Trials on Registries

  1. Start with condition: Head and neck cancer (refine by subtype if needed)
  2. Add recruitment status (e.g., recruiting) to focus on open studies.
  3. Set location (country/region) if travel matters
  4. Review eligibility/exclusion and contacts; discuss with your healthcare professional before taking any next steps

Questions to Discuss with Your Healthcare Professional

  • What are the potential risks and benefits?
  • What tests, visits, and time commitments will be required?
  • Are there costs, reimbursements, or travel considerations?
  • What alternatives do I have if I choose not to take part?

Important Notice/ Disclaimer:
This page provides general information, including links to official government and EU clinical trial resources, for educational purposes only. It does not aim to influence decisions on trial participation or recommend any specific trial or organisation. Please consult a healthcare professional for further guidance and information.