There are several CCCs with ongoing clinical trials for recurrent HNC -- a recent handout distributed at J. Hopkins showed over a dozen trials. Most were multi-institutional (that is, participating institutions are in many areas of the country). I don't have the list at hand but many were examining the role of Tarceva or Erbitux plus additional (standard) chemo drugs. Our RO has one which is looking into a new re-radiation protocol. Many of these are funded by NCI. You could look onto their web site (clinical trials) or ask at your hospital or at any CCC where you may go for a consult.

For example, my husband Barry is in a trial of a new vaccine -- although right now they are still determining the optimum dose to get the maximum immune response with fewest side effects. As a participant he might personally benefit as the vaccine could help his body "clear" the virus which caused his oral cancer, and thus reduce risk of recurrence. Or it may do nothing, one risk of a trial vs. a standard treatment protocol.

Gail