The NCI Head and Neck Steering Committee (HNSC) was established in 2007. At monthly meetings, the HNSC addresses the design, prioritization, and evaluation of concepts for phase 2 and phase 3 clinical trials in adult head and neck cancers. View the HNSC member roster as of November 7, 2025. The committee may periodically hold clinical trials planning meetings (CTPMs) to focus on specific clinical trial related topics.
Committee Highlights
The following are highlights from recent committee activities:
- Cutaneous Squamous Cell Cancer in Immune Suppressed Populations
In January 2023, a CTPM was convened to develop clinical trials that explore novel treatment approaches for high-risk/resectable and advanced/un-resectable cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in immune suppressed populations. As immunotherapy is typically contraindicated in these patients, their treatment options are limited and their outcomes are worse. Read the executive summary. - TP53 Mutated Head and Neck Cancer
This CTPM, held in January 2021, was to develop clinical trials for patients with TP53 mutant HNSCC in locally advanced and metastatic recurrent disease with a focus on biomarkers and signal seeking trials that will improve survival and quality of life. Read the executive summary. - Naso-Pharyngeal Cancer
The HNSC held a CTPM in January 2018 to focus on developing strategies for the incorporation of immunological agents such as immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies) into a definitive chemo-radiation treatment of NPC. Read the executive summary and publication JNCI.
Contact
For more information, contact NCI CCCT Program Director, Mehrdad Mohseni, M.D. at mehrdad.mohseni@nih.gov