Blood test may reveal hidden tumor secrets in head and neck cancer

NCT ID NCT07512921

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study looks at whether a simple blood test can give the same information about a tumor's biology as testing the tumor tissue itself. Researchers will collect blood samples from 300 adults with HPV-negative head and neck cancer before and after standard treatment. They will compare gene activity and other markers in the blood to those in stored tumor samples. No new drugs are tested—the goal is to see if a blood test could one day help monitor cancer after treatment.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to
If successful, this could lead to a simple blood test that monitors tumor biology after treatment, helping doctors personalize care without repeated tissue biopsies.
What could go wrong
This is an early observational study, not a treatment trial. The blood test may not match tumor findings accurately, and results may not change current care for years.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck squamous cell carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria di Sassari

    RECRUITING

    Sassari, Italy

  • Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori

    RECRUITING

    Milan, 20133, Italy

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