Simple blood test could spot returning throat cancer sooner
NCT ID NCT04965792
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study is testing a blood test that looks for HPV DNA in the blood of people treated for HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. The goal is to see if the test can find cancer recurrence earlier than standard follow-up methods. About 150 participants are being followed after treatment to compare the blood test results with routine scans and exams.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Blood test for circulating HPV DNA
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this blood test could help catch cancer return earlier than current methods, potentially improving treatment timing and outcomes.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-stage study with 150 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The test might miss some recurrences or give false alarms.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Dana Farber Cancer Institute
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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