Blood test aims to catch hidden head and neck cancer early
NCT ID NCT04599309
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This study is testing whether a blood test can find tiny bits of tumor DNA (ctDNA) or HPV DNA in patients with high-risk head and neck cancer after standard treatment. The goal is to see if this test can detect cancer that remains or comes back earlier than usual scans. The study includes 35 patients with stage III or IV head and neck cancer who are starting standard therapy like surgery, radiation, or chemoradiation.
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 blood test that catches cancer recurrence earlier, potentially improving outcomes for head and neck cancer patients.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early feasibility study (35 participants) focused on detection, not treatment. The test may not reliably predict relapse in all patients.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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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
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Locations
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Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Toronto, Ontario, L1M2J2, Canada