Blood test may outshine scans for spotting hidden cancer after radiation

NCT ID NCT05710679

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Centre Jean Perrin Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Sep 11, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study is testing whether a simple blood test that looks for tumor DNA can better detect any cancer left behind after radiation therapy for advanced head and neck cancer. Current scans often give false alarms, leading to unnecessary procedures. The study will enroll 63 adults with newly diagnosed, advanced head and neck cancer who are scheduled for radiation. Researchers will compare blood test results with PET/CT scans to see which method more accurately identifies residual disease.

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Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

About 63 people

The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.

Started

Jan 2024

Expected to finish

Jul 2031

An estimate. End dates often move.

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 to 80 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years and ≤ 80 years * Histologically confirmed, never treated squamous cell carcinoma with lymph node involvement * squamous cell carcinoma p16+or p16-, stage III (N1), IVa or IVb (UICC classification 8th edition), N1 minimum, and oropharyngeal sqamous cell carcinomas p16+ stage I or II, N1 minimum, resectable but not operated or unresectable, with indication for concomitant or sequential radiochemotherapy with induction chemotherapy using Docetaxel, Platinum, 5-Fluorouracil (TPF or modified TPF according to the practices of the investigating centers) * Oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx or larynx, cervical adenopathies without primary * Availability of FFPE samples prior to treatment initiation * Detection of circulating DNA in the initial blood sample * Obtaining informed consent from the patient * Affiliation to the French social security system Exclusion Criteria: * Tumor of the nasopharynx, sinuses, nasal cavity, salivary glands or thyroid cancer * Treatment by exclusive radiotherapy * Contraindication to cervical lymph node dissection * Metastatic disease (stage IVc) * Previous treatment for head and neck cancer * History of other cancer in the last 3 years (except carcinoma in situ, basal cell skin carcinoma, localized prostate cancer Gleason 6) * Pregnant or breastfeeding woman * Patient under guardianship or curators * Psychological disorder (cognitive disorders, vigilance disorders, etc.) or social reasons (deprivation of liberty by judicial or administrative decision) or geographical reasons that could compromise the medical follow-up of the trial or compliance with the treatment

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck carcinoma head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Locally advanced head and neck carcinoma

How to take part

Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.

The places running it

4 sites. The list below names each one and where it is.
The official record

ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.

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A doctor treating you

A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.

Blood test may outshine scans for spotting hidden cancer after radiation

What the study statuses mean