Plain-English translation of NCT04099290 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This research study is looking at whether a simple blood test can detect tiny pieces of cancer DNA that circulate in your bloodstream after head and neck cancer surgery. Researchers will examine your tumor tissue to find genetic changes unique to your cancer, then create a specialized blood test to look for those same changes in your blood at different times after your surgery.
Currently, doctors don't have a reliable way to tell early on whether head and neck cancer might come back after treatment. This study is exploring whether tracking cancer DNA in the blood could become a powerful tool to spot cancer recurrence sooner, when treatment options may be more effective.
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You will undergo your planned surgery to remove the tumor. Before surgery and at several points after surgery (timed with your regular cancer care visits), you will have blood samples drawn so researchers can test for the presence of cancer DNA. The tumor tissue removed during surgery will be analyzed to identify mutations specific to your cancer, which will guide the design of your personalized blood test. This is primarily an observational study — the blood draws are added to your regular follow-up care, and no new medications or treatments are being tested.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 30, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States