Blood test to predict oropharyngeal cancer recurrence after treatment

Plain-English translation of NCT04564989 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This research study is looking at whether blood tests and genetic markers can help predict which patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer (cancer in the back of the throat) will have their cancer return after treatment. Researchers will examine circulating HPV DNA in your blood and mutations in specific genes to see if these markers can reliably forecast recurrence risk.

Currently, doctors cannot reliably predict which patients will experience cancer recurrence after treatment, which means some people receive unnecessarily aggressive therapy while others may not receive enough care. This study aims to identify blood-based biomarkers that could personalize treatment decisions and improve outcomes for oropharyngeal cancer patients.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are at least 18 years old
you have been diagnosed with HPV-related squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (back of throat) and have not received any prior cancer treatment
your cancer is at stage T0-T2 N2a-N3 M0 or T3-T4 N0-N3 M0, with no distant metastases
you are in good enough health (ECOG performance status 0-1) to tolerate standard cancer treatment
you are able to attend follow-up visits and comply with the study schedule

You likely don't qualify if…

you have previously received radiation therapy to the head and neck area
you have a prior history of head and neck cancer
your tumor tissue sample is inadequate for genetic testing
you have evidence of cancer that has spread to distant parts of your body

What participation looks like

As a participant, you would provide blood samples before, during, and after your standard cancer treatment so researchers can track HPV DNA levels over time. Your tumor tissue (already collected at diagnosis) will be analyzed for specific genetic mutations. You will continue with your regular cancer treatment as planned, and the study team will follow your progress to see whether the blood markers accurately predict whether your cancer returns.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(3 sites)

United States

Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Trident Medical Center (HCA Healthcare ), North Charleston, South Carolina