Study of genetic markers in advanced head and neck cancer patients

Plain-English translation of NCT06163534 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

What is this trial?

This is a research study that follows patients with metastatic or recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) as they receive their first-line immunotherapy or combination treatment. Researchers will collect tissue samples from your tumor and blood samples at various points during your treatment to study the genetic and molecular characteristics of your cancer. The goal is to understand which patients respond best to immunotherapy and to identify biomarkers that might help predict treatment outcomes.

Head and neck cancer patients respond differently to immunotherapy—some improve dramatically while others see little benefit. By studying the genetic makeup of tumors and blood samples over time, researchers hope to discover which characteristics predict who will benefit most from this medication, potentially leading to more personalized treatment decisions in the future.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years of age or older
you have been diagnosed with metastatic or recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that cannot be treated with surgery or radiation alone
your cancer is in your pharynx, larynx, oral cavity, or oropharynx
you are about to start first-line immunotherapy or combination therapy as your primary treatment
you are willing to provide a tumor tissue sample and additional blood samples throughout the study

You likely don't qualify if…

your cancer is not squamous cell type (such as nasopharyngeal or salivary gland cancers)
your cancer came back within 6 months of your previous chemotherapy or chemoradiation
your tumor is PD-L1 negative (a genetic marker your doctors will have tested)
you have been diagnosed with another cancer in the past 2 years (with limited exceptions for certain low-risk cancers)
you are unable or unwilling to have blood samples collected as part of the study

What participation looks like

You would continue receiving your standard cancer treatment as planned—this study does not change your treatment. Throughout your care, researchers will collect extra tissue samples from your tumor (if available) and draw additional blood samples at various time points to analyze the genetic and molecular characteristics of your cancer. You will be asked to allow your samples and medical information to be stored and studied over time as you receive treatment, with no additional visits or procedures beyond what you're already having for your cancer care.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 7, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(30 sites)

United States

City of Hope, Duarte, California

USC/Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, California

University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California

Stanford, Palo Alto, California

Providence Medical Foundation, Santa Rosa, California