Characterization Study for Head and Neck Cancers
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial aims to understand the factors that make head and neck cancer aggressive by studying cells and biomarkers, which are substances that can indicate disease. Participants will have photographs taken, blood and tissue samples collected, and their medical records reviewed. The trial is observational, gathering data without testing a new treatment. Individuals with a new diagnosis of head and neck cancer who haven't started any treatment yet may be suitable for this trial. As an unphased trial, it offers a unique opportunity to contribute to scientific knowledge without undergoing experimental treatment.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it uses an integrative multi-omic approach to understand head and neck cancer development, progression, and recurrence. Unlike traditional treatments that focus on eradicating the cancer cells directly, this trial involves comprehensive data collection, including photography, blood samples, and tissue samples, to gain insights into the molecular and genetic factors driving the disease. This method has the potential to uncover personalized treatment strategies, offering a new hope for tailored therapies that could be more effective and have fewer side effects compared to current standard care options like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.
Who Is on the Research Team?
Albert Y Han, MD
Principal Investigator
University of Southern California
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Inclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Observational
Patients undergo photography, blood sample collection, tissue collection and have their medical records reviewed
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after observational activities
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Non-Interventional Study
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Patients undergo photography, blood sample collection, tissue collection and have their medical records reviewed on study.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Southern California
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation
Collaborator
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