Collecting tissue samples for head and neck disorders
Official title: Biospecimen Procurement for the Study of Head and Neck Disorders
Run by National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT03429036 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is collecting leftover tissue samples from people with head and neck disorders to help researchers learn more about these conditions and find better treatments.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 3 Years to 120 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) NIH |
| Locations | 9 sites (Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 8 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 23, 2018 |
| Main results expected | June 3, 2029 |
| Study ends | December 2, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | November 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03429036 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals aged 3 and older who have been diagnosed with a head and neck disorder requiring tissue sample collection.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are unwilling to share their tissue samples for research purposes may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to create a biorepository of tissue samples from individuals diagnosed with various head and neck disorders, including hearing disorders and neoplasms. Participants will provide leftover tissue samples from surgical procedures or other research protocols, which will be used to enhance understanding and treatment of these conditions. The study involves screening participants through questionnaires and medical history assessments, with a focus on collecting both diseased and normal tissue specimens for future research. The goal is to support the development of new therapeutic agents and diagnostic models.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatments and diagnostic methods for patients with head and neck disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have successfully utilized similar biorepository approaches to advance research in various medical fields.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
* INCLUSION CRITERIA: * Age 3 and older. * Able to provide their own consent, or for minors, a parent or guardian is able to consent on their behalf. * Diagnosis of a condition of the head and neck for which removal of biological specimens was indicated for clinical care or for research purposes under a separate Review Board (IRB) approved protocol. * Ability of subject (or Legally Authorized Representative (LAR)) to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: * Part 1: --Are unwilling to share waste specimens for research purposes * Part 2: Additional exclusion criteria for the Part 2 prospective sample collection part of this protocol these criteria may be assessed prior to collection of the samples but will not affect overall eligibility for the trial (i.e., Part 1): * have active symptomatic major organ disorders that would increase the risk of biopsy for research, including but not limited to bleeding disorders, ischemic heart disease, a recent myocardial infarction, active congestive heart failure or severe pulmonary dysfunction * have specific medical condition, such as a bleeding tendency where additional biopsies or phlebotomy procedures may increase the participants' risk in participating. This will be determined at the discretion of the principal investigator * Individuals under the age of 18 are excluded from oral mucosal biopsies and skin biopsies
Where it's running
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MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Recruiting -
Johns Hopkins Hospital Sibley Memorial Hospital
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Recruiting -
George Washington University Hospital
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, United States Recruiting -
Johns Hopkins Hospital Broadway Baltimore
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting -
Johns Hopkins Hospital Bayview
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting -
Johns Hopkins Hospital Greenspring
Baltimore, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Show 3 more locations
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Johns Hopkins Suburban Hospital
Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting -
Johns Hopkins Otolaryngology Clinic
Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting -
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Clint T Allen, M.D. — National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- Study coordinator: Melissa L Wheatley
- Email: wheatleyml@nih.gov
- Phone: (240) 858-3391
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Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Collection of biological samples for research on head and neck disorders
This study is collecting biological samples from people with head and neck disorders to see how these conditions develop and find better ways to diagnose and treat them.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.