Collecting tissue samples for head and neck disorders

Biospecimen Procurement for the Study of Head and Neck Disorders

National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · NCT03429036

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 typeObservational
Enrollment1000 (estimated)
Ages3 Years to 120 Years
SexAll
SponsorNational Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) (nih)
Locations9 sites (Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 8 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03429036 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 3 and older who have been diagnosed with a head and neck disorder requiring tissue sample collection.

Not a fit: Patients who are unwilling to share their tissue samples for research purposes may not benefit from this study.

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 performed: Other studies have successfully utilized similar biorepository approaches to advance research in various medical fields.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Washington D.C., District of Columbia and 8 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Hearing Disorder, Oral Mucosal Disease, Pharyngeal Neoplasm, Head and Neck Neoplasms, Laryngeal Disease, Genomic DNA, DNA Banking, Tissue Sample

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.