Creating patient-derived tumor models for head and neck cancer

Establishment of Primary Patient-derived Xenograft Models of Tumor From Patients With Head and Neck Cancer for Preclinical Evaluation of Targeted Therapies.

Observational Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain · NCT02572778

This study is trying to collect tumor samples from patients with head and neck cancer to create models that help test new treatments and understand how these tumors respond to them.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCliniques universitaires Saint-Luc- Université Catholique de Louvain Academic / other
Locations1 site (Brussels)
Trial IDNCT02572778 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to collect fresh tumor tissue from patients with primary or recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinoma to establish patient-derived xenograft models. These models will be used to create a biobank representing various tumor subgroups, allowing for genetic and transcriptional profiling. The research will also evaluate the efficacy of new targeted therapies and biomarkers of drug sensitivity, as well as study resistance mechanisms in these tumors. The approach involves local biopsies to obtain the necessary tumor samples.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with primary or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who can provide informed consent.

Not a fit: Patients with non-squamous cell carcinoma or those who are not eligible for biopsy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective personalized treatment options for patients with head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing patient-derived xenografts have shown promise in cancer research, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* In the first phase, all patients with primary or recurrent/ metastatic disease of head and neck cancer can be included pre-operatively or before a tumor biopsy after obtaining informed consent
* Data on stage, grade, histology, adjuvant treatment, responses, relapse should be available
* Follow-up data should be available
* Patients with recurrent disease are allowed
* Written informed consent

Where this trial is running

Brussels

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.
Conditions Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.