Evaluating the role of circulating tumor cells in oropharyngeal cancer

Prospective Study for the Prognostic and Predictive Role of Circulating Tumor Cells in Patients With Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: CTCO (Circulating Tumor Cells in the Oropharynx)

Observational Hospices Civils de Lyon · NCT04696744

This study is testing if measuring circulating tumor cells in the blood can help doctors understand how well treatment is working and if the cancer might come back in patients with oropharyngeal cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorHospices Civils de Lyon Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Lyon)
Trial IDNCT04696744 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the prognostic and predictive significance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients diagnosed with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. By analyzing blood samples taken at various stages—diagnosis, post-treatment, and during follow-up—the research aims to assess how changes in CTC levels correlate with treatment responses and tumor recurrence. The study focuses on patients undergoing curative treatments such as surgery followed by radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. The ultimate goal is to establish CTCs as a potential biomarker for monitoring disease progression and treatment efficacy.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with biopsy-proven squamous cell carcinoma located in the oropharynx who are undergoing curative treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with carcinoma of the nasopharynx, larynx, oral cavity, or hypopharynx, as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new biomarker for monitoring treatment response and recurrence in oropharyngeal cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of circulating tumor cells has shown promise in other cancers, this specific application in oropharyngeal cancer is relatively novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Over 18 years of age
* Squamous cell carcinoma proven on biopsy
* Oropharyngeal location
* Curative treatment by Surgery followed by radiotherapy (chemotherapy) Or Radiochemotherapy Or Induction chemotherapy (+/- surgery) + radiotherapy
* Did not object to their participation in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Carcinoma of the nasopharynx, larynx, oral cavity or hypopharynx
* Pregnant or breastfeeding woman

Where this trial is running

Lyon

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 Circulating Tumor CellOropharyngeal CancerCTCOropharynxHNSCC
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.