Exploring cancer evolution in patients with head and neck tumors after radiation therapy
Official title: RECUT PLUS: Exploratory Study of Clonal Evolution in Cancer for Patients Undergoing Transoral Robotic Surgery for Radiation Exposed Residual/reCurrent Tumours of the Upper Aerodigestive Tract
Run by Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust · NCT04671940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is trying to understand how head and neck tumors change after radiation therapy to help doctors find better treatments for patients with these cancers.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 19 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (London) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 18, 2020 |
| Main results expected | October 7, 2026 |
| Study ends | October 7, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | February 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04671940 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults over 18 with a history of head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy who are undergoing TORS for residual, recurrent, or new primary tumors.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are undergoing TORS solely for diagnostic purposes or those with nasopharyngeal or thyroid cancers will 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 observational study investigates the clonal evolution of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC) in patients who have undergone transoral robotic surgery (TORS) following radiation treatment. It aims to determine whether residual or recurrent tumors represent primary resistance or the evolution of resistance due to prior radiation exposure. By analyzing DNA from tumor specimens, the study seeks to improve patient stratification for more effective treatments and tailor systemic therapies for these cancers. Participants will be recruited from the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, with both retrospective and prospective cohorts involved.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective treatment strategies for patients with head and neck cancer who have previously received radiation therapy.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this study is exploratory, similar studies investigating clonal evolution in cancer have shown promise in understanding treatment resistance.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria * Aged over 18 * Previous H\&N cancer treated with radiotherapy. * Undergoing TORS as part of their management for residual, recurrent or new primary H\&N cancer. Exclusion criteria * Where TORS is used in a diagnostic setting only * Nasopharyngeal and thyroid head and neck cancers * Where no tissue specimens are available from the recurrent/residual/secondary tumour for the retrospective cohort
Where it's running
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The Royal Marsden Hospital
London, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Prof Vinidh Paleri — The Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Study coordinator: Vishak C Muraleedharan Shylaja, MBChB
- Email: vishak.muraleedharanshylaja@rmh.nhs.uk
- Phone: 442073528171
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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.