Exploring cancer evolution in patients with head and neck tumors after radiation therapy

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

Observational Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust · NCT04671940

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 typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRoyal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (London)
Trial IDNCT04671940 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: While the specific approach of this study is exploratory, similar studies investigating clonal evolution in cancer have shown promise in understanding treatment resistance.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

London

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 Head and Neck Cancer
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.