Exploring changes in metabolites for head and neck cancer detection

A Bidirectional Study in Exploring the Dynamic Changes of Plasma and Urine Metabolites During the Occurrence and Development of Head and Neck Cancer in Southern China

Observational Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University · NCT05969262

This study is trying to find out if changes in blood and urine substances can help detect head and neck cancer earlier in patients compared to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT05969262 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the dynamic changes in plasma and urine metabolites associated with head and neck cancer. It involves a retrospective and prospective cohort of 250 patients each, including both head and neck cancer patients and healthy individuals. Utilizing proteomics technology and liquid biopsy, the study aims to identify biomarkers that could aid in early detection and treatment strategies for head and neck tumors. The research focuses on understanding the internal environmental changes during the cancer's progression without providing any treatment driven by the study protocol.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18-75 diagnosed with head and neck cancer or healthy individuals without related diseases.

Not a fit: Patients with other malignancies or significant metabolic disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early detection and treatment strategies for head and neck cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored metabolite changes in cancer, this specific approach using proteomics and liquid biopsy in head and neck cancer is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Head and neck cancer patients

   * Age 18-75 years old;
   * Male or non-pregnant female;
   * Patients who were normatively diagnosed as head and neck tumors according to the WHO standards of 2017;
   * The general situation is good: KPS score ≥70;
   * No other malignant tumors.
2. Healthy people

   * Age 18-75 years old;
   * Male or non-pregnant female;
   * No history of head and neck related diseases or other diseases known to affect blood lipid/protein metabolism.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous history of non-research related head and neck conditions or other known effects on blood metabolism (except for controlled type 2 diabetes);
* With a history of other malignancies (except cell carcinoma and cervical carcinoma in situ);
* Diseases that require long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs (including steroids), including but not limited to congenital or acquired immunodeficiency disorders or active central nervous system rotations, metastatic cancer, active infection, or uncontrolled heart disease;
* Concurrent with other uncontrolled serious medical conditions, such as unstable heart disease that requires treatment Disease, poorly controlled diabetes (fasting blood glucose \> 1.5× the upper limit of normal), mental illness and a history of severe allergies.
* BMI less than 18 or greater than 25.

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

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 CancerMetabolite
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.