Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Improving diagnosis and treatment of head and neck cancer through epigenetic profiling

Official title: Profiling and Targeting Epigenetic Marks to Improve Diagnosis and Therapeutic Approaches in Head and Neck Cancer

Run by European Institute of Oncology · NCT06706973 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if looking at specific changes in genes can help doctors better diagnose and treat head and neck cancer in adults who haven't had treatment yet.

More Head and Neck Cancer trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment60 (estimated)
SponsorEuropean Institute of Oncology
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy
Locations1 site (Milan, MI)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 6, 2024
Main results expectedApril 4, 2030
Study endsApril 4, 2030
Registry record updatedNovember 27, 2024
Trial IDNCT06706973 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with treatment-naïve primary squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Probably not a fit

Patients who have previously undergone radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy for head and neck cancer may 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 study investigates the role of epigenetic marks in head and neck cancer (HNC) to identify potential therapeutic targets. It focuses on distinguishing between HPV-positive and HPV-negative HNC by analyzing unique histone modifications. The research aims to understand how these epigenetic changes contribute to tumorigenesis in HNC, which could lead to more effective treatment strategies. Participants will include adults diagnosed with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, larynx, oropharynx, who have not received prior treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic methods and targeted therapies for patients with head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in targeting epigenetic modifications in various cancers, suggesting potential success for this approach in head and neck cancer.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:• Age: Adults aged ≥ 18 years diagnosed with HNC

* Sex: Both male and female
* Human papilloma virus (HPV) test: Both positive and negative.
* Tumor: primary tumors, treatment naïve, squamous cell carcinoma
* Cancer stage: I-IV
* Anatomic location: oral cavity, larynx, oropharynx
* Tumor fragments not required for diagnostics

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous radiotherapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy for HNC
* Unable to provide written informed consent

Where it's running

  • European Institute of oncology
    Milan, Mi, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.