Improving symptom tracking for suspected head and neck cancer patients

EVolution of a patiEnt-REported Symptom-based Risk Stratification sySTem to Redesign the Suspected Head and Neck Cancer Referral Pathway (Phase 1)

Observational Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust · NCT05909020

This study is trying to improve how we track symptoms in patients who might have head and neck cancer to make sure they get the best care possible.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment165 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRoyal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other
Locations4 sites (Leeds and 3 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05909020 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to enhance the pathway for patients suspected of having head and neck cancer by developing a patient-reported symptom-based risk stratification system. It involves optimizing a symptom inventory specifically for head and neck cancer and outlining the requirements for a clinical system to input these symptoms. The approach is observational and focuses on understanding the existing diagnostic pathways and the values of both patients and clinicians. The study will gather insights to ensure the language and information elicited are accessible and effective.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are referred through the suspected head and neck cancer pathway and have no prior history of the disease.

Not a fit: Patients who do not meet the inclusion criteria, such as those with a previous history of head and neck cancer, will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to more accurate and timely diagnoses for patients suspected of having head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative in its focus on patient-reported outcomes, similar studies have shown promise in improving diagnostic pathways in other cancer types.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Patients:

* Adults ≥ 18 years referred via suspected HNC pathway without previous history of HNC
* Participants willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the study.

Clinicians:

* Staff at participating sites involved in the diagnostic pathway for people with suspected HNC.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Individuals who do not meet the inclusion criteria.

Where this trial is running

Leeds and 3 other locations

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.