Investigating outcomes after salvage surgery for recurrent head and neck cancer

The RESCUE Study: Survival and Functional Outcomes Following Salvage Surgery for RESidual or reCurrent sqUamous cEll Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

Observational Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust · NCT05808920

This study tests how well salvage surgery works for people with recurrent head and neck cancer and looks at how genetics and past treatments might affect their recovery and quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorRoyal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations9 sites (Derby and 8 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05808920 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

The RESCUE study is a multicentre cohort investigation that looks at both retrospective and prospective data to evaluate survival and functional outcomes in patients who undergo salvage surgery for recurrent, residual, or new primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). It also includes an exploratory molecular analysis to understand the relationship between cancer genomics, prior radiotherapy, and recurrence. The study aims to provide insights into the quality of life and genetic factors influencing treatment outcomes in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with a history of head and neck SCC treated with radiotherapy, who are experiencing local or regional recurrence.

Not a fit: Patients with nasopharyngeal or cutaneous SCC, distant metastasis, or inoperable tumors will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve treatment strategies and outcomes for patients with recurrent head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored similar salvage surgery approaches, but the specific combination of molecular analysis and outcomes in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged over 18
2. Previous H\&N SCC treated with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy
3. Local or regionally recurrent, residual, or new primary SCC of the oropharynx, oral cavity, larynx, and hypopharynx
4. Ability to give informed consent for biological sample collection (molecular analysis study only)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Nasopharyngeal and cutaneous SCC of the H\&N
2. Thyroid, salivary gland, and non-squamous cell H\&N cancers
3. Presence of distant metastasis (M1) or surgically inoperable T4b tumours

Where this trial is running

Derby and 8 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.