Investigating outcomes after salvage surgery for recurrent head and neck cancer
Official title: The RESCUE Study: Survival and Functional Outcomes Following Salvage Surgery for RESidual or reCurrent sqUamous cEll Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Run by Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust · NCT05808920 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 9 sites (Derby and 8 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | September 8, 2023 |
| Main results expected | April 30, 2028 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | February 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05808920 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with nasopharyngeal or cutaneous SCC, distant metastasis, or inoperable tumors will 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
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.
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 gone: Other studies have explored similar salvage surgery approaches, but the specific combination of molecular analysis and outcomes in this context is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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University Hospitals Derby and Burton
Derby, United Kingdom Recruiting -
NHS Lothian
Edinburgh, United Kingdom Recruiting -
Western General, Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Glasgow, United Kingdom Recruiting -
Aintree Hospital
Liverpool, United Kingdom Recruiting -
Head and Neck Unit, Royal Marsden Hospital
London, United Kingdom Recruiting -
Northwick Park
London, United Kingdom Recruiting
Show 3 more locations
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Oxford University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Oxford, United Kingdom Recruiting -
Poole Hospital, University Hospitals Dorset
Poole, United Kingdom Recruiting -
South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust
Sunderland, United Kingdom Completed
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Vinidh Paleri — Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Study coordinator: Andrew Williamson
- Email: andrew.williamson2@rmh.nhs.uk
- Phone: 02073528171
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.