Microfluidic blood test using tumor cell clusters and NK cell signals to predict outcomes in recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study collects blood from patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are receiving standard care and analyzes circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor microemboli (CTM), and immune cell composition within CTM using a DS-SACA microfluidic chip. Investigators will measure NK cell IFN-γ expression and other immune markers within CTM and correlate those findings with clinical outcomes and treatment responses. The study focuses on a Taiwanese patient population to capture regional disease patterns such as betel-nut–associated cancers. No investigational treatments are given; samples are taken alongside routine care and medical record data are used for outcome correlations.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria: must fulfill with all the items below

* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status score of 0-2.
* \>=20 years old.
* had pathologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, oral cavity, hypopharynx, or larynx that was recurrent or metastatic and not curable by local therapy.
* had at least one tumor lesion measurable per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) version 1.1
* Medical records during treatment are available.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Medical records during treatment unavailable
* Could not cooperate with blood sampling
* Without informed consent

Where it's running

• National Taiwan University HsinChu Branch
  Zhubei, HsinChu County, Taiwan Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Hsu Wu, M.D.
• Email: G04187@hch.gov.tw
• Phone: +886-3-5326151

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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.