Screening for early nasopharyngeal (nose) cancer
Official title: Screening for Early Diagnosis of Nose Cancer
Run by National University Hospital, Singapore · NCT07019870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests whether blood and saliva markers can find nasopharyngeal cancer early in adults aged 35 to 60 who are at higher risk because of ethnicity or family history.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 35 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 20000 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | National University Hospital, Singapore Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Singapore and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 8, 2022 |
| Main results expected | November 2027 |
| Study ends | November 2027 |
| Registry record updated | June 13, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07019870 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 35 to 60 of Chinese, Malay, or mixed ethnicity in Singapore who are not diagnosed with NPC and especially those with a family history of NPC.
✕Probably not a fit
People younger than 35 or older than 60, pregnant women, or anyone already diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer are not expected to benefit from this screening.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Participants in Singapore will have blood tested for EBV Early Antigen (EA) IgA and cell-free plasma EBV DNA, with a repeat plasma EBV DNA test if the first is positive. Saliva will be collected to analyze EBV strain types but will not be used to determine risk. People with a positive EA IgA result or two consecutive positive plasma EBV DNA tests will be classified as high risk and referred to an ENT outpatient clinic for head and neck examination, nasoendoscopy, and nasopharyngeal biopsy as needed. Clinical data and annual examinations will be collected for at least three years to monitor outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could detect nasopharyngeal cancer earlier, which may allow less invasive treatment and better outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous screening efforts using EBV DNA and serology in high-risk Asian populations have shown promising early detection rates, but large-scale mortality benefits are still being established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Chinese, Malay, and mixed ethnicities * individuals not diagnosed with NPC * individuals with family history of NPC Exclusion Criteria: * younger than 35, older than 60 * individuals already diagnosed with NPC * pregnant women
Where it's running
-
National University Hospital
Singapore, Singapore Recruiting -
National University Polyclinics
Singapore, Singapore Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Kwok Seng Loh, MBBS, FRCS — National University Health System, Singapore
- Study coordinator: Serene Siow
- Email: entsch@nus.edu.sg
- Phone: (65) 6772 3850
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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.