Screening for early nasopharyngeal (nose) cancer
Screening for Early Diagnosis of Nose Cancer
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 35 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National University Hospital, Singapore Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Singapore and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07019870 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
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.
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.
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 performed: 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.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Singapore and 1 other locations
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.