Screening for nasopharyngeal carcinoma using Epstein-Barr virus tests

Parallel Controlled Study of Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody and Epstein-Barr Virus DNA for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Screening in the High-risk Population

Sun Yat-sen University · NCT05447169

This study is testing whether certain blood tests for the Epstein-Barr virus can help find nasopharyngeal cancer earlier in family members of patients who have it.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment11625 (estimated)
Ages30 Years to 62 Years
SexMale
SponsorSun Yat-sen University (other)
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT05447169 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody and DNA screening methods in first-degree relatives of patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The investigators will conduct tests on various EBV antibodies and DNA using techniques such as ELISA and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The goal is to identify the most effective screening method for detecting nasopharyngeal carcinoma in a high-risk population. Participants will be residents of Southern China who meet specific age and health criteria.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are males aged 30-62 who are first-degree relatives of nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients and have no prior history of the disease.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma or significant cardiovascular, liver, or kidney diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early detection methods for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, potentially increasing survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored EBV as a biomarker for nasopharyngeal carcinoma, suggesting potential success in similar approaches.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* residents in Southern China
* 30-62 years old
* male
* a first-degree relative of at least one nasopharyngeal carcinoma patient
* no medical record of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score of 0-2
* be able to comprehend, sign, and date the written informed consent document to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* history of nasopharyngeal carcinoma
* heavy cardiovascular, liver or kidney disease
* on systemic steroid or immunosuppressant treatment or active autoimmune disease

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Screen, EBV DNA, EBV antibody

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.