Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 to 80

Using a 3D culture model to study circulating tumor cells in head and neck cancer

Official title: Using A Three-dimentional Culture Model for Circulating Tumor Cells Combined With Molecular Bioassays in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer to Help Determine the Precise Choice of Systemic Drugs to Improve Survival Outcomes

Run by Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · NCT06755762 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is trying to see how circulating tumor cells from patients with head and neck cancer behave in a lab setting to better understand how the cancer spreads and comes back.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
Enrollment88 (estimated)
SponsorChang Gung Memorial Hospital
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionspembrolizumab, nivolumab, cetuximab, chemotherapy
Locations1 site (Taoyuan)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 1, 2024
Main results expectedJuly 31, 2025
Study endsJuly 31, 2027
Registry record updatedJanuary 1, 2025
Trial IDNCT06755762 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or healthy participants without cancer for comparison.

Probably not a fit

Patients with serious illnesses or those who do not meet the inclusion criteria may 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

This observational study aims to investigate circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) using a 3D organoid culture model. The researchers will isolate high-purity CTCs from blood samples using a specialized device and analyze them to gain insights into cancer metastasis and potential biomarkers. The study focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms behind cancer recurrence and progression, which remain poorly understood. By cultivating nearly 100% viable CTCs, the study seeks to enhance the utility of CTCs in cancer research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and treatment strategies for patients with head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using circulating tumor cells for cancer research, but this specific approach with a 3D culture model is relatively novel.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. age ≥ 18
2. agree with blood drawing and follow the procedure of the trial

a.health participants:without cancer over 5 yaers b.cancer participants:pathology: metastatic HNSCC patients

Exclusion Criteria:

1. health participants:with serious illness
2. cancer participants:none

Where it's running

  • Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
    Taoyuan, Taiwan
    Recruiting

Study contacts

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.