Using biomarkers to detect early HPV-related throat cancer
Official title: Biomarker Approach to Screening for the Early Detection of HPV-related Oropharyngeal Cancer (BASH OPC)
Run by H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute · NCT06305676 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to use DNA and gene markers to see if they can help find early signs of throat cancer linked to HPV in newly diagnosed patients.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 400 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 3 sites (Tampa, Florida and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 22, 2024 |
| Main results expected | January 2029 |
| Study ends | January 2029 |
| Registry record updated | September 23, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06305676 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx who have not received prior treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with a previous diagnosis of head and neck cancer or HPV-related cancer will 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 evaluate the effectiveness of a combined HPV 16 DNA and host gene methylation oral biomarker panel in distinguishing early-stage oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) from controls. The study will involve 100 early and 100 late-stage OPC cases, along with 200 matched controls based on sex, age, race/ethnicity, and tobacco use. Participants will be recruited from the Moffitt Cancer Center and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, focusing on newly diagnosed patients who have not yet received treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier detection of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have explored biomarker approaches for cancer detection, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Cases: * Aged at least 18 years * Newly diagnosed primary tumor, histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (stages I-IV) * Has not received treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or immunotherapy) within the previous four weeks * Provided written informed consent under Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC) 17716 biomarker/biobanking study or is identified and enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center * Aged at least 35 years * Have no previous diagnosis of HNC or HPV-related cancer * Fully understands study procedures * Voluntarily agrees to participate by giving written informed consent under Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC) 17716 biomarker/biobanking study or is enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Hillman Cancer Center Exclusion Criteria: * Not meeting all of the above inclusion criteria for either the case or control group
Where it's running
-
Moffitt Cancer Center
Tampa, Florida, United States Recruiting -
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, Nebraska, United States Recruiting -
University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anna Giuliano, PhD — Moffitt Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Kimberly Isaacs-Soriano
- Email: kimberly.Isaacs-Soriano@moffitt.org
- Phone: 813-745-6992
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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HPV DNA-guided chemoradiation with Retifanlimab for locally advanced anal cancer
This study tests whether adjusting chemoradiation doses based on HPV ctDNA results and adding Retifanlimab after CRT can improve outcomes for adults with new, locally advanced anal cancer.
-
Selective dose reduction of neck radiation in HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer
This trial tests whether lowering radiation doses to certain neck lymph nodes or gross disease areas is safe and can reduce side effects for adults with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.
-
Toripalimab plus standard treatment for HPV-positive throat cancer
This trial tests whether adding toripalimab to chemotherapy followed by surgery or lower-dose radiation can help adults with HPV16-positive, locoregionally advanced oropharyngeal (throat) cancer.
-
Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy with PD-1 blockade to reduce surgery for advanced head and neck cancer
This approach will try a short course of chemotherapy plus the PD-1 drug toripalimab before standard treatment for people with advanced head and neck cancers to shrink tumors and allow less extensive surgery or radiation.
-
15-valent HPV vaccine for people aged 9–45 in China.
This trial will test whether a 15‑valent HPV vaccine is safe and prompts immune responses in people aged 9–45.
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Lidocaine injection before surgery for oropharyngeal cancer
This study tests if giving a lidocaine injection before surgery can help improve outcomes for patients with oropharyngeal cancer.
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.