Clinical trial Recruiting at 3 sites Observational Ages 18 and up

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.

More Oropharyngeal Cancer trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment400 (estimated)
SponsorH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation
Locations3 sites (Tampa, Florida and 2 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJanuary 22, 2024
Main results expectedJanuary 2029
Study endsJanuary 2029
Registry record updatedSeptember 23, 2026
Trial IDNCT06305676 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

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.