Using blood tests to detect HPV-related throat cancer

A Study of Using Plasma Circulating Cell Free Human Papillomavirus Deoxyribonucleic Acid to Screen (cf HPV DNA) for HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer

Observational Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT05814549

This study is testing if a blood test can help find HPV-related throat cancer earlier in people aged 45 and older who have certain sexual histories.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment600 (estimated)
Ages45 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations7 sites (Basking Ridge, New Jersey and 6 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05814549 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a blood test called NavDx® in detecting HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) by identifying circulating HPV DNA in the bloodstream. Participants will be individuals aged 45 and older with a specific sexual history, and the study will assess whether this blood test can lead to earlier detection of cancer. The research focuses on those without a prior diagnosis of HPV-related head and neck cancer, making it a targeted approach to identifying at-risk individuals.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 45 and older with a history of multiple sexual partners and oral sexual activity.

Not a fit: Patients with a previous diagnosis of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer or those younger than 45 may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enable earlier detection of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of blood tests for cancer detection is an emerging field, this specific approach using HPV DNA testing for oropharyngeal cancer is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ages 45 and older
* Self-reported history of four or more lifetime sexual partners
* Self-reported history of one or more lifetime oral sexual partner
* No previous history of diagnosed HPV-related head and neck cancer

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of diagnosed HPV-related OPC
* Less than three sexual partners in lifetime
* No history of oral sex performed
* Younger than age 45

Where this trial is running

Basking Ridge, New Jersey and 6 other locations

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.
Conditions Oropharyngeal CancerHPV-Related CarcinomaHPV Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell CarcinomaHPV-Related Oropharyngeal CancerHuman PapillomavirusCell Free Human Papillomavirus Deoxyribonucleic Acidcf HPV DNA22-234
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.