RecruitingObservational

Tissue and therapy assignment in cancers of unknown primary

Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) means cancer cells have spread in your body, but doctors cannot pinpoint where the disease first started. Knowing the original site helps doctors select the best possible treatments. This study in Sussex aims to improve how CUP is diagnosed and treated. Researchers will look at small pieces of tumour tissue that have already been collected during your routine biopsies or surgery. They will run detailed genetic tests on the tissue and use artificial intelligence computer programs to try to identify the cancer's starting point. Taking part will not involve any extra hospital visits, extra needles, or changes to your current NHS care. While joining will not directly change your own treatment plan, the results could help doctors give more accurate diagnoses and targeted therapies to people facing CUP in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Sussex

Enrolment target

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

31 May 2027

Cancers of unknown primary (CUP)

What is this study about?

When cancer develops, it usually starts in a specific organ, such as the lungs or bowel, and can sometimes spread to other areas. In some cases, doctors find a secondary tumour, but routine scans cannot locate where it first began. This is called a Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP). Because the most effective cancer treatments are designed for the specific organ where the disease started, not knowing the original source can make choosing the right medicine challenging.

This study, run by researchers at the University of Sussex alongside local NHS trusts, aims to solve this puzzle. The team will examine tumour samples that doctors have already removed during routine biopsies or surgeries. By reading the unique genetic code of these cancer cells and running the data through advanced artificial intelligence tools, scientists hope to trace the cancer back to its true starting point. They also want to identify which specific targeted medicines might work best against these tumour genetics.

Because this project uses tissue that has already been taken for your standard care, you will not need to undergo any extra procedures. Taking part will not change the treatment you receive today, but the knowledge gained could lead to faster diagnoses and more personalised, effective care for future cancer patients across the UK.

Key takeaways

The study investigates whether AI and genetic testing can pinpoint where Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) first started.
Participation requires no extra clinic visits, needles, or medical procedures.
Researchers only use tumour tissue and information collected during your routine NHS appointments.
Taking part will not change your current treatment plan, but it could help future cancer patients.
Joining is completely voluntary, and your personal data will always be kept anonymous.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults aged 18 and older who are receiving cancer care at hospitals within the University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust or East Sussex NHS Foundation Trust. To be considered, your care team must suspect or confirm that you have a Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) or a malignancy of unknown origin. You must be well enough to carry out daily tasks independently for most of the day.

You can only join if you have already had, or are scheduled to have, a routine biopsy or surgery where a small piece of tumour tissue is safely stored and available for the research team to look at.

People cannot take part if tests have already clearly identified where the cancer started and revealed a standard treatment plan. You are also not eligible if you have a known infection with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or HIV, as the laboratories cannot safely process these samples for this particular project.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 18 or over.
I am being treated for suspected or confirmed Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP) in a Sussex NHS hospital.
I have had, or am scheduled to have, a routine tumour biopsy or surgery.
I am generally well enough to manage my day-to-day activities.
I do not have a known diagnosis of HIV, hepatitis B, or hepatitis C.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study is very straightforward because it fits around your normal NHS care. There are no extra hospital visits, extra blood tests, or additional procedures required. You simply give written permission for the researchers to study small pieces of tumour tissue that your surgical team has already removed, or plans to remove, as part of your standard tests.

The research team will also look at anonymised details from your medical records, including your scan results, diagnosis, and how you respond to your usual treatments. Anonymised means your name and private details are completely removed so the research team cannot identify you. You will continue with your standard cancer treatments exactly as planned by your doctor. The study runs from June 2026 to May 2028, and you can ask to receive a summary of what the researchers learn once the study finishes.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no physical risks or extra discomfort from taking part because the researchers only use tissue samples that your doctors collected during your routine medical care. It is unlikely that you will experience any direct medical benefit, as the computer tools are still being tested and will not be used to direct your personal care. However, your involvement could help doctors develop more accurate tests and better treatments for future patients with CUP. Joining the study is completely voluntary, and you are free to change your mind and withdraw at any time without your medical care or legal rights being affected.

Locations (3)

Royal Sussex County Hospital
Approximate
Brighton, England
Worthing Hospital
Approximate
Worthing, England
Eastbourne District General Hospital
Approximate
Eastbourne, England

Common questions

Will taking part change my current cancer treatment?

No. Your NHS medical team will continue to make all decisions about your treatment as usual. The computer tools in this study are still being evaluated, so they will not be used to choose your medicines.

Do I need to have an extra biopsy or surgery to join?

No. The researchers only use leftover tissue that was already collected during your standard hospital tests or planned surgeries.

Will my personal data and identity stay private?

Yes. Any medical notes or test results shared with the university researchers will be anonymised, meaning all details that could identify you are removed.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can withdraw your consent at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your standard NHS care in any way.

Will I find out the results of the research?

Yes, you can request a plain-English summary of the study findings once the research project is finished.

How to find out more

Frances Pearl

f.pearl@sussex.ac.uk +44 (0)1273 876631 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.