RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Head and Neck Early Relapse Detection Study (HERD)

Head and neck cancer can sometimes come back after treatment, often within the first two years. When it does, finding it early is key to successful follow-up treatment, like surgery. Doctors need better ways to spot these early signs, as current methods sometimes find the cancer too late. This study, called HERD, is looking into new ways to monitor patients, using a combination of health information, blood, and saliva tests. The goal is to develop a more personalised monitoring plan, where early changes in these tests could trigger further checks, helping catch cancer recurrence sooner. This could lead to better outcomes for patients and improve their chances of long-term survival.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University College, London

Enrolment target

200

Start

12 Jul 2023

Estimated completion

15 Jul 2026

Head and Neck Cancer

What is this study about?

This study, called HERD (Head and Neck Early Relapse Detection), is focused on a type of cancer that affects the head and neck. While many people are successfully treated, unfortunately, about half of them will see their cancer return within two years, most often in the first year after initial treatment.

When head and neck cancer comes back, it frequently does so in the same area it started. If caught early enough, a second operation can be very effective, significantly improving the chances of long-term survival. However, our current ways of monitoring patients aren't always designed to catch these recurrences at their earliest, most treatable stage. Often, by the time symptoms appear, it might be too late for this potentially life-saving surgery.

This study aims to change that. We want to develop a more effective and personalised way to monitor patients after their initial treatment. We'll be looking at various pieces of information, including immune system markers, genetic details, and other health characteristics, to understand who might be at higher risk of their cancer returning. By studying these factors, alongside new non-invasive tests using blood and saliva, we hope to create a better early warning system. This could mean that if signs of cancer returning are detected early from these tests, further checks can be done quickly, giving patients the best possible chance for successful treatment.

Key takeaways

Head and neck cancer can sometimes return after initial treatment.
Finding recurrence early is crucial for successful follow-up treatment.
This study aims to develop better, more personalized early detection methods.
It involves looking at blood, saliva, and other health information.
The goal is to improve patient survival by catching recurrence sooner.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or over who have recently been diagnosed with a specific type of head and neck cancer that is considered intermediate or high risk. You must be planned to have or have just started your main treatment, which could include surgery, radiotherapy, or chemotherapy.

There are certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your head and neck cancer is linked to a virus called HPV, or if you have another type of cancer at the same time. You also wouldn't be able to take part if the cancer has already spread to distant parts of your body, or if you have certain infections like Hepatitis B, C, or HIV.

Finally, if you have medical conditions that prevent you from having an MRI scan, such as a pacemaker or certain metal implants, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, then unfortunately you wouldn't be able to participate.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a specific type of head and neck cancer (not HPV-related)?
Are you currently undergoing or about to start main treatment for your cancer?
Do you have any other types of cancer?
Are you able to have an MRI scan?
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study will involve you being monitored closely after your initial head and neck cancer treatment. You will be asked to provide some blood and saliva samples at different times during your follow-up period. The researchers will also collect information about your health, your treatment, and the characteristics of your cancer. The exact number of visits and the full duration of your participation will be discussed with you, but the aim is to gather enough information from 200 participants to develop a new monitoring plan. There are no new medications involved in this study; it focuses on improving how we detect cancer recurrence.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially help improve early detection methods for head and neck cancer recurrence, benefiting future patients. While there isn't a direct personal benefit guaranteed, the information gained might help doctors catch any returning cancer in you earlier than traditional methods, leading to more timely and effective treatment. The main risks involve the discomfort of regular blood and saliva tests, and the time commitment for study visits. There's also the chance that an abnormality found through the study's experimental tests might lead to further investigations that turn out to be unnecessary. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Guy's and St Thomas'
Verified postcode
London, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is head and neck cancer?

It's a type of cancer that starts in the mouth, throat, voice box, or other areas of the head and neck.

Why is early detection important for this type of cancer?

If head and neck cancer comes back, finding it early significantly increases the chances of successful follow-up treatments, like surgery, and can improve long-term survival.

What will I have to do in this study?

You'll provide blood and saliva samples at different times, and doctors will collect information about your health and treatment.

Will I get new medicines in this study?

No, this study is not testing new treatments or medications. It's focused on finding better ways to detect cancer recurrence.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time, and it won't affect your ongoing medical care.

How to find out more

Trial Manager

ncita.herd@ucl.ac.uk 02076709274 Official trial record

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