TROPICCANA: A new blood test to monitor treatment in patients with cervical cancer
The TROPICCANA study is looking into a new blood test, called HPV-detect, for people with cervical cancer. About 3,000 people in the UK get cervical cancer each year, often treated with radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy. After treatment, scans are used to check if the cancer has gone, but sometimes results are unclear, causing worry. This new blood test, developed by researchers at The Royal Marsden Hospital and The Institute of Cancer Research, looks for tiny fragments of HPV DNA that cervical cancers release into the blood. If these fragments aren't found after treatment, it could mean the cancer has cleared. The study aims to confirm if HPV-detect can accurately show that no cancer remains and detect any return of the cancer earlier than current methods.
At a glance
What is this study about?
When someone is diagnosed with cervical cancer that can't be removed by surgery, the usual treatment involves radiotherapy, sometimes combined with chemotherapy. After treatment, a few months later, doctors use MRI and PET/CT scans to check if the cancer has gone completely. While these scans often give good news, sometimes it's hard to be certain that all the cancer has disappeared. This can understandably be a worrying time for patients and might lead to more tests or even further procedures.
Researchers at The Royal Marsden Hospital and The Institute of Cancer Research have developed a new blood test called HPV-detect. We know that most cervical cancers are caused by a virus called HPV, and these cancers release tiny bits of HPV DNA into the bloodstream. This new test can find these tiny DNA fragments. Early research has shown that if these HPV DNA fragments are not found in the blood after treatment, it's a good sign that the cancer has not come back.
The TROPICCANA study wants to further investigate if this HPV-detect blood test can reliably confirm that the cancer has gone away after radiotherapy and chemotherapy. It also aims to see if it can spot if the cancer returns earlier than our current methods, like physical checks and annual scans. Currently, we rely on these methods, but a more reliable and earlier detection tool could be very helpful for patients.
Key takeaways
- Tests a new blood test (HPV-detect) for cervical cancer.
- Aims to confirm if cancer is gone after treatment and detect recurrence sooner.
- Involves providing blood and existing tissue samples, no extra treatments.
- For adults with locally advanced cervical cancer receiving chemoradiation.
- No direct personal benefit, but could help future patients.
- Study runs from January 2026 to July 2030.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with a specific type of cervical cancer that is known to be linked to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). Participants will need to be receiving radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy as their treatment.
To join, your treatment and follow-up must be happening at the same hospital or healthcare centre that is part of this study. You also need to be able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part by giving your informed consent. This study isn't for people who have had another serious illness in the past two years, apart from certain skin cancers or very early-stage cervical changes.
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 over?
- Do you have cervical cancer caused by HPV?
- Are you planned to receive radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for your cancer?
- Will you receive all your treatment and follow-up at the same hospital?
- Can you understand the study information and agree to take part?
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in the TROPICCANA study, you won't need any extra screening tests, treatments, or hospital visits beyond your usual care. The main thing you'll be asked to do is give blood samples. You'll give one blood sample before your treatment starts, and then up to eight more during your treatment and follow-up appointments. We will also ask for samples of the original tumour collected from your cervix when you were diagnosed, as well as any other tissue samples that are routinely taken after your treatment. The study is expected to run from January 2026 to July 2030, but your individual participation would last for the duration of your treatment and follow-up period.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation TrustUnverifiedLondon, England
Common questions
What is the main goal of the TROPICCANA study?
The main goal is to see if a new blood test called HPV-detect can accurately tell if cervical cancer has gone after treatment and find out if it comes back earlier than current methods.
Will I get any extra treatments if I join this study?
No, this study does not involve any extra treatments, screening tests, or additional hospital visits beyond your normal care for cervical cancer.
What do I need to do if I participate?
You will be asked to give blood samples before, during, and after your treatment, and to allow researchers to use tissue samples already collected during your diagnosis and treatment.
Who is funding this research?
The TROPICCANA study is funded by the Lady Garden Foundation and the CRUK RM/ICR RadNet Centre.
Will taking part benefit me directly?
While there isn't a direct personal benefit to you right now, your participation could help improve future care for other people with cervical cancer.
How to find out more
Agnieszka Niebrzydowska
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Discussion
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