Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Summary
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is a blood-based test that measures dying or dead cancer cells that are already circulating in the blood. In this study, the investigators will enroll patients who are planning to receive surgery to remove their head and neck cancer. The investigators are interested to learn how ctDNA levels change with surgery and over the course of time. The investigators also want to determine if there are certain features of the tumor or the patient themselves that might cause ctDNA to be higher than other patients. Also, the investigators want to explore if the detection of ctDNA following surgery is related to cancer recurrence.
Description
The investigators will take a piece of the tumor from the surgery and determine if they can identify mutations, or changes in the genetic makeup of the cells due to cancer, that are specific to the tumor. Based on this information, the investigators will design a test using PCR, which is a technology that allows for the amplification of the DNA, that is specific to the mutation identified in the tumor. Once verified, the presence (or absence) of ctDNA in the blood can be measured. The investigators will measure this blood test prior to surgery and at multiple time points following surgery. Spe…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Written informed consent obtained to participate in the study and HIPAA authorization for release of personal health information. Consent for the use of any residual material from biopsy and/or surgical resection (archival tissue) and serial blood draws will be required for enrollment. * Age ≥ 18 years of age on day of signing informed consent * Newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including the following subtypes: oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx * Must be planning to undergo gross total resection of the primary tumor wi…
Interventions
- OtherBlood and tumor samples
Blood samples to be obtained at consent, post-operatively, post-adjuvant treatment, and at follow-up or recurrence. Tumor samples to be obtained at surgery and at time of recurrence or post-treatment biopsy, if applicable.
Location
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel Hill, North Carolina