CompletedNot Applicable

Analysis of Tumor Tissue and Lymph Nodes Surgically Removed From Patients With Cancers of the Head and Neck

United States530 participantsStarted 1996-04-30

Plain-language summary

RATIONALE: Diagnostic procedures, such as analysis of tumor tissue and lymph nodes that have been surgically removed, may improve the treatment of patients with cancers of the head and neck. PURPOSE: Diagnostic trial to determine if analyzing tumor tissue and lymph nodes surgically removed from patients with cancers of the head and neck can predict recurrence of the cancer.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 120 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: * Diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract (excluding the nasopharynx) for which curative resection is scheduled * Recurrent disease allowed if resectable * Patients with clinically and histologically proven stage N0-1 neck disease who are undergoing dissection are eligible for analysis of occult nodal disease * No distant metastasis PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: * 18 and over Performance status: * Not specified Life expectancy: * Not specified Hematopoietic: * Not specified Hepatic: * Not specified Renal: * Not specified Other: * No other malignancy within the past 5 years except nonmelanomatous skin cancer or lymphoma PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: * Not specified Chemotherapy: * Prior limited chemotherapy to the index lesion allowed Endocrine therapy: * Not specified Radiotherapy: * Prior limited radiotherapy to the index lesion allowed Surgery: * See Disease Characteristics * Prior limited surgery to the index lesion allowed

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00002695

SponsorECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group

Sponsor typeNETWORK

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2002-10-18

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Head and Neck Cancer trials