RecruitingNot Applicable

NIDCD Otolaryngology Clinical Protocol Biospecimen Bank

United States1,000 participantsStarted 2024-03-04

Plain-language summary

Background: Many disorders of the head and neck can affect a person s hearing; balance; smell; taste; swallowing; voice; or speech. These disorders include cancers and genetic and inflammatory diseases. To find better ways to diagnose and treat these disorders, researchers need to study tissues and other biological samples from people who have them. Objective: To collect biological samples for a repository that will be used for research. Eligibility: People of any age with a disorder of the head and neck that requires the taking of biological samples. The conditions may be any that affect hearing; balance; smell; taste; swallowing; voice; or speech. Design: Part 1: Participants will give permission for their leftover tissue samples to be used for research. These are tissue samples from the head and neck that were collected in the course of routine tests and care or other research studies. Information on each participant s age, diagnosis, and previous treatments will also be collected. Part 2: Some participants may be asked for more samples. All those aged 3 years or older will have a physical exam. They will provide blood and saliva samples. A cotton swab or brush will be used to collect cells from the inside of the cheek. Participants 18 years or older may have additional tests. They may provide nasal secretions: A piece of gelfoam or a sponge will be placed in the nose to soak up secretions for 5 to 10 minutes. They may have biopsies: Small samples of tissue will be cut from the skin and the tissue lining the mouth. Samples may be used for genetic testing.

Who can participate

Age range

3 Years – 99 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.

* INCLUSION CRITERIA In order to be eligible to participate in this study, an individual must meet all of the following criteria: * Ability to provide their own consent, or for minors, a parent or guardian is able to consent on their behalf. * Ability of subject (or Legally Authorized Representative (LAR) to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. * Have a hearing, balance, smell, taste, voice, speech or language condition for which the subject is under clinical care or research purposes under a separate Review Board (IRB) approved protocol; OR be a healthy volunteer aged at least 3 years, enrolled on an approved research protocol. EXCLUSION CRITERIA An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study: * Have active symptomatic major organ disorders that would increase the risk of biopsy for research, including but not limited to bleeding disorders, ischemic heart disease, a recent myocardial infarction, active congestive heart failure or severe pulmonary dysfunction * Have specific medical condition, such as a bleeding tendency where additional biopsies or phlebotomy procedures may increase the subjects risk in participating. This will be determined at the discretion of the principal investigator.

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.

What they're measuring

To create a biorepository of diseased and normal tissue specimens for research purposes.

Timeframe: Ongoing

Trial details

NCT IDNCT06303180

SponsorNational Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD)

Sponsor typeNIH

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2033-12-30

Contact for this trial

Maame S Akumatey

(227) 233-0452 maame.akumatey@nih.gov

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