Study of a Liquid Biopsy Platform to Predict Outcomes in Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer Using NK Cell and Circulating Tumor Emboli Analysis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the role of circulating tumor emboli CTM and natural killer NK cell activity in patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This observational study aims to assess how CTM and the immune cells within them relate to patient outcomes and treatment effectiveness, focusing on a Taiwanese population with distinct risk factors like betel nut use. The study seeks to improve understanding of tumor microenvironment changes and their impact on prognosis under various treatments. Participants will receive their usual care from their primary doctors while researchers collect blood samples to analyze circulating tumor cells, CTM clusters, and NK cell composition using a microfluidic liquid biopsy platform called the DS-SACA chip. The study does not involve administering treatments but observes patients receiving different therapies. The goal is to correlate these biological markers with clinical data to help predict progression and survival. During the study, participants will provide blood samples for detailed analyses of tumor and immune cells. Researchers will monitor progression-free survival and overall survival for up to 60 months to evaluate correlations with the biomarkers. Medical records and clinical outcomes will be reviewed to support these assessments. The study includes adults aged 20 years and older with measurable recurrent or metastatic tumors who can provide informed consent and cooperate with blood sampling procedures.

Establishment of a Microfluidic Based Liquid Biopsy Platform for Recurrent/Metastatic Head and Neck Cancers Prognostication Using NK Cell IFN-γ Expression and CTM Correlation With DS-SACA Chip