The RESCUE study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Survival and functional outcomes following salvage surgery for RESidual or reCurrent sqUamous cEll carcinoma of the head and neck
IRAS ID
319983
Contact name
Andrew Williamson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Clinical Research Performance & Quality
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Head and neck cancer is the 8th most common cancer in the United Kingdom. In most cases, it can be managed successfully with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy. Unfortunately, many patients will experience residual (<12months), recurrent (>12months), or new primary cancers following radiation treatment. When this occurs, the treatment is surgical, however, salvage surgery is often extensive and disfiguring, and little high-quality data exists on the outcomes of these operations.\n\nWe will conduct both a retrospective and prospective study of patients >18 years old presenting with advanced recurrent or residual H&N cancer who are suitable for an open salvage operation. We aim to measure the proportion of patients undergoing surgery and the survival outcomes in these patients. \n\nWe will also assess functional and quality of life outcomes with validated questionnaires. Additionally, we will use blood, saliva and tissue samples to attempt to ascertain why some tumours are more prone to recurrence than others.\n\nMost information will be taken from clinical records and will not require any further patient input. In patients who complete the quality-of-life questionnaires and have their tissue examined, informed consent will be sought, and timing of the questionnaires will coincide with their routine follow-up. The prospective and molecular studies will be conducted over three years to achieve a sufficient period of follow-up.
REC name
West Midlands - Edgbaston Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/WM/0051
Date of REC Opinion
13 Apr 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion