Comparing dual-energy CT and MRI for staging oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

Dual-energy CT vs. MRI in the Evaluation of Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Oral Cavity and Oropharynx

University Hospital, Strasbourg, France · NCT07343271

This will test whether 40 keV dual-energy CT can replace a contrast-enhanced neck and facial MRI for staging adults with oral or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Strasbourg, France (other)
Locations1 site (Strasbourg)
Trial IDNCT07343271 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study compares 40 keV dual-energy CT (with the BOLT maneuver) to standard contrast-enhanced cervicofacial MRI for determining TNM stage in adults with oral or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Eligible participants have biopsy-proven disease and undergo both imaging exams as part of their pre-therapeutic workup. Imaging results will be compared to determine concordance and to test non-inferiority of DECT relative to MRI for tumor and nodal staging. If DECT proves non-inferior, it could shorten the pre-treatment imaging pathway and reduce reliance on MRI resources.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18) with biopsy-confirmed oral or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma who have had an ENT nasofibroscopy and both a contrast-enhanced cervicofacial MRI and contrast-enhanced DECT with the BOLT maneuver.

Not a fit: Patients with non-squamous tumors, lesions located on the lip (labial), or with contraindications to MRI or CT are unlikely to benefit from replacing MRI with DECT.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could avoid an additional MRI, get staged faster, begin treatment sooner, and free up limited MRI slots.

How similar studies have performed: Smaller studies have suggested dual-energy CT can improve soft-tissue contrast in head and neck cancer, but direct non-inferiority to MRI for TNM staging is not yet established.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patient (≥18 years)
* presenting with oral or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma proven by histopathological analysis of a biopsy
* having undergone a clinical examination with nasofibroscopy by an ENT surgeon specializing in cancer surgery
* a contrast-enhanced cervicofacial MRI
* and a contrast-enhanced cervicofacial DECT with BOLT maneuver.

Exclusion Criteria:

* A lesion other than oral or oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
* A labial location
* A contraindication to performing one or both of the imaging examinations.

Where this trial is running

Strasbourg

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma, TNM stage of the tumor

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.