Comparing gross examinations and frozen sections for surgical margins in oral cancers

Intra-operative Gross Examination Versus Frozen Section for Achievement of Adequate Margin in Patients Undergoing Surgery for Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Not applicable Interventional Tata Memorial Centre · NCT04809324

This study is testing whether using frozen section analysis during surgery helps patients with oral cancer have better outcomes compared to just looking at the tissue with the naked eye.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment1206 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorTata Memorial Centre Academic / other
Locations3 sites (Mumbai, Maharashtra and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04809324 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of gross examination versus frozen section analysis for assessing surgical margins in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC). It aims to determine whether the use of frozen section, which is often employed to ensure adequate margins during surgery, actually improves oncological outcomes compared to gross examination alone. The study will include treatment-naïve patients scheduled for curative surgery and will assess the cost-effectiveness of frozen section procedures in resource-limited settings. The findings could provide insights into the best practices for surgical management of OCSCC.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are treatment-naïve adults over 18 years old with biopsy-proven OCSCC planned for curative surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with multifocal disease or those who have previously received treatment for oral cavity cancer may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective surgical practices and potentially better outcomes for patients with oral cavity cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding the effectiveness of frozen section analysis in improving surgical outcomes, indicating that this approach is still under investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Biopsy proven treatment naïve cases of OCSCC who are planned for curative surgery with en-bloc removal of the tumor with adequate margin
2. In detail assessment of the primary tumor is possible pre-operatively
3. Written informed consent
4. Age more than 18 years

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Multifocal disease
2. Clinically evident field cancerization
3. Previous treatment for oral cavity cancer - Surgery /chemo or radiotherapy -

Where this trial is running

Mumbai, Maharashtra and 2 other locations

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.
Conditions Oral Cavity CancerOral squamous Cell carcinomafrozen sectionlocal recurrence
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.