Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 75

Comparing neck observation and elective neck dissection for early-stage oral cancer

Official title: Neck Observation Versus Selective Neck Dissection in Patients With cT1N0M0 Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by Huashan Hospital · NCT06623266 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing whether watching the neck or doing surgery to remove lymph nodes is better for people with early-stage oral cancer in terms of survival and quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
Enrollment300 (estimated)
SponsorHuashan Hospital
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Shanghai)
StatusRecruiting
StartedSeptember 26, 2024
Main results expectedSeptember 30, 2028
Study endsSeptember 30, 2030
Registry record updatedSeptember 21, 2026
Trial IDNCT06623266 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are patients diagnosed with cT1N0M0 oral squamous cell carcinoma located in specific oral sites such as the tongue, gingiva, or floor of the mouth.

Probably not a fit

Patients with multiple lesions, previous neck dissection, or a history of head and neck radiotherapy may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the outcomes of two different approaches for managing the neck in patients with early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Participants will undergo surgical resection of the primary tumor, with one group receiving elective neck dissection and the other group receiving neck observation. The study aims to assess the rates of lymph node metastasis, disease-free survival, overall survival, and quality of life over a two-year period. A total of 300 patients will be recruited for this trial, with equal distribution between the two treatment arms.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help determine the most effective neck management strategy for patients with early-stage oral cancer, potentially reducing unnecessary surgeries and improving quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have suggested that elective neck dissection may not improve survival in similar patient populations, indicating that this trial could provide valuable insights into neck management strategies.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Tumor site: tongue, gingiva, buccal mucosa, floor of mouth, hard palate, retromolar eara
* Clinical stage is cT1N0M0 (AJCC 8th edition)
* Pathological diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma
* Sign the informed consent form

Exclusion Criteria:

* More than 2 lesions found in the oral cavity
* Known history of malignant tumor within five years (unless the patient has undergone curative treatment and there is no disease recurrence within 5 years since the start of treatment)
* History of unilateral or bilateral neck dissection in the past
* History of previous head and neck radiotherapy
* Pregnant or lactating women
* Severe, uncontrolled infection or known HIV infection; or previous organ transplantation, stem cell or bone marrow transplantation
* Participated in other clinical studies within 30 days before enrollment
* Other circumstances that the researcher considers unsuitable for participation in the study

Where it's running

  • Huashan Hospital, Fudan University
    Shanghai, China
    Recruiting

Study contacts

  • Principal investigator: Lai-ping Zhong, MD, PhD — Huashan Hospital
  • Study coordinator: Lai-ping Zhong, MD, PhD
  • Email: zhonglp@hotmail.com
  • Phone: +862152888915

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.