Evaluating tissue oxygenation in head and neck cancer patients using advanced imaging technology

Non-invasive Preoperative Donor-site Evaluation of Free Flaps in Head and Neck Tumor Patients Using Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT)

Observational University of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School · NCT06716892

This study is testing a new imaging technology to see if it can help understand oxygen levels in tissues of head and neck cancer patients compared to healthy people, which could lead to better surgical results.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Erlangen-Nürnberg Medical School Academic / other
Locations1 site (Erlangen, Bavaria)
Trial IDNCT06716892 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the use of Multispectral Optoacoustic Tomography (MSOT) to assess tissue oxygenation in patients with head and neck cancer compared to healthy individuals. By scanning various body areas commonly used for reconstructive surgery, the study aims to identify differences in muscle oxygenation that may indicate compromised tissue perfusion in cancer patients. The research will involve both cohorts to explore the impact of conditions like smoking on tissue health. The findings could help improve surgical outcomes for reconstructive procedures.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with head and neck cancer as well as healthy adults.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have chronic alcohol and nicotine abuse may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance preoperative evaluations and improve surgical outcomes for patients undergoing reconstructive surgery.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of MSOT is a relatively novel approach, similar imaging technologies have shown promise in evaluating tissue perfusion in other contexts.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Cohort 1: Histopathological diagnosed head and neck tumor patients.
* Cohort 2: Healthy adults.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnancy / breastfeeding
* ink / tattoo in the areas of interest (upper back, distal forearm, upper and lower leg)
* missing consent form
* Cohort 2: Chronical abuse of alcohol and nicotine.

Where this trial is running

Erlangen, Bavaria

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 Head and Neck CancerHealthyMSOTHead and neck cancerhealthyflap surgerygraftperfusion
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.