Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase1; Phase2 Interventional Ages 18 and up

Imiquimod cream for oral dysplasia

Official title: Topical Imiquimod for the Treatment of Oral Dysplastic Lesions With Clinical and Histologic Assessments

Run by University of Southern California · NCT07210775 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This trial will test whether applying 5% imiquimod cream inside the mouth can shrink precancerous oral dysplasia and reduce abnormal cells in adults who cannot or do not want surgery.

Quick facts

PhasePhase1; Phase2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment20 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Southern California
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Los Angeles, California)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 1, 2025
Main results expectedOctober 1, 2027
Study endsOctober 1, 2027
Registry record updatedMarch 4, 2026
Trial IDNCT07210775 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults (18+) with biopsy-proven oral epithelial dysplasia who are ineligible for or decline excisional/laser therapy and can complete informed consent are ideal candidates.

Probably not a fit

Patients whose lesions clearly require excisional surgery, immunocompromised individuals, and those under 18 are unlikely to benefit from this topical approach.

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

What this trial studies

Adults with biopsy-proven oral epithelial dysplasia who are ineligible for or decline surgical or laser removal will apply topical 5% imiquimod cream to their oral lesions. The study combines Phase 1 safety and feasibility objectives with Phase 2 measures of lesion size and tissue change, and includes two follow-up biopsies after treatment to document histologic response. Investigators will monitor for local side effects and practical issues with intraoral application to refine a safe, usable regimen. The goal is to determine whether topical therapy can be a non-surgical option for managing dysplastic oral lesions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide a non-surgical way to shrink lesions and reduce abnormal cells, possibly lowering the risk of progression to cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Small case series and pilot reports of topical immune modulators for mucosal or skin precancerous lesions have shown promise, but well-controlled evidence specifically for oral dysplasia is limited.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* The patient has a biopsy-proven diagnosis of oral epithelial dysplasia.
* The patient is ineligible for or unwilling to undergo surgical or laser therapy.
* The patient is over 18 years old.
* The patient agrees to join the study and completes the informed consent process.

Exclusion Criteria:

* The patient has OL, and excisional surgical removal is indicated.
* The patient is immunocompromised.
* The patient is under 18 years old.
* The patient refused to join the study or did not complete the informed consent process.

Where it's running

  • OralCare PreCancer and Pain Clinic
    Los Angeles, California, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

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.