Improving jaw reconstruction for oral cancer patients using virtual planning

Virtual Preplanning of Mandibular Reconstruction (ViPMR): a Phase III Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Phase2; Phase3 Interventional University of British Columbia · NCT05429099

This study is testing if using virtual planning for jaw surgery can help oral cancer patients heal better and have a better quality of life compared to traditional surgery methods.

Quick facts

PhasePhase2; Phase3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment420 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of British Columbia Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Vancouver, British Columbia)
Trial IDNCT05429099 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial evaluates the effectiveness of Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP) compared to traditional Free-Hand Surgery (FHS) for patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction due to oral cavity cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either VSP or FHS, and their outcomes will be assessed through postoperative CT scans at 12 months to compare bony union rates. Additionally, the study will analyze other complications, reconstruction accuracy, quality of life, and functional outcomes, along with an economic evaluation of VSP. The goal is to determine if VSP can improve surgical results and patient experiences.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 with a primary diagnosis requiring mandibulectomy and reconstructive surgery using fibular or scapular free flaps.

Not a fit: Patients with severe comorbidities, recent head or neck cancer history, or those who are pregnant or lactating may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to better surgical outcomes and improved quality of life for patients undergoing jaw reconstruction.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with Virtual Surgical Planning in surgical procedures, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* primary diagnosis requiring mandibulectomy and fibular or scapular free flap reconstructive surgery
* are over the age of 18
* cognitive ability and language skills that allow participation in the trial
* provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* severe comorbidities including metastatic disease
* do not have a recent (within 30 days) CT scan and are unable/unwilling to receive a head CT scan at the latest 6 days prior to surgery
* prior history of head or neck cancer within last 5 years
* prior history of head or neck radiation treatment at any time
* pregnant of lactating women

Where this trial is running

Vancouver, British Columbia

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 CancerMandibular Reconstruction
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.