Mapping lymph nodes in oropharyngeal cancer patients
Official title: Prospective, Multi-Centre, Phase II Validation Study for a Lymphatic Imaging Protocol in Establishing Drainage Patterns in Patients With Oropharyngeal Cancer
Run by University College, London · NCT04498221 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to find important lymph nodes in patients with oropharyngeal cancer to see if it can help doctors make better treatment choices and avoid unnecessary side effects.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 150 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University College, London Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (London and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 7, 2022 |
| Main results expected | January 2027 |
| Study ends | January 2027 |
| Registry record updated | September 19, 2024 |
| Trial ID | NCT04498221 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 or over with a new diagnosis of oropharyngeal cancer and unilateral metastatic nodes.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with suspicious bilateral nodes, previous neck surgery or radiotherapy, or those with distant metastasis will 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 study evaluates a new imaging and surgical protocol for identifying sentinel nodes in patients with oropharyngeal cancer, aiming to improve treatment decisions. It involves a two-stage process where a radioactive tracer is injected into the tumor to enhance the accuracy of sentinel node biopsy. By determining whether cancer has spread to the other side of the neck, the study seeks to reduce unnecessary treatments and their associated side effects. The study is conducted across multiple centers to validate the effectiveness of this new approach compared to the current gold standard.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more precise treatment decisions, reducing unnecessary surgeries and improving patient quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using sentinel node biopsy for various cancers, suggesting potential success for this approach in oropharyngeal cancer.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18 or over * New diagnosis of OPC - all anatomical subsites and HPV status accepted * Unilateral metastatic nodes equating to AJCC TNM8 clinical staging N1-N2b for P16 negative and N1 for P16 positive patients. Exclusion Criteria: * Suspicious bilateral nodes on imaging * Previous radiotherapy or surgery to the neck * Second primary oropharyngeal tumours * Distant metastasis (e.g. lung, bone) * Pregnancy and lactation * Inability to give informed consent * Allergy to lymphatic tracers
Where it's running
-
St George's University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
London, United Kingdom Recruiting -
University College Hospital
London, United Kingdom Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Clare Schilling — University College, London
- Study coordinator: Trial Manager
- Email: ncita.looc@ucl.ac.uk
- Phone: 02076799274
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Selective dose reduction of neck radiation in HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer
This trial tests whether lowering radiation doses to certain neck lymph nodes or gross disease areas is safe and can reduce side effects for adults with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer.
-
Toripalimab plus standard treatment for HPV-positive throat cancer
This trial tests whether adding toripalimab to chemotherapy followed by surgery or lower-dose radiation can help adults with HPV16-positive, locoregionally advanced oropharyngeal (throat) cancer.
-
Neoadjuvant chemoimmunotherapy with PD-1 blockade to reduce surgery for advanced head and neck cancer
This approach will try a short course of chemotherapy plus the PD-1 drug toripalimab before standard treatment for people with advanced head and neck cancers to shrink tumors and allow less extensive surgery or radiation.
-
Lidocaine injection before surgery for oropharyngeal cancer
This study tests if giving a lidocaine injection before surgery can help improve outcomes for patients with oropharyngeal cancer.
-
Image-guided proton therapy for advanced head and neck cancer
This study is testing a new way to use proton therapy combined with chemotherapy to see if it can safely deliver a higher dose to treat advanced head and neck cancer while protecting healthy tissue.
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Using circulating tumor DNA to tailor post-surgery treatment for HPV-related throat cancer
This study is testing if adjusting cancer treatment based on blood tests for HPV DNA can help people with throat cancer after surgery feel better and improve their outcomes.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.