Clinical trial Recruiting at 2 sites Interventional Ages 18 and up

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 typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment150 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity College, London
Academic / other
Locations2 sites (London and 1 other locations)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 7, 2022
Main results expectedJanuary 2027
Study endsJanuary 2027
Registry record updatedSeptember 19, 2024
Trial IDNCT04498221 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

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.