New endoscopic technique for diagnosing nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Trans-oral Magnifying Endoscopy With Narrow Band Imaging for Screening of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Not applicable Interventional Chinese University of Hong Kong · NCT04593186

This study is testing a new endoscopic method to see if it can help doctors better diagnose nasopharyngeal cancer in patients who have high levels of EBV DNA but had negative results from regular endoscopy.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment246 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexMale
SponsorChinese University of Hong Kong Academic / other
Locations1 site (Hong Kong)
Trial IDNCT04593186 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates a novel trans-oral high definition endoscopic approach using magnifying narrow band imaging (NBI) to improve the diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in patients with elevated plasma EBV DNA but negative results from conventional endoscopy. The aim is to enhance visualization of the nasopharynx, allowing for better identification of lesions that may be missed with traditional methods. By utilizing advanced imaging techniques, the study seeks to reduce unnecessary biopsies and improve diagnostic accuracy in a high-risk patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include males aged 18 and older with positive plasma EBV-DNA results and no cancer detected through conventional investigations.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of nasopharyngeal or oropharyngeal cancer or those with bleeding tendencies may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies using NBI for NPC diagnosis, this specific approach with magnifying endoscopy is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male, age ≥ 18 years old
2. Positive result on plasma EBV-DNA analysis
3. No cancer identified on conventional investigations including nasoendoscopy and MRI

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal cancer
2. Patients on anticoagulation (Including warfarin and other direct oral anti-coagulants)
3. Bleeding tendency (International Normalized Ratio (INR) \> 1.5 or Platelet \< 50 x109/L)
4. Trismus, unable to pass oral endoscope
5. Allergic to local anaesthetic agents (Lignocaine)
6. Failure of vital organ (heart, lungs, liver, or kidneys) function
7. Other conditions deemed unsuitable for endoscopy
8. Refusal to participate, or inability to sign consent for study

Where this trial is running

Hong Kong

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 Nasopharyngeal Carcinomanasopharyngeal carcinoma, Narrow band Imaging, Magnifying endoscopy
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.