Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 21 to 75

Selective neck dissection (levels I–IV) vs. modified neck dissection (levels I–V) in oral cavity cancer with a positive neck

Official title: Extent of Neck Treatment in Clinically N1 Oral Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Run by Kolhapur Cancer Centre - Cancer Centers of America · NCT07717307 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This trial tests whether a less extensive neck surgery can control cancer as well as the standard broader surgery in patients with one involved neck node from oral cavity cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages21 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
Enrollment80 (estimated)
SponsorKolhapur Cancer Centre - Cancer Centers of America
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Kolhāpur, Maharashtra)
StatusRecruiting
StartedAugust 1, 2026
Main results expectedApril 22, 2031
Study endsApril 23, 2031
Registry record updatedAugust 4, 2026
Trial IDNCT07717307 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults with histologically confirmed oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma, clinical stage T1–T4, N1, M0, a single FNAC-proven metastatic node, ASA I–II, and willingness to consent.

Probably not a fit

Patients with more than one metastatic node, ENE, prior head/neck radiation, recurrent disease, or other exclusion criteria may not benefit and could experience higher risk from a change in surgical approach.

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

What this trial studies

The ExteNT N1 Trial is a randomized, open-label study comparing selective neck dissection (levels I–IV) to modified neck dissection (levels I–V) in patients with resectable cN1 oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. Participants are assigned 1:1 to receive one of the two surgical approaches, with the primary endpoint being 3-year regional recurrence-free survival. The study aims to determine if reducing the dissection extent can maintain oncologic control while potentially reducing morbidity and improving postoperative function and quality of life. Secondary considerations include operative time, complications, and patient-reported outcomes, within a rigorously designed trial framework. Eligible patients have histologically confirmed oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma, clinical stage T1–T4, N1, M0, and a single FNAC-proven metastatic node, among other criteria. The trial is conducted at Kolhapur Cancer Centre in India under the sponsorship of Kolhapur Cancer Centre – Cancer Centers of America.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive the less extensive surgery with similar cancer control and potentially fewer side effects and faster recovery.

How similar studies have gone: Limited retrospective data suggested similar control with selective neck dissection, but no adequately powered randomized trial has confirmed this.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of oral cavity will be included
* Clinical stage T1-T4, N1, M0
* cN1 neck on clinical examination and imaging (CT/MRI)
* Single node which is FNAC proven without any other significant nodes.
* Patients with ASA grade II and I.
* Understands the protocol and able to give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Recurrent cases
* Multiple significant nodes
* Nodes clinical/radiological with ENE
* Single metastatic node at level III/IV/V
* Single metastatic node with other suspicious nodes
* Patients with a history of head and neck radiation therapy treatment
* Previous history of any malignancy

Where it's running

  • Kolhapur Cancer Centre
    Kolhāpur, Maharashtra, India
    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.