Using a special camera to take pictures of oral cancers before surgery

Reflectance Confocal Microscopy of Oral Cancers in Vivo: a Preliminary Trial Comparing Intra-oral Imaging With Pathology

Observational Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT02507141

This study is testing a special camera to take pictures of oral cancers before surgery to see if it can help doctors diagnose and treat patients with squamous cell carcinoma better.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment140 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations5 sites (Basking Ridge, New Jersey and 4 other locations)
Trial IDNCT02507141 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to capture images of oral lesions using reflectance confocal microscopy prior to surgery for patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity. The images obtained will be compared to traditional biopsy results to evaluate the effectiveness of this imaging technology. The goal is to determine if this method can assist in the early diagnosis of oral cancers and improve surgical guidance. By utilizing a laser-based imaging technique, researchers hope to enhance the understanding of tissue structure in real-time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with biopsy-proven oral squamous cell carcinoma scheduled for surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with cancers located in areas that are difficult to image with the current technology may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this technology could lead to earlier diagnosis and better surgical outcomes for patients with oral cancers.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar imaging technologies have shown promise in other areas of cancer diagnosis, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with biopsy-proven oral SCC who are scheduled to undergo surgery in the MSK Head and Neck Service.
* Ability to sign informed consent.
* Age ≥ 18 years.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Cancer located on a site that may not be convenient or accessible for imaging with the current version of the RCM device (gingivobuccal region, back of the oral cavity, back of the tongue, floor of the mouth, deep under the tongue, etc.).
* Inability to give informed consent.

Where this trial is running

Basking Ridge, New Jersey and 4 other locations

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 Head and Neck CancerSquamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral CavityReflectance Confocal Microscopy15-128
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.