Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Using virtual reality to improve head and neck cancer surgery

Official title: Preoperative Virtual Reality and 3D Pathologic Modeling as Treatment for Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Run by Thomas Jefferson University · NCT05031910 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if using virtual reality during surgery can help improve outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment160 (estimated)
SponsorThomas Jefferson University
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
StatusRecruiting
StartedFebruary 4, 2022
Main results expectedFebruary 2027
Study endsMay 2027
Registry record updatedFebruary 17, 2026
Trial IDNCT05031910 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates include adults over 18 diagnosed with head and neck cancer eligible for definitive surgical resection.

Probably not a fit

Patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma or those unable to provide informed consent may 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 clinical trial investigates the application of virtual reality technology and three-dimensional surgery modeling to enhance surgical planning and communication for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Participants are randomized into two groups: one receiving standard treatment alongside virtual reality modeling and the other receiving only standard treatment. The study aims to reduce margin events and improve event-free survival rates while evaluating the quality of interdisciplinary communication during surgery. Patients will be followed for up to 36 months post-surgery to assess outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved surgical outcomes and reduced recurrence rates for patients with head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of virtual reality in surgical planning is emerging, this specific application in head and neck cancer surgery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with cancer of the head and neck (oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, T1-T4)
* Receiving treatment at Thomas Jefferson University - Center City by a fellowship-trained HNC surgeon
* Eligible for definitive resection
* Age \> 18
* Provide signed written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

* Impaired judgement or those unable to provide informed consent
* Any factor that would place the patient at increased risk or preclude the individual's full compliance with or completion of the study
* Nasopharyngeal carcinoma
* Contraindications for surgery
* Enrollment in other clinical trial

Where it's running

  • Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
    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.