Clinical Research Directory

Study to Identify Biomarkers of Oral Cavity Cancer Response to Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Prior to Definitive Surgery

The goal of this clinical trial is to study whether researchers can create a patient-specific tumor system, called a culture vessel, in a timely manner and determine if it can predict how someone will respond to a specific therapy. Participants will: * Undergo a research biopsy * Take pembrolizumab per standard of care prior to surgery

Low-cost Screening and Image-guided Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) of Premalignant and Malignant Oral Lesions

The primary goal of this study is to see if photodynamic therapy (PDT) is effective for treatment of lesions in the oral cavity which have high risk of becoming oral cancer. PDT treatment uses a drug, called a photosensitizer, which makes the diseased cells become light-sensitive such that they are destroyed when laser light is delivered to the target lesion. In this study a new handheld device, called SITOS (a "Screen, Image and Treat Optical System), is used. The ability of this device to simultaneously visualize the inside of the mouth and deliver laser light to the target site will be evaluated. The main questions this study seeks to answer are: * Can this treatment completely cure oral potentially malignant lesions (OPML) without need for surgery? * Do lesions recur after PDT treatment? * Is the SITOS device easy to use for the doctor and comfortable for the patient, both as an oral imaging device and as a treatment device?

Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Programmed Cell Death Protein 1(PD-1) Inhibition for Head and Neck Cancer Treatment De-escalation (NeoScorch HN)

The NeoScorch HN study is a single institution multisite phase II trial including 3 cohorts of 25 patients each for patients with newly diagnosed locoregionally advanced, histologically confirmed, head and neck cancer eligible for curative-intent treatment, who will receive neo-adjuvant chemoimmunotherapy-based treatment as well as standard of care adjuvant treatment. The three cohorts include three different aspects of surgical de-escalation in head and neck cancer. The first cohort includes human papillomavirus independent (HPV-) squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. The second cohort includes HPV-associated head and neck cancer with radiographic evidence of extranodal extension in neck lymphadenopathy. The third cohort specifically includes malignancies of the sinonasal cavity and skull base which have a propensity for invasion of the orbit, skull base, and maxilla. Surgical treatment of all three of these cohorts has significant morbidity including swallowing, speech, and vision among others.

A Study of Sacituzumab Govitecan in Combination With Cetuximab in People With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer (HNSCC)

The purpose of this study to find out whether sacituzumab govitecan in combination with cetuximab is an effective and safe treatment approach for people with recurrent and/or metastatic head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC).

Integrated Cancer Repository for Cancer Research

The iCaRe2 is a multi-institutional resource created and maintained by the Fred \& Pamela Buffett Cancer Center to collect and manage standardized, multi-dimensional, longitudinal data and biospecimens on consented adult cancer patients, high-risk individuals, and normal controls. The distinct characteristic of the iCaRe2 is its geographical coverage, with a significant percentage of small and rural hospitals and cancer centers. The iCaRe2 advances comprehensive studies of risk factors of cancer development and progression and enables the design of novel strategies for prevention, screening, early detection and personalized treatment of cancer. Centers with expertise in cancer epidemiology, genetics, biology, early detection, and patient care can collaborate by using the iCaRe2 as a platform for cohort and population studies.

Multi-Site Trial of Navigation vs Treatment as Usual to Improve Initiation of Timely Adjuvant Therapy

The goal of this clinical trial is to compare the effectiveness of a navigation-based multilevel intervention (ENDURE) with treatment as usual (TAU) to improve the initiation of guideline-adherent postoperative radiation therapy among patients with head and neck cancer. The main questions the trial aims to answer are: 1. Does ENDURE improve initiation of timely PORT relative to treatment as usual? 2. What are the mechanisms through which ENDURE improves timeliness to treatment? 3. What are the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of ENDURE into routine clinical care?

The ENHANCE Study: Exercise and Nutrition in Head And Neck CancEr Survivors

The purpose of the study is to design a physical activity and dietary intervention for head and neck cancer patients.

Evaluation of the Benefit of a New Surgical Procedure According to IDEAL Recommendations for ORL Cancer Patients: the External Pudendal Flap Used as a New Free Flap for Oral Cavity/Oropharyngeal Reconstruction to Limit Donor Site Sequelae

This is a phase 1b, multicenter, non-randomized prospective study involving an innovation phase (IDEAL-1) followed by a prospective development phase (IDEAL-2A) designed to evaluate the safety and feasibility of oral/oropharyngeal reconstruction with the external pudendal free flap in two groups of patients. A maximum of 40 patients (20 patients per group) will be included in this IDEAL-1/2A phase study. Stage IDEAL-1: Innovation phase. The main objective is to evaluate the feasibility in terms of limiting surgical complications of a STEPA flap reconstruction in two groups of patients (Cohort: Male, Female). Stage IDEAL-2A: Prospective development phase. The main objective is to describe the complication profile of the surgical procedure in these two patient populations. Each patient will be followed during 12 months after the end of complete treatment (surgery ± adjuvant treatment). A complementary study (observational study) of 250 patients will also be conducted to evaluate the acceptability of the technique (reconstruction by external pudendal flap) by the patients and to describe the factors associated with this acceptability.

Mandibular Reconstruction Preplanning (ViPMR)

Virtual Surgical Planning (VSP), where 3D modeling is used to create 3D-printed surgical guides, has been shown to improve outcomes for patients who undergo mandibular reconstruction surgery, usually due to invasion of cancer from the oral cavity to the jaw. This trial will directly compare the outcomes of patients who receive VSP versus patients who receive the current standard of care, which is Free-Hand Surgery (FHS). They will be randomized into either treatment at a 1:1 ratio and bony union rates will be compared between 12-month postoperative CT scans for each treatment group. Secondary objectives include comparing other short and long-term complication rates, reconstruction accuracy, quality of life, and functional outcomes of VSP and FHS. An economic analysis of VSP will also be performed.

Radial Forearm Donor Site Closure

The radial forearm free flap (RFFF) is widely used in head and neck reconstruction. Its thinness, pliability, pedicle length, and vessel size are particularly suited for oropharyngeal and oral cavity reconstruction. Concerns about aesthetic and functional morbidity at the donor site have given rise to various techniques of closing the donor site, two of which are the split-thickness skin graft (STSG), taken from the thigh, and the hatchet flap, which uses a local flap within the radial forearm. This RCT will determine whether retrospectively reported improvements to aesthetic and functional outcomes for STSG patients are greater compared to hatchet flap patients.

Gross Examinations Versus Frozen Section for Assessment of Surgical Margins in Oral Cancers

Surgical margin is a significant prognostic factor in oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC)\[1,2,3\]. Intra-operative frozen section (FS) has been routinely used by the surgeons to achieve adequate surgical margins. However published literature has failed to show a conclusive benefit of FS in improving oncological outcomes(4-7). The overall identification rate of the inadequate margins by FS is variable with figures in the literature ranging from25-34%.(8-10) Revision of margins based on FS is widely practiced in centers where facility for FS is available. However this has not shown to significantly improve local control when compared to cases in which FS was not utilized , in a comparative study done at Tata memorial Hospital(TMH) (5) More-over FS is a costly procedure, and sparsely available in resource- poor countries. In a recently conducted retrospective study of 1237 patients conducted at TMH, the cost benefit ratio of FS for assessment of margin is as low as 12:1(11). In another prospective study performed at the same center , investigators found that gross examination (GE) of margins by the surgeons was as effective as FS, and achievement of gross 7mm margin all around the tumor obviated the need for FS (12). In a recent meta-analysis of 8 studies that looked at the utility of frozen section and had uniformity in frozen section analysis and definition of close margins, they concluded that revision of margins based on FS does not improve oncological outcomes and further prospective studies are needed to explore this contentious issue (13). With this background, a prospective RCT is planned to explore if gross examination by surgeon and subsequent revision of margin (if necessary) is an equally effective alternative to Frozen section based revision in a randomized controlled trial.

Special Care Patterns for Elderly HNSCC Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy

The number of elderly head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients is increasing; however, the evidence regarding the ideal treatment for this often vulnerable and frail patient cohort is limited. Although the benefit of concomitant chemotherapy has been reported to decrease in elderly HNSCC patients based on the MACH-NC meta-analysis, it remains unknown whether state-of-the art radiotherapy techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), modern supportive treatments and alternative chemotherapy fractionation (e.g., cisplatin weekly) may have altered this observation. The objective of this retrospective multinational multicenter study is to determine the oncological outcomes of elderly patients (≥65 years) with locally advanced HNSCCs undergoing definitive (chemo-)radiation and to investigate the influence of concomitant chemotherapy on overall survival and progression-free survival after adjusting for potential confounder variables such as age, performance status and comorbidity burden.

Candonilimab and ATRA Acid for Prevention of Oral Cancer Recurrence in Patients With OPL

The aim of this study is to involve high-risk patients with a history of malignant transformation in oral potentially malignant disorders. We will use a combination of Cardunil and all-trans retinoic acid for intervention. The effectiveness and safety of the combination therapy will be evaluated in the treatment of high-risk oral potentially malignant disorders, including the prevention of oral cancer recurrence and treatment of oral potentially malignant disorders. The findings of this study will provide evidence for tertiary prevention of oral cancer and the treatment of oral potentially malignant disorders.

Predictive Tools in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy

The ITHACA study aims to improve the treatment of head and neck cancer by developing a predictive tool that helps doctors personalize care for each patient. This tool uses information such as medical history, imaging, and radiotherapy data to predict the risk of cancer recurrence, overall survival, and the likelihood of side effects. Patients with head and neck cancer face significant challenges, including managing the side effects of treatments like radiotherapy. By tailoring treatment schedules and doses, and using advanced imaging techniques, we hope to reduce complications and improve survival outcomes. The study is designed to help doctors choose the best treatment for each patient, while minimizing the side effects that impact important functions like swallowing and breathing. Patients participating in the study will have their medical data collected, including: Tumor characteristics (size, location, stage). Treatment details (radiotherapy and chemotherapy). Imaging information using tools like PET-CT and MRI to track the response to treatment and detect any signs of cancer recurrence. Side effects and overall health data. This information will be used to develop and test a new model that predicts outcomes for each patient based on their unique data. The study includes adults (18 years and older) diagnosed with head and neck cancer, who are undergoing or have completed radiotherapy. Patients will be followed over time to monitor their response to treatment and any side effects.

Dysphagia and Quality of Life in Patients With Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Before and After Treatment

While the group of oral cavity cancer (OCC) survivors continue to increase, surgeons and oncologist intensify their search for improved treatment and rehabilitation methods to reduce the morbidity of management without compromising the oncological safety. The predominant problem after treatment of OCC is dysphagia, which is associated with malnutrition, aspiration pneumonia, hospital re-admission, and reduced quality of life (QoL) and survival. In a pilot study, the investigators found that 45% of OCC patients reported significant eating disabilities two years after surgical treatment. However, the international literature is limited on the dysphagia and QoL of OCC survivors. With an overall goal to improve the QoL and health status in patients treated for OCC, the present study aims to 1. systematically evaluate the swallowing function before and after treatment, 2. investigate the impact of swallowing function on QoL, 3. identify risk factors for dysphagia, 4. investigate if swallowing function is an independent factor for the number of ´days alive and out of hospital´ 5. evaluate the rehabilitation offered to OCC patients in Danish municipalities and the effect on swallowing outcomes. One hundred patients treated for OCC will be included prospectively during a 2-year period. Data on type and location of tumour, treatment modality, complications, patient weight, dietary intake, rehabilitation program, hospital admissions, recurrences, and survival will be collected. Questionnaires and Modified Barium Swallow Study (MBSS) will be performed before and 2 and 12 months after treatment.

Immune Biomarker Study for Head and Neck Cancer

The aim of this prospective non-interventional multi-center trial is to study the prognostic value of intratumoral and systemic immune biomarkers in newly diagnosed non-metastatic head and neck cancer. Furthermore, the local immunological processes in the tumor will be correlated with the systemic immune status determined in the peripheral blood to identify prognostic immune signatures. In addition, tumor organoids will be generated ex vivo for functional biological analyses. The main objective is to create a prognostic score determined by clusters based on tumor immunologic criteria.

Screening for Cancers in the Oral CAvity

In the Somme region of France, cancer registry data showed an increasing incidence of oral cancer. The Incidence Rates in Somme as compared to the national rates for Lip, Oral Cavity and Pharynx Cancer were in 2010: 31,4/100 000 Standard population versus 18,2 /100 000 for male and 8,2/100 000 versus 5,5/100 000 for female, disaster area where action to improve early detection for smokers will be assessed. This target population consults late (as 70% of oral cavity cancers are diagnosed at a late stage (T3 or T4). This project is an innovative incentive strategy for screening among general practitioners based on unusual information vectors (tobacconist, local media). The main objective of this study is a screening of oral cavity cancers in tobacco users aged 30-75 years in the Somme region of France.