Plain-English translation of NCT06623266 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · How we translate trials
This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.
This trial is testing whether people with early oral cancer (called cT1N0M0 oral squamous cell carcinoma) benefit from having their lymph nodes removed during surgery, even though there's no sign the cancer has spread there. One group will have surgery to remove just the tumor and be closely monitored afterward; the other group will have surgery to remove the tumor plus the lymph nodes in the neck at the same time. Researchers will track both groups for 2 years to see which approach leads to better outcomes and quality of life.
Doctors debate whether removing healthy-looking lymph nodes prevents future cancer spread in early oral cancer cases. While removing lymph nodes can catch hidden cancer cells, the surgery causes scars, neck stiffness, and other side effects. Recent studies suggest this extra surgery may not actually improve survival, so this trial will provide clear evidence to guide treatment decisions.
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If you join, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups will have surgery to remove the primary tumor with safe margins. The first group will have just the tumor removed and then be monitored closely with regular imaging scans; the second group will also have elective lymph node removal from the neck during the same surgery. You'll have follow-up visits every 3 months for the first 2 years, then every 6 months for the next 3 years, then yearly afterward. Researchers will track your health, look for any cancer spread, and assess your quality of life over time.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Oct 7, 2026 · Not medical advice
China
Sponsor
Huashan Hospital
Enrollment target
~300 participants
Started
September 2024
Primary completion
September 2028
Age range
18 Years – 75 Years
Last updated on clinicaltrials.gov in September 2026.
Reach out to the team running this trial. Response times vary — some teams are faster than others.
Central contact
Lai-ping Zhong, MD, PhD
Huashan Hospital
Tell us you're interested and we'll help connect you with the research team. We'll walk you through what to expect first — no email needed to get started.