Could a simple antibiotic course fight oral cancer from the inside?
NCT ID NCT06627270
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study is testing whether taking the antibiotic metronidazole and using a chlorhexidine mouth rinse for 10 days before surgery can lower the amount of bacteria living inside oral cancer tumors. The researchers will compare bacteria levels before and after treatment in 30 adults with oral squamous cell carcinoma. The goal is to see if reducing tumor bacteria might help improve long-term outcomes like survival.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
metronidazole and chlorhexidine mouth rinse
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a way to improve outcomes for oral cancer patients by reducing tumor bacteria before surgery.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase study with only 30 people, so results may not apply widely. The antibiotics may not reduce bacteria enough to affect survival, and side effects like allergic reactions are possible.
Disclaimer
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the original study
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Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland Clinic Foundation
RECRUITINGCleveland, Ohio, 44195, United States
Contact