New laser camera could revolutionize oral cancer diagnosis

NCT ID NCT02507141

Recruiting now Diagnosis Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Aug 05, 2026 · Updated 4 times

Summary

This study is testing a special camera that uses a laser to take microscopic pictures of suspicious spots inside the mouth. The goal is to see if these images can help doctors diagnose oral cancers and guide surgery. About 140 people with oral cancer will have their lesions imaged before surgery, and the pictures will be compared to standard lab tests of the removed tissue.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (a special camera that uses a laser to take microscopic pictures of tissue)
What this could lead to: If successful, this camera could help doctors diagnose oral cancers earlier and more accurately, and guide surgery to remove all cancer cells.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage study focused on comparing images to biopsies, not yet proving the camera works better than current methods. The technology may not be suitable for all mouth locations.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma squamous cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HEAD AND NECK CANCER SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA (SCC) OF THE ORAL CAVITY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Memorial Sloan Kettering Basking Ridge (consent only)
RECRUITING

Basking Ridge, New Jersey, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
RECRUITING

New York, New York, 10065, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth (consent only)
RECRUITING

Middletown, New Jersey, 07748, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering Nassau (consent only)
RECRUITING

Uniondale, New York, 11553, United States
Memorial Sloan Kettering West Harrison (consent only)
RECRUITING

Harrison, New York, 10604, United States

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