New MRI scan could help surgeons avoid facial nerve damage during parotid tumor removal
NCT ID NCT05296109
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study is testing a special 3D MRI technique called neurogram imaging to better see the tiny branches of the facial nerve inside the parotid gland before surgery for parotid tumors. The goal is to help surgeons avoid accidentally injuring these nerves during tumor removal, which can cause temporary or permanent facial weakness. About 50 patients with parotid tumors will receive this advanced MRI scan in addition to standard imaging, and researchers will compare how well the new method shows the nerve branches.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) with neurogram sequences
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this imaging technique could help surgeons see facial nerves more clearly before parotid tumor surgery, potentially reducing the chance of accidental nerve injury.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage imaging study with only 50 participants. Better visualization may not always translate to fewer surgical complications, and the technique may not work for all patients or tumor types.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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About 50 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Started
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Feb 2022
- Expected to finish
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Jun 2027
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Consecutive patients with parotid tumour diagnosed on other imaging modalities (such as ultrasonography or computed tomography), with or without cytological diagnosis from fine needle aspiration, will be recruited from the ear, nose and throat specialty clinic. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are contraindicated to magnetic resonance imaging (such as due to underlying MRI incompatible metallic implants) * Patient who are contraindicated to MRI contrast agents (such as advanced renal failure or previous severe allergic reaction) * Patients who cannot cooperate for MRI scanning. * Patients show are unable to provide informed consent.
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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.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
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The places running it
1 site. The list below names each one and where it is.
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The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
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A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Gerald Choa MRI Center
RECRUITINGHong Kong, Hong Kong
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