Image

Tobacco, Alcohol and Cancerization of the Oral Mucosa (TACO)

Tobacco, Alcohol and Cancerization of the Oral Mucosa (TACO)

Recruiting
18 years and older
All
Phase N/A

Powered by AI

Overview

The goal of this project is to describe somatic mutations of healthy oral mucosa from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Description

Epidermoid carcinomas of upper aerodigestive tract are the 8th most common cancers in the world. Worldwide, this represents more than 500.000 cases per year and 20.000 cases per year in France (statistics 2018-2020). Among these cancers, oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) are the most common location, leading to significant morbidity and mortality.

Despite recent advances in diagnosis, treatment and monitoring, the overall 5-year survival rate of patients with epidermoid carcinomas of upper aerodigestive tract has not improved significantly and remains around 40-50 % for all combined locations. These pejorative survival rates, as well as the increase in the incidence of these cancers, have not changed much over the past 30 years. This situation can be attributed in part to a diagnosis too late. Indeed, only 1/3 of patients with high-risk squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck are diagnosed at an early stage. This issue of early diagnosis is mainly due to the lack of suitable screening and diagnostic biomarkers. Beyond diagnosis, the identification of biomarkers is also a prognostic and predictive interest since they could predict the course of the disease as well as the response to treatment.

"Drivers" mutations, with oncogenic potential, can be present from the very early stages of epidermoid carcinomas of upper aerodigestive tract and therefore constitute potential biomarkers. However, recent studies have demonstrated the presence of driver mutations in different types of oral cavity's healthy tissue, some being even associated with a protective effect against tumor initiation. In order to improve prevention and early diagnosis of OSCC, it is important to better understand the evolutionary dynamics of somatic mutations in the oral mucosa, which is still poorly characterized.

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

  • I1. Male or female aged 18 years or older at the date of signature of the informed consent to participate.
  • I2. Patient with histological diagnosis of epidermoid carcinomas of the oral cavity NB: All grades are eligible.
  • I3. Patient naive of any systemic anti-cancer treatment (radio- or chemotherapy).
  • I4. Patient able to understand, sign and date informed consent before the start of any study protocol procedure.
  • I5. Patient affiliated or covered by a medical insurance

Exclusion Criteria:

  • E1. Patients at high risk of bleeding, such as those on anticoagulant or antiplatelet aggregant treatment, with clotting disorders or a history of severe bleeding in the two weeks prior to inclusion.
  • E2. Patient with lesions of all types on the mucosa of the cheek located on the opposite side of the area affected by an epidermoid carcinoma of the oral cavity which prevents painless removal of the healthy mucosa.
  • E3. Patient who had surgery for their epidermoid carcinoma of the oral cavity more than 6 months ago.
  • E4. Patient who uses cannabis.
  • E5. Patient with another active tumor or HPV-positive tumors.
  • E6. Patient under guardianship or curatorship or placed under the protection of justice.
  • E7. Pregnant and/or nursing patient.

Study details
    Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas

NCT06425146

Centre Leon Berard

21 October 2025

Step 1 Get in touch with the nearest study center
We have submitted the contact information you provided to the research team at {{SITE_NAME}}. A copy of the message has been sent to your email for your records.
Would you like to be notified about other trials? Sign up for Patient Notification Services.
Sign up

Send a message

Enter your contact details to connect with study team

Investigator Avatar

Primary Contact

  Other languages supported:

First name*
Last name*
Email*
Phone number*
Other language

FAQs

Learn more about clinical trials

What is a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a study designed to test specific interventions or treatments' effectiveness and safety, paving the way for new, innovative healthcare solutions.

Why should I take part in a clinical trial?

Participating in a clinical trial provides early access to potentially effective treatments and directly contributes to the healthcare advancements that benefit us all.

How long does a clinical trial take place?

The duration of clinical trials varies. Some trials last weeks, some years, depending on the phase and intention of the trial.

Do I get compensated for taking part in clinical trials?

Compensation varies per trial. Some offer payment or reimbursement for time and travel, while others may not.

How safe are clinical trials?

Clinical trials follow strict ethical guidelines and protocols to safeguard participants' health. They are closely monitored and safety reviewed regularly.
Add a private note
  • abc Select a piece of text.
  • Add notes visible only to you.
  • Send it to people through a passcode protected link.