SIU Med School Recruiting Patients with Early-Stage Head and Neck Cancer

Patients are being recruited by Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and as part of a national clinical trial for the treatment of head and neck cancer. SIU's Division of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery is studying the accuracy of a surgical procedure, lymph node mapping and sentinel lymph node biopsy, in predicting the spread of cancer to other lymph nodes in the neck in patients with head and neck cancer. The study is sponsored by the American College of Surgeons Oncology Group (ACOSOG).

"We are seeking patients with early stage head and neck cancers involving the oral cavity which includes areas such as the tongue, gums, hard palate and inside of the cheek," said Dr. James P. Malone, assistant professor of otolaryngology at SIU who is directing the study. "These procedures are what are routinely done now in patients with melanoma or breast cancer. We are currently examining its usefulness for patients with head and neck cancer. If the technique proves useful, some patients with head and neck cancer may be able to undergo less invasive treatment."

To be eligible for the study, patients must be at least 18 years of age with a suspected or confirmed diagnosis of cancer of the oral cavity. They must have no evidence of spread of cancer to the neck lymph nodes on physical examination or by X-ray. Results will be shared with the participant's personal physician.

Those interested in the study can call Christine at the SIU Cancer Institute at 217-545-7929 or 217-545-6150 weekdays for an initial screening or to discuss details of the study.

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