Lichen PlanusNCT00341497
Biomarkers for Oral Cancer
An observational study of Lichen Planus and Oral Leukoplakia, run by National Cancer Institute (NCI) at 6 sites in United States.
Trial summary
The purpose is to determine the extent of genetic damage in oral mucosal lesions ascertained in the study, whether specific genotypes are associated with genetic damage observed in the oral mucosal lesions, whether the extent of genetic damage changes over time, and what factors (e.g. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 110 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Lichen Planus, Oral Leukoplakia, Mouth Neoplasms
- How many people
- 80 participants
- Where
- 6 sitesUnited States
- Study dates
- 28 Aug 1996to 29 Jul 2025
- Phase
- Observational
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 110 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Persons seen at dental clinics at 6 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers who had clinically visible oral lesions@@@
Who may be able to join
- Patients with white, red, or white and red lesions in the oral cavity and oropharynx as identified by the participating dentist.
Who cannot join
None listed.
Trial locations and contacts
6 sites in 1 country.
6 sites in 1 country
United States6 sites
VA Medical Ctr, Atlanta
Atlanta, Georgia
Veterans Affairs, Danville
Danville, Illinois
VA Medical Center, Durham
Durham, North Carolina
Veterans Affairs, San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas
U.C.S.F./ Vterans Affairs Medical Center
San Francisco, California, 94143
VA Medical Center, Washington D.C.
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20422
About this study
The purpose is to determine the extent of genetic damage in oral mucosal lesions ascertained in the study, whether specific genotypes are associated with genetic damage observed in the oral mucosal lesions, whether the extent of genetic damage changes over time, and what factors (e.g. smoking) contribute to those changes. Genetic damage indicators will include among others DNA adduct formation, particularly related to tobacco smoke carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydocarbons. The genotypes of interest will be focused on these affecting carcinogen metabolism, (e.g., (CYP family), but may also include those related to growth factors, cell cycle control, and DNA repair. Microsatellite instability is another key indicator of damage that we plan to examine. This study was undertaken due to the paucity of data on the types of oral lesions seen in general dental practice and the limited knowledge of the natural history of these lesions.
Persons were enrolled who had red and/or white oral lesions identified at 6 Dental Clinics at VA Medical Centers. The VA Centers involved were: Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; Durham, NC; San Francisco, CA; Danville, IL; and San Antonio, TX.
Read more
When a dentist found a red or white lesions in the course of routine outpatient examinations and care, obvious causes such as denture frictional lesions could be ruled out, and the normal standard of care for the lesion was biopsy, the patient was considered for enrollment into the study. The study was described to the patient, the consent for was signed, the patient received an intraoral examination to identify and characterize the oral lesions, the lesions were photographed, an oral epithelial cell sample was taken from the site and from the rest of the oral mucosa, and the patient was interviewed using a standard questionnaire that requested information about sociodemograhic, medical, and lifestyle factors, particularly tobacco and alcohol use all as part of the study protocol, and the patient received a biopsy as part of normal care. The biopsy report was obtained as was a small piece of the biopsy material that was not needed for patient diagnostic purposes. The subjects returned every 4-6 months for reassessment of the lesion or to determine that the lesion had not returned. The patients completed a questionnaire at each of these visits so that lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol use could be reassessed. Also oral epithelial cell scrapings were obtained at each of these visits.
This study is particularly valuable because longitudinal data was collected and because the data were collected over time using standard procedures.
Read the detailed description
This longitudinal research project is part of a long-term effort by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research to improve modalities for prevention, early detection, and treatment of oral cancers. This is a natural history study designed to identify markers or early malignant transformation that potentially could be used in predicting which oral soft tissues are most likely to lead to oral cancer.
Persons with white, red, or red/white oral mucosal lesions seen at six Veterans Affairs hospitals in the United States will be selected for the study. Study subjects will undergo a biopsy of all suspect oral lesions. At this baseline examination, the patient will complete a consent form and a questionnaire which will obtain data on potential modifiers of the relationship between histopathology and molecular marker status such as sociodemographic characteristics, tobacco and alcohol use, and medical history. A clinician will describe and photograph the lesion. In addition, the mucosa will be gently scraped to obtain buccal cells. Selected data on dental and medical characteristics of study subjects will be extracted from computerized VA hospital data bases. Biopsy specimens will be analyzed using immunohistochemical and molecular biological approaches to describe their pathological status and to assess the presence of specific molecular events. The analysis of molecular markers may include tests of the presence or activity of certain molecules thought to be associated with the malignant phenotype including p53-dependent growth suppressors, pRb-dependent growth control factors, growth factor receptor-modulated pathways, carcinogen-metabolizing alleles and functioning, and viral agents. To ensure that the best possible scientific paradigm for early malignant changes is tested using this study population, decisions about which genetic and immunohistological assays to conduct on the biopsy material will be made by consensus of the principal and coinvestigators at the time that an adequate sample size is achieved. When biological assays are complete, statistical analysis will determine associations between molecular markers from the oral lesions and the lesions' histopathology and will examine how environmental, behavioral, and sociodemographic factors influence these associations.
Study subjects will then be followed longitudinally over a two-year period to ascertain recurrence of lesions. These study subjects will be asked to return to the dental clinics every 4 months during the first year of the study and every 6 months during the second year. At each visit the patient will receive the same oral examination as at baseline. The patient will be classified as having normal-appearing mucosa or an oral lesion. If a lesion is present, it will be evaluated and characterized as at the baseline and then biopsied. Patients not returning on schedule will be traced, contacted and asked to return for an evaluation. Changes in histopathology and the relationship of these changes to changes in biomarker levels will be examined.
Subjects will be informed that if a gene or genetic change that might be useful for patients with oral lesions is identified, they will be contacted to see whether they would like to have information on which gene types may be associated with oral cancer risk. At that time, prior to making a decision, they will be informed of the various risks and consequences of obtaining such information.
After 14 years, development of new lesions will be identified through 2020 through medical and 3 dental record review and patients vital status and cause of death will be ascertained.
- Conditions
- Lichen Planus, Oral Leukoplakia, Mouth Neoplasms
- Keywords
- Leukoplakia, Oral Mucosa, Biomarkers, Natural History
- Medical subject headings
- Lichen Planus, Leukoplakia, Oral, Mouth Neoplasms, Leukoplakia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Cohort | Persons seen at dental clinics at 6 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers who had clinically visibleoral lesions |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
New or re-emergence of oral lesion
the natural history of the oral lesions was assessed via clinical examination over a period of 4 years
Measured: Annually
oral cancer diagnosis
Assessed via medical record
Measured: Once
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted21 Jun 2006 (estimated)
- Study start28 Aug 1996
- Primary completion4 Oct 2006
- Study completion29 Jul 2025
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (3)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Lichen PlanusStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by National Cancer Institute (NCI)The sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Observational
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- Sponsor type
- US National Institutes of Health
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Eva Szabo, M.D., Principal investigator, National Cancer Institute (NCI)
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT00341497
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- 999998040
- Other IDs
- OH98-D-N040
- Status last verified
- Jul 2025
- First submitted
- 19 Jun 2006
- Last updated
- 31 Jul 2025
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Publications
Bouquot JE, Gorlin RJ. Leukoplakia, lichen planus, and other oral keratoses in 23,616 white Americans over the age of 35 years. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1986 Apr;61(4):373-81. doi: 10.1016/0030-4220(86)90422-6.
PubMed 3458148Brachman DG, Graves D, Vokes E, Beckett M, Haraf D, Montag A, Dunphy E, Mick R, Yandell D, Weichselbaum RR. Occurrence of p53 gene deletions and human papilloma virus infection in human head and neck cancer. Cancer Res. 1992 Sep 1;52(17):4832-6.
PubMed 1324797Brennan JA, Boyle JO, Koch WM, Goodman SN, Hruban RH, Eby YJ, Couch MJ, Forastiere AA, Sidransky D. Association between cigarette smoking and mutation of the p53 gene in squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck. N Engl J Med. 1995 Mar 16;332(11):712-7. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199503163321104.
PubMed 7854378
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 31 Jul 2025. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Biomarkers for Oral Cancer
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT00341497
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- 999998040
- Conditions
- Lichen Planus, Oral Leukoplakia, Mouth Neoplasms
- Keywords
- Leukoplakia, Oral Mucosa, Biomarkers, Natural History
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 80 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- National Cancer Institute (NCI)US National Institutes of Health
- Study start
- 28 Aug 1996 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 4 Oct 2006 (actual)
- Study completion
- 29 Jul 2025 (actual)
- First posted
- 21 Jun 2006 (estimated)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
The purpose is to determine the extent of genetic damage in oral mucosal lesions ascertained in the study, whether specific genotypes are associated with genetic damage observed in the oral mucosal lesions, whether the extent of genetic damage changes over time, and what factors (e.g. smoking) contribute to those changes. Genetic damage indicators will include among others DNA adduct formation, particularly related to tobacco smoke carcinogens such as polycyclic aromatic hydocarbons. The genotypes of interest will be focused on these affecting carcinogen metabolism, (e.g., (CYP family), but may also include those related to growth factors, cell cycle control, and DNA repair. Microsatellite instability is another key indicator of damage that we plan to examine. This study was undertaken due to the paucity of data on the types of oral lesions seen in general dental practice and the limited knowledge of the natural history of these lesions.
Persons were enrolled who had red and/or white oral lesions identified at 6 Dental Clinics at VA Medical Centers. The VA Centers involved were: Washington, DC; Atlanta, GA; Durham, NC; San Francisco, CA; Danville, IL; and San Antonio, TX.
When a dentist found a red or white lesions in the course of routine outpatient examinations and care, obvious causes such as denture frictional lesions could be ruled out, and the normal standard of care for the lesion was biopsy, the patient was considered for enrollment into the study. The study was described to the patient, the consent for was signed, the patient received an intraoral examination to identify and characterize the oral lesions, the lesions were photographed, an oral epithelial cell sample was taken from the site and from the rest of the oral mucosa, and the patient was interviewed using a standard questionnaire that requested information about sociodemograhic, medical, and lifestyle factors, particularly tobacco and alcohol use all as part of the study protocol, and the patient received a biopsy as part of normal care. The biopsy report was obtained as was a small piece of the biopsy material that was not needed for patient diagnostic purposes. The subjects returned every 4-6 months for reassessment of the lesion or to determine that the lesion had not returned. The patients completed a questionnaire at each of these visits so that lifestyle factors such as tobacco and alcohol use could be reassessed. Also oral epithelial cell scrapings were obtained at each of these visits.
This study is particularly valuable because longitudinal data was collected and because the data were collected over time using standard procedures.
Detailed description
This longitudinal research project is part of a long-term effort by the National Cancer Institute and the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research to improve modalities for prevention, early detection, and treatment of oral cancers. This is a natural history study designed to identify markers or early malignant transformation that potentially could be used in predicting which oral soft tissues are most likely to lead to oral cancer.
Persons with white, red, or red/white oral mucosal lesions seen at six Veterans Affairs hospitals in the United States will be selected for the study. Study subjects will undergo a biopsy of all suspect oral lesions. At this baseline examination, the patient will complete a consent form and a questionnaire which will obtain data on potential modifiers of the relationship between histopathology and molecular marker status such as sociodemographic characteristics, tobacco and alcohol use, and medical history. A clinician will describe and photograph the lesion. In addition, the mucosa will be gently scraped to obtain buccal cells. Selected data on dental and medical characteristics of study subjects will be extracted from computerized VA hospital data bases. Biopsy specimens will be analyzed using immunohistochemical and molecular biological approaches to describe their pathological status and to assess the presence of specific molecular events. The analysis of molecular markers may include tests of the presence or activity of certain molecules thought to be associated with the malignant phenotype including p53-dependent growth suppressors, pRb-dependent growth control factors, growth factor receptor-modulated pathways, carcinogen-metabolizing alleles and functioning, and viral agents. To ensure that the best possible scientific paradigm for early malignant changes is tested using this study population, decisions about which genetic and immunohistological assays to conduct on the biopsy material will be made by consensus of the principal and coinvestigators at the time that an adequate sample size is achieved. When biological assays are complete, statistical analysis will determine associations between molecular markers from the oral lesions and the lesions' histopathology and will examine how environmental, behavioral, and sociodemographic factors influence these associations.
Study subjects will then be followed longitudinally over a two-year period to ascertain recurrence of lesions. These study subjects will be asked to return to the dental clinics every 4 months during the first year of the study and every 6 months during the second year. At each visit the patient will receive the same oral examination as at baseline. The patient will be classified as having normal-appearing mucosa or an oral lesion. If a lesion is present, it will be evaluated and characterized as at the baseline and then biopsied. Patients not returning on schedule will be traced, contacted and asked to return for an evaluation. Changes in histopathology and the relationship of these changes to changes in biomarker levels will be examined.
Subjects will be informed that if a gene or genetic change that might be useful for patients with oral lesions is identified, they will be contacted to see whether they would like to have information on which gene types may be associated with oral cancer risk. At that time, prior to making a decision, they will be informed of the various risks and consequences of obtaining such information.
After 14 years, development of new lesions will be identified through 2020 through medical and 3 dental record review and patients vital status and cause of death will be ascertained.
Study design
- Observational model
- Cohort
- Time perspective
- Prospective
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Cohort | – | –Persons seen at dental clinics at 6 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers who had clinically visibleoral lesions |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 110 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Persons seen at dental clinics at 6 Veterans Affairs Medical Centers who had clinically visible oral lesions@@@
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Patients with white, red, or white and red lesions in the oral cavity and oropharynx as identified by the participating dentist.
Key exclusion criteria (0 listed)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Primary outcome
New or re-emergence of oral lesion
Time frame: Annually
the natural history of the oral lesions was assessed via clinical examination over a period of 4 years
oral cancer diagnosis
Time frame: Once
Assessed via medical record
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 31 Jul 2025.
- Background: PubMed 3458148Bouquot JE, Gorlin RJ. Leukoplakia, lichen planus, and other oral keratoses in 23,616 white Americans over the age of 35 years. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol. 1986 Apr;61(4):373-81. doi: 10.1016/0030-4220(86)90422-6.
- Background: PubMed 1324797Brachman DG, Graves D, Vokes E, Beckett M, Haraf D, Montag A, Dunphy E, Mick R, Yandell D, Weichselbaum RR. Occurrence of p53 gene deletions and human papilloma virus infection in human head and neck cancer. Cancer Res. 1992 Sep 1;52(17):4832-6.
- Background: PubMed 7854378Brennan JA, Boyle JO, Koch WM, Goodman SN, Hruban RH, Eby YJ, Couch MJ, Forastiere AA, Sidransky D. Association between cigarette smoking and mutation of the p53 gene in squamous-cell carcinoma of the head and neck. N Engl J Med. 1995 Mar 16;332(11):712-7. doi: 10.1056/NEJM199503163321104.
Related trials for Lichen Planus
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A Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of GIA632 Across a Range of Doses in Participants With Moderate to Severe Cutaneous Lichen Planus
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Upadacitinib in Adult Patients With Erosive Mucosal Lichen Planus and Lichen Planopilaris: a Prospective Multicenter Randomized Placebo-controlled Study.
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Low Level Laser Therapy With Injectable Platelet Rich Fibrin in Management of Oral Lichen Planus
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Widefield Fluorescence and Reflectance Imaging Systems and Oral Tissue Samples in Monitoring Participants at Risk for Developing Oral Cancer
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Eva Szabo, M.D. principal investigator
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
6 sites in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Lichen Planus and Oral Leukoplakia, run by National Cancer Institute (NCI) at 6 sites in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 0 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 31 Jul 2025. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 6 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
New or re-emergence of oral lesion (time frame: Annually). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT00341497, which also lists 3 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 31 Jul 2025.