The purpose of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of using confocal laser microlaryngoscopy (CLM) as a tool to perform non-invasive, in vivo, real time pathologic assessment of laryngeal lesions.
In order to achieve this purpose, this study will prospectively enroll patients with clinical evident laryngeal pathology concerning for cancer or dysplasia, who are scheduled to undergo a formal intraoperative biopsy of their lesion. While in the operating room, prior to performing a formal biopsy, CLM will be used to evaluate the area of pathology, surrounding tissue, and contralateral normal tissue. Then the biopsy will be performed, as per standard protocol, and the diagnostic results from CLM and the formal biopsy will be compared.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Patient must be adults 18 years of age or older who present to clinic with a history of hoarseness and voice changes and are noted to have changes to their vocal folds that are concerning for the possibility of dysplasia or early stage malignancy.
* Patient will have vocal fold leukoplakia or other abnormal epithelial changes.
* Patient (or legally authorized representative) must be able to understand and willing to sign a written informed consent document.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Patient must not have a history of radiation to the neck.
* Patient must not have a documented reaction to fluorescein
* Patient must not have a previous history of laryngeal cancer.
* Patient must not have a history of allergy or bronchial asthma.
* Patient must not be pregnant or breastfeeding.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Sensitivity of the CLM as measured by the proportion of dysplasia cases that are correctly identified by the probe
Timeframe: Day of surgery (Day 1)
2
Specificity of the CLM as measured by the proportion of patients with neoplasm cases correctly identified by the probe
Timeframe: Day of surgery (Day 1)
3
Accuracy of the CLM as measured by the proportion of cases correctly classified by the probe