Trial Information

Fluorescence & Reflectance Imaging to Detect Oral Neoplasia

The Imaging Methods:

All tissue and cells are made of tiny particles. Some of these particles give off small
amounts of light. This light is called fluorescence. Researchers have learned that cancerous
cells and normal cells give off different amounts and different types of fluorescence and
also reflect light differently. Researchers need to better understand whether fluorescence
and reflectance of light from tissues in the mouth can be used to tell whether areas of the
mouth are abnormal. This information may help doctors detect pre-cancers and early cancer.

Fluorescence Imaging:

Researchers have developed instruments that shine different wavelengths (colors) of light in
the mouth and can collect and analyze fluorescence and reflected light. This is an imaging
system that takes fluorescence pictures through a portable head light.

A second, handheld device, named the Identafi 3000, is similar in size and shape to a
standard dental mirror. It uses white, violet, and amber light to highlight abnormal tissue
areas. The users, wearing special filter eyeglasses, can evaluate and identify changes in
the mouth.

Widefield Fluorescence Imaging:

This is an imaging system that takes fluorescence and reflectance pictures through a dental
microscope. Different colors of light are used to shine in the mouth and pictures are taken
using a digital camera. Researchers hope to study the pictures to better understand the
differences in fluorescence from normal and abnormal cells.

Point Spectroscopy System:

This study may also test a technique called fluorescence and reflectance spectroscopy.
Different colors of light are directed through fibers to the lining of the mouth and then
light is collected and sent to a special camera and a computer to be analyzed. The
spectroscopy system has a small probe about the size of a writing pen which is placed gently
against the lining of the mouth. The exposed tissues will give off very small amounts of
light called fluorescence. This light is not seen by the eye, but is seen by a computer.

Study Procedures:

If you agree to take part in this study, a researcher may use fluorescence and/or widefield
fluorescence imaging instruments to take pictures of several areas in the mouth. Then, the
researcher may gently place point spectroscopy probe on 1-4 normal-looking areas and 1-4
abnormal areas. Different colors of light will be shone on the lining of the mouth through
the probe. The light that returns from the tissue is collected through the probe and
recorded on the computer.

Researchers will record whether the doctor thinks the area is normal, abnormal but not
suspicious for cancer, pre-cancer, or cancer.

If your doctor thinks it is necessary, as per standard of care, a biopsy of abnormal areas
may be performed. If any biopsies are performed, the information learned from the tissue
will be compared with the imaging and spectroscopy data.

These procedures should take about 20 minutes.

Length of Study:

You will be on study until you complete the 1-time imaging.

If you agree to the optional procedures, you will be on study for as long as you continue to
return to M. D. Anderson for clinic visits.

This is an investigational study. Up to 200 patients will take part in this study. All
will be enrolled at MD Anderson.