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Antibiotic Treatment Effects on Intratumoral Bacteria Modulation in Surgical Patients With Oral Cancer

A Phase II Single-arm Cohort Study Establishing the Effect of Antibiotic Treatment on Intratumoral Bacteria in Surgical Patients With Oral Cancer

Who can join

Ages 18 and older · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* Pathologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity
* Must have planned surgery for curative intent
* Participants ≥ 18 years of age
* Participants must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

* Known allergy to metronidazole and/or chlorhexidine
* Severe liver or kidney disease as determined by history of laboratory tests
* Participants actively drinking alcohol (unable to abstain for the 10 day antibiotic period)
* Recurrent oral cancer after prior radiation or chemoradiation
* Participants with unresectable oral cancer
* Participants unable to tolerate oral rinse or unable to have metronidazole administered by mouth or by feeding tube
* Participants currently or have taken other antibiotics within the prior 30 days
* Participant is pregnant

About the study

The goal of this phase II single arm clinical study is to evaluate the effect of antibiotics (metronidazole) and oral chlorhexidine (CHX) in reducing the bacteria load within tumors of patients undergoing surgery for oral cancer.

What is being tested

• Metronidazole (drug)
• Chlorhexidine (other)

Sponsor: Case Comprehensive Cancer Center · Participants: 30 · Started: Jul 22, 2025

Contact the study team

• Natalie Silver, MD · Phone: 216-219-3267

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT06627270

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
• Oral Cancer
• Head and Neck Cancer

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.