Phase II trial of Carboplatin, a platinum-based DNA synthesis inhibitor, in oral cancer.

This study evaluates personalized treatment for resectable oral squamous cell carcinoma using sentinel lymph node mapping combined with targeted radiation and chemotherapy. Interventions include carboplatin (platinum-based DNA synthesis inhibitor), cisplatin (DNA synthesis inhibitor), and paclitaxel (tubulin inhibitor), with diagnostic imaging and biopsy guidance at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, aiming to optimize therapy while reducing unnecessary radiation exposure. Standard care is surgery with neck dissection followed by risk-adapted adjuvant RT ± cisplatin; mapping-guided, field-focused therapy may preserve control while limiting late toxicity.