Analyzing nausea and vomiting in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy

Prospective Multicenter Cohort Study for the Analysis of Correlation Between Dosimetric Parameters and RANV (Radiation Associated Nausea and Vomiting) in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Exclusive Radiotherapy (RT)

Observational European Institute of Oncology · NCT06341985

This study is trying to see if certain treatment details can help explain why some head and neck cancer patients feel nausea and vomiting after receiving radiation therapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorEuropean Institute of Oncology Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, Radiation
Locations14 sites (Ancona and 13 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06341985 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the correlation between dosimetric parameters and Radiation Associated Nausea and Vomiting (RANV) in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing exclusive radiotherapy. It focuses on patients treated with Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and seeks to identify clinical and dosimetric risk factors associated with RANV. By collecting and analyzing data on patient-reported symptoms and treatment characteristics, the study aims to enhance understanding of the toxicity profiles linked to modern radiotherapy techniques. The findings could help improve patient management and treatment planning.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a primary diagnosis of head and neck cancer receiving exclusive radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing concurrent chemotherapy or those with non-primary head and neck neoplasms may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better management strategies for minimizing nausea and vomiting in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy.

How similar studies have performed: While some studies have explored similar topics, this study's focus on exclusively radiotherapy without concurrent chemotherapy is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients aged ≥ 18 years
* Diagnosis of primary head and neck neoplasm in the following subsites: oropharynx, nasopharynx, oral cavity, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands, and neoplasms with an unknown primary focus.
* Curative radiotherapeutic treatment with photons or protons using 3D conformal or Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT), Tomotherapy; both photon and proton treatments are allowed.
* Ability to prospectively collect and anonymously submit clinical data related to the patient, pathology, and treatment characteristics (including the radiotherapy treatment plan in RT.dose format) to a single referring center.
* Ability to prospectively collect and anonymously submit DICOM (Digital Imaging and COmmunication in Medicine) files related to pre-RT magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to a single referring center.
* Ability to collect acute toxicity data (mucositis, xerostomia, nausea, vomiting, weight loss) during radiotherapy and at three months post-treatment.
* Ability to undergo a clinical follow-up examination three months after the completion of radiotherapy.
* Willingness to provide written informed consent for the anonymous use of data for research purposes.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment (neoadjuvant or concurrent with radiotherapy).
* Patients with local and/or locoregional recurrence of head and neck disease.
* Patients previously treated with oncologic interventions in the head and neck region.
* Patients with synchronous distant metastases at the time of diagnosis.
* Inability to comprehensively collect baseline data related to the patient, pathology, and treatment characteristics (including the treatment plan) and follow-up data.
* Inability to obtain written informed consent for the anonymous use of data for research purposes.

Where this trial is running

Ancona and 13 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Head and Neck CancerExclusive Radiotherapy
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.