Assessing tumor hypoxia using MRI to improve radiation therapy

Non-invasive, Image-Based, In-Vivo Assessment of Tumor Hypoxia to Guide Hypoxia-Driven Adaptive Radiation Therapy

Early Phase 1 Interventional Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center · NCT05996432

This study is testing if special MRI scans can help doctors understand and improve radiation treatment for patients with head and neck cancer or brain metastases by looking at how much oxygen their tumors are getting.

Quick facts

PhaseEarly Phase 1
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorVanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Nashville, Tennessee)
Trial IDNCT05996432 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to validate non-invasive MRI-based markers of tumor hypoxia in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or brain metastases. It will utilize advanced MRI techniques alongside 18F-FMISO-PET-CT to predict radiation resistance linked to tumor hypoxia. The study will also evaluate changes in tumor oxygen consumption and perfusion before and after treatment, and their impact on tumor recurrence and progression. By understanding these factors, the research seeks to enhance the effectiveness of radiation therapy for affected patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with confirmed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or brain metastases who have measurable disease and a good performance status.

Not a fit: Patients with non-measurable disease or those with a life expectancy of less than six months may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective radiation therapy strategies that reduce tumor recurrence and improve patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using imaging techniques to assess tumor hypoxia, but this specific approach is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically or cytologically confirmed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or a clinical diagnosis of CNS-excluded nervous system neoplasm and disorder (brain metastases)
* Measurable disease, defined as at least one lesion that can be accurately measured in at least one dimension (longest diameter to be recorded for non-nodal lesions and short axis for nodal lesions, minimum size 7mm) with CT scan, MRI, or calipers by clinical exam
* ECOG performance status \</=1 Karnofsky \>/=70%
* Life expectancy of greater than 6 months
* The effects of 18F-FMISO on the developing human fetus are unknown. For this reason, women of child-bearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry and up until the day after 18F-FMISO administration. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while she or her partner is participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately. Men treated or enrolled on this protocol must also agree to use adequate contraception on the days of 18F-FMISO administration
* Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of allergic reactions attributed to compounds of similar chemical or biologic composition to 18F-FMISO
* Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements
* Brain metastases \>3.0 cm
* Dural-based metastases concerning for leptomeningeal disease
* Hemorrhage within the lesion of interest
* Patients presenting for radiation after surgical resection of brain metastasis/metastases or primary head and neck cancer (adjuvant radiotherapy)
* Prior or current known history of disease involving the brain other than brain metastases and including but not limited to; cerebrovascular disease (i.e., stroke or large vessel disease), brain hemorrhage (i.e., subarachnoid hemorrhage or intraparenchymal hemorrhage), Alzheimer's disease or dementia, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis or schizophrenia
* Prior overlapping radiation fields
* Not suitable to undergo MRI because of; severe claustrophobia, presence of metallic objects or implanted medical devices in body (i.e., cardiac pacemaker, aneurysm clips, surgical clips, prostheses, artificial hearts, valves with steel parts, metal fragments, shrapnel, tattoos near the imaging site, or steel implants)
* Presence of any other co-existing condition which, in the judgment of the investigator, might increase the risk to the subject
* Presence of serious systemic illness, including uncontrolled intercurrent infection or psychiatric/social situations which may limit compliance with study requirements
* Not suitable to undergo MRI, including weight greater than 350lbs (common weight limit for the MRI table)
* Prisoners, children \<18 years of age
* Prior overlapping radiation fields
* Not suitable to undergo MRI because of; severe claustrophobia, presence of metallic objects or implanted medical devices in body (i.e., cardiac pacemaker, aneurysm clips, surgical clips, prostheses, artificial hearts, valves with steel parts, metal fragments, shrapnel, tattoos near the imaging site, or steel implants)
* Presence of any other co-existing condition which, in the judgment of the investigator, might increase the risk to the subject
* Presence of serious systemic illness, including uncontrolled intercurrent infection or psychiatric/social situations which may limit compliance with study requirements
* Not suitable to undergo MRI, including weight greater than 350lbs (common weight limit for the MRI table)
* Prisoners, children \<18 years of age
* The effects of 18F-FMISO on the developing infant are unknown. For this reason, nursing women will be excluded from the trial

Pregnant patients which will be identified as follows;

* Patients over the age of 60 do not require a pregnancy test per institutional guidelines. We anticipate this to be most of our patient population due to the age distribution of cancer patients.
* Patients under the age of 60 will be offered a point of care pregnancy test when seen in consult at the department of Radiation Oncology.
* Patients refusing pregnancy testing can sign a waiver stating that they refuse pregnancy testing but that they are not known to be pregnant

Where this trial is running

Nashville, Tennessee

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 Squamous Cell CarcinomaBrain Metastases
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.