Evaluating machine learning in radiation treatment planning for head and neck cancer

A Randomized Evaluation of Machine Learning Assisted Radiation Treatment Planning Versus Standard Radiation Treatment Planning

Not applicable Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT05979883

This study is testing whether using machine learning to help plan radiation treatment can improve results for people with head and neck cancer compared to the usual planning methods.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment204 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations6 sites (Scottsdale, Arizona and 5 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05979883 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to assess the effectiveness of machine learning assisted radiation treatment planning (MLAP) compared to standard radiation treatment planning for patients with head and neck cancer. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either MLAP or standard care, with varying allocation ratios to optimize the MLAP workflow. The study will measure clinical outcomes such as acute toxicity and patient-reported outcomes following treatment. The trial is designed to provide insights into the potential benefits of integrating machine learning into radiation therapy planning.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older receiving curative intent intensity modulated radiotherapy for primary head and neck cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously undergone radiation therapy for head and neck cancer or those with planned radiation doses outside the specified range may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to improved treatment outcomes and reduced side effects for patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using machine learning for treatment planning, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age ≥ 18 years at time of registration
* Receiving curative intent intensity modulated radiotherapy for head and neck primary cancer at the discretion of the treating medical doctor (MD)
* Provide written informed consent or allow legally authorized representative to consent on behalf of a participant
* Willing to return to enrolling institution for study follow-up visit

Exclusion Criteria:

* Incarcerated
* Unable to provide informed consent
* Prior Head and Neck (H\&N) radiation therapy
* Planned radiation dosing LK\<30 Gy or \>76 Gy

Where this trial is running

Scottsdale, Arizona and 5 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 Cancer Head NeckCancer, HeadCancer NeckMLAPRapidPlan
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.