Evaluating markers to predict radioresistance in head and neck cancer

Do Markers of Systemic Inflammatory Response and Tumor Metabolism Indicate Radioresistance in Head and Neck Cancer?

Observational Luzerner Kantonsspital · NCT05217212

This study is testing if certain blood markers and imaging results can help predict how well patients with advanced head and neck cancer will respond to radiation treatment before they start therapy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorLuzerner Kantonsspital Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lucerne)
Trial IDNCT05217212 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to prospectively assess whether systemic inflammatory response markers and FDG-PET/CT metabolic parameters can predict radioresistance and survival in patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma before they undergo primary radiochemotherapy. It will analyze various blood markers and imaging results to determine their prognostic value. The study focuses on patients with a confirmed diagnosis who are preparing for curative treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with a histopathologic diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who are about to receive primary radiochemotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of head and neck tumors or those who have undergone primary surgical treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help identify patients who are likely to benefit from radiochemotherapy, potentially improving treatment outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies investigating similar markers in cancer treatment, this specific approach focusing on systemic inflammatory response and metabolic parameters in head and neck cancer is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* histopathologic diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
* primary radio(chemo)therapy with curative intent
* available pretherapeutic FDG-PET/CT imaging
* available pretherapeutic differential blood analysis

Exclusion Criteria:

* other tumor entities of the head and neck including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
* primary surgical treatment
* ongoing infections or other inflammatory diseases at the time of diagnosis
* patients not completing a course of irradiation with at least 66 Gray locally

Where this trial is running

Lucerne

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 Carcinoma
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.