Exploring new MRI techniques for head and neck cancers
Official title: Quantitative Imaging Tools to Derive DW-MRI Oncological Biomarkers
Run by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT03483337 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing new MRI techniques to see if they can give better details about head and neck tumors in patients getting treatment for cancer.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (New York, New York) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 16, 2018 |
| Main results expected | March 2027 |
| Study ends | March 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 14, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT03483337 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with suspicious metastatic lesions or confirmed recurrent head and neck cancers, as well as thyroid cancers.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are claustrophobic, require anesthesia for the MRI, or have contraindications to MRI will not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to evaluate new MRI methods to gather more detailed information about tumors in patients with head and neck cancers, including thyroid cancer. By utilizing diffusion MRI, the study will measure the movement of water within tumors, potentially enhancing diagnostic capabilities. Participants will undergo MRI examinations to assess the effectiveness of these new biomarkers in identifying metastatic or recurrent disease. The study focuses on patients who are already planning to receive treatment at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning for patients with head and neck cancers.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using advanced MRI techniques for cancer diagnostics, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Group 1 patients: Presence of a suspicious metastatic lesion or suspicious for recurrent disease in the head and neck region. * Group 2 patients: * Biopsy proven recurrent or metastatic or definitive head and neck cancer or (differentiated and undifferentiated) thyroid cancers in the head and neck region only. * Patients planning to undergo reatment at MSK Exclusion Criteria: * Patient would require anesthesia for the study * Patients who are claustrophobic * Patients selecting treatment outside of MSK * Known reaction to Gd based contrast agent * Patients who have presence of a known contradiction to MRI * Pacemaker * Aneurysm clips * Patients with implants that are contradicted for MR imaging will be excluded * Pregnant * Age and mental status wherein he /she is unable to cooperate for MRI study
Where it's running
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Amita Dave, PhD — Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Amita Dave, PhD
- Email: davea@mskcc.org
- Phone: 212-639-3184
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.