Exploring new MRI techniques for head and neck cancers

Quantitative Imaging Tools to Derive DW-MRI Oncological Biomarkers

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center · NCT03483337

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 typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (other)
Locations1 site (New York, New York)
Trial IDNCT03483337 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

Not a fit: Patients who are claustrophobic, require anesthesia for the MRI, or have contraindications to MRI will not benefit from this study.

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 performed: Other studies have shown promise in using advanced MRI techniques for cancer diagnostics, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

New York, New York

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Head and Neck Cancer, Thyroid Cancer, -MRI, oncological biomarkers, metastatic, recurrent, 18-063

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.