Follow-up program for patients with head and neck cancer

Standard Follow-up Program (SFP) for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated With Curative Primary or Postoperative Radiotherapy or Chemoradiation (SFP Head & Neck)

Observational University Medical Center Groningen · NCT02435576

This study is testing a new follow-up program for people with head and neck cancer to see if it can reduce side effects from radiation while still being effective in treating their cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment10000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Medical Center Groningen Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Groningen)
Trial IDNCT02435576 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to improve the quality of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer patients by implementing a Standard Follow-up Program (SFP). The program focuses on reducing radiation-induced side effects while maintaining treatment efficacy. It involves developing and validating normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) models to inform patients about risks and to optimize radiotherapy treatment planning. Additionally, the study compares new radiation delivery techniques with current standards to assess their impact on toxicity, symptoms, quality of life, and overall survival.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients scheduled for curatively intended primary or postoperative radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who are planned for palliative radiotherapy will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly enhance the quality of life for head and neck cancer patients by minimizing treatment-related side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in improving patient outcomes through similar approaches, particularly in optimizing radiotherapy techniques.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* All patients planned for curatively intended primary or postoperative radiotherapy will be included. At the first visit, patients are informed about the standard follow up program by the treating physician.

Exclusion Criteria:

* All patients planned for palliative radiotherapy will not be included in the SFP.

Where this trial is running

Groningen

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 CancerAcute toxicityLate toxicityNTCP modelsProton therapyPatient-rated outcomesQuality of life
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.