Imaging for personalized treatment of head and neck cancer
The EMINENCE Study - PET/MR Imaging of Head Neck Cancer
This study is testing if using advanced imaging techniques can help personalize radiotherapy for people with head and neck cancer to improve their treatment results and reduce side effects.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 390 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Norwegian University of Science and Technology Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 2 sites (Tromsø and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT04612075 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study focuses on improving radiotherapy for head and neck cancers by utilizing advanced imaging techniques, specifically PET and MRI. By capturing images before and during treatment, the study aims to quantify intratumoral characteristics such as oxygenation and metabolism, which can help tailor radiotherapy to individual patient needs. The goal is to establish a clinical workflow that enhances the precision of radiotherapy, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes and fewer side effects for patients. The study will also explore the integration of proton therapy as a future treatment option.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with histologically confirmed locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck region who are scheduled for definitive radiotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with general contraindications for MRI or serious comorbidities may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more personalized and effective radiotherapy for head and neck cancer patients, improving their outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing advanced imaging techniques for personalized radiotherapy have shown promising results, indicating potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * willing and able to give full written consent according to the protocol approved by the Regional Ethics Committee * histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma in the head neck region (pharynx, larynx, oral cavity or sinonasal area) * locally advanced disease without sign of dissemination (T3/T4 and/or N1-3, M0) on diagnostic imaging * scheduled for definitive radiotherapy with curative intent with or without concomitant chemotherapy * adequate renal function: Creatinine clearance ≥ 60 ml/minute * lymph node metastasis from cancer of unknown primary of the upper neck (i.e. level II-III) were PET/CT is negative outside the head-neck region can be considered for inclusion at the discretion of the study investigators. Exclusion Criteria: * general contraindications for MRI (pacemaker, aneurysm clips, any form of metal in the body, severe claustrophobia) * serious comorbidity (including previous or othe cancer) that in the opinion of the investigator would compromise the patient's ability to complete the study of interfere with the evaluation of the study objectives (e.g. poorly controlled diabetes mellitus) * histologically confirmed SCC of same or other origin within the last five years * patient wants to withdraw for any reason during the study
Where this trial is running
Tromsø and 1 other locations
- University Hospital of North Norway — Tromsø, Norway (Not_yet_recruiting)
- St Olavs Hospital, Department of Oncology — Trondheim, Norway (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Miriam Alsaker, phd
- Email: mirjam.alsaker@ntnu.no
- Phone: +47 73598709
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.