Predicting side effects of radiation in head and neck cancer using genetic markers

Predictive Models for Radiation-induced Side Effects in Head and Neck Cancer Based on Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP)

University Medical Center Groningen · NCT02489084

This study is testing if looking at certain genetic markers can help predict which patients with head and neck cancer might experience swallowing problems after radiation treatment.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment2000 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Medical Center Groningen (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Groningen)
Trial IDNCT02489084 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate how single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) can enhance predictive models for radiation-induced side effects, particularly dysphagia, in patients with head and neck cancer. By analyzing genetic profiles, the study seeks to improve the understanding of individual radiosensitivity and the risk of complications following radiotherapy. Participants will undergo blood sampling to assess their SNP profiles, which may lead to more personalized treatment approaches. The study focuses on patients receiving curative radiotherapy and aims to fill a gap in current knowledge regarding genetic determinants of treatment response.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults with histologically confirmed head and neck cancer who are of Northern European ethnicity and are undergoing curative radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who have previously received radiation therapy in the head and neck area will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more tailored radiotherapy plans that minimize side effects and improve quality of life for head and neck cancer patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of SNPs in predicting treatment outcomes is an emerging field, this specific approach to improve predictive models for radiation-induced side effects in head and neck cancer is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histological proven head and neck cancer
* Primary site in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, and/or salivary glands
* Treatment with curative intent with primary or postoperative radiotherapy either or not combined with systemic treatment
* Northern European ethnicity (ethnicity is a known confounder in SNP association studies)
* Willing and able to comply with the study prescriptions
* 18 years or older
* No prior radiation (in the head and neck area)
* Patients must have sufficient knowledge of the Dutch language to understand the meaning of the study as described in the patient information
* Have given written informed consent before patient registration

Exclusion Criteria:

* Prior radiotherapy

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Head and Neck Cancer, Head and Neck neoplasms, Genome-wide association study, Polymorphism, single nucleotide, Toxicity

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.