Using MRI to predict radiation effects in patients with oral or skull base tumors

Serial Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Longitudinal Radiotherapy-Attributable Normal Tissue Injury

PHASE4 · M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT04265430

This study is testing if regular MRI scans can help predict how radiation treatment affects healthy tissues in patients with tumors in the mouth or skull base.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE4
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment425 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04265430 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This phase IV trial investigates the effectiveness of serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in predicting radiation-induced changes in normal tissues of patients with malignant tumors in the oral cavity or skull base. The study aims to assess the feasibility of MRI biomarkers to evaluate physiological alterations due to radiotherapy over time. Patients will undergo multiple MRI scans at various intervals after receiving radiation therapy to develop predictive models for normal tissue injury and understand dose-response relationships. The trial includes two cohorts, one receiving MRIs during radiation therapy and the other post-surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients with histologically confirmed malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity or skull base who are undergoing or have undergone radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who cannot tolerate MRI procedures or have contraindications to MRI will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the ability to predict and manage radiation-induced injuries in patients undergoing treatment for oral cavity or skull base tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored the use of imaging biomarkers in predicting treatment effects, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

All Cohorts:

* Patients older than 18 years of age
* Patients with good performance status (ECOG score 0-2)
* Patients willing to give written informed consent.

Cohort 1 (Individuals without ORN or MRONJ):

* Patients with histologically proven malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity, oropharynx or skull base.
* Patients currently dispositioned to treatment with radiotherapy and/or antiresorptive or antiangiogenic medication therapy

Cohort 2 (Individuals with ORN or MRONJ):

* Patients with a clinical diagnosis of ORN or MRONJ following treatment for cancer
* Patients previously dispositioned to treatment with radiotherapy and/or antiresorptive or antiangiogenic medication therapy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients unable to tolerate DW-MRI or DCE-MRI or having an estimated GFR \< 30ml/min/1.73m2.
* Patients with contraindication to MRI (e.g. non-MRI compatible metallic implants)

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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: Malignant Oral Cavity Neoplasm, Malignant Skull Base Neoplasm, Osteoradionecrosis

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.