Using MRI to predict treatment response in head and neck cancer

Temporal Diffusion Spectroscopy MRI in Predicting the Comprehensive Positive Score of PD-L1 Expression and the Efficacy of Neoadjuvant Therapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Observational Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University · NCT05964595

This study is testing if a special type of MRI can help predict how well treatment will work for people with head and neck cancer.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment136 (estimated)
SexAll
SponsorSun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT05964595 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the use of temporal diffusion spectroscopy MRI to assess head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). It aims to determine if MRI parameters can predict the comprehensive positive score (CPS) of PD-L1 expression and the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy. Participants will undergo various MRI sequences before and after receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The study does not include a comparison group, focusing solely on the predictive capabilities of the imaging technique.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients newly diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are set to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with small tumors (less than 10mm) or those unable to undergo MRI due to contraindications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the ability to tailor neoadjuvant therapy based on individual tumor characteristics, potentially improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of temporal diffusion spectroscopy MRI is novel, similar imaging techniques have shown promise in predicting treatment responses in other cancers.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients first diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) by pathological biopsy
* Patients proposed to receive 2-3 courses of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and immunotherapy
* Patients without contraindications for MRI, such as nonremovable ferromagnetic metal foreign body, claustrophobia, renal insufficiency, and previous history of gadolinium contrast allergy

Exclusion Criteria:

* Less than 10mm in the maximum diameter of the baseline primary tumor
* Poor MRI image quality with obvious metal or motion artifacts
* The failure to complete the course of neoadjuvant therapy

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

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 Squamous Cell CarcinomaMagnetic Resonance ImagingNeoadjuvant TherapyHead and neck squamous cell CarcinomaTemporal diffusion spectroscopy imagingProgrammed death-ligand 1Neoadjuvant therapy
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.