Using PET-MRI scans for patients with head and neck cancer
Use of PET-MR in Head and Neck Cancer Patients - Diagnostic and Therapeutic Applications
This study is testing if patients with advanced head and neck cancer can handle a PET-MRI scan while in a treatment shell and if combining these scans with CT scans can improve their radiotherapy planning.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Sheffield, England) |
| Trial ID | NCT06032663 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates whether patients with locally-advanced head and neck cancer can tolerate a PET-MRI scan while immobilized in a radiotherapy treatment shell. The study will measure the proportion of patients completing the full scanning protocol and gather feedback on their experiences. Additionally, it aims to determine if fusing PET-MRI scans with planning CT scans can enhance the accuracy of radiotherapy planning by comparing treatment plans and observer variability with and without the PET-MRI scans.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and over with a new diagnosis of biopsy-proven head and neck cancer who are recommended for radical radiotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with severe claustrophobia, those unable to undergo MRI, or those with advanced chronic kidney disease may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the accuracy of radiotherapy planning for head and neck cancer patients, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of PET-MRI in oncology is gaining traction, this specific approach in head and neck cancer is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Aged 18 years or over 2. Able to give informed written consent. 3. New diagnosis of biopsy-proven head and neck cancer. 4. WHO performance status ≤ 2. 5. MDT-recommended treatment with radical radiotherapy, with or without concurrent systemic therapy. 6. MRI and PET-CT staging scans for diagnosis. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Known intolerance/sensitivity to 18F-2-deoxyglucose or gadolinium-containing contrast agents. 2. Claustrophobia or other contraindications to MRI. 3. Unable to pass through a 55 cm hula hoop. 4. Female patients that are pregnant or breastfeeding. 5. Unable to understand written or spoken English. 6. Patients not undergoing radical intent radiotherapy. 7. Patients with stage 4 or 5 chronic kidney disease or other biochemical abnormalities e.g. uncontrolled blood glucose levels which can have an impact on PET-MRI imaging or contrast administration.
Where this trial is running
Sheffield, England
- Cancer Research Centre at Weston Park Hospital — Sheffield, England, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Satya Garikipati, MD — STH Contracted Consultant
- Study coordinator: Dominic Nash
- Email: sth.specialisedcancerresearchadministration@nhs.net
- Phone: 01142265208
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.