Using PET scans to improve radiation treatment for head and neck cancer
A Pilot Study of 18F-FDG PET-CT Kinetic Analysis in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)
This study is testing if using PET scans can help improve radiation treatment for people with head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy, radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT02678884 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans in planning and delivering radiation therapy for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Participants will undergo a PET scan before and during their radiation treatment to assess how this imaging technique can enhance treatment outcomes. The study will follow standard practices for patient monitoring after the intervention. The goal is to determine if PET scans can provide valuable information that improves radiation therapy precision.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with non-nasopharynx head and neck mucosal squamous cell carcinoma who are receiving radiation therapy with curative intent.
Not a fit: Patients with nasopharynx cancer, distant metastases, or those who have had prior head and neck radiotherapy may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective radiation treatments for patients with head and neck cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using PET scans in cancer treatment planning, suggesting this approach may be beneficial.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Non-nasopharynx head and neck mucosal squamous cell carcinoma * Radiologically evident gross disease * Radiotherapy alone for curative intent * Age equal to or more than 18 years old * To be eligible for the second study PET-CT scan: FDG avid tumour (or minimum SUV of 2.5) on the first study PET-CT scan Exclusion Criteria: * Nasopharynx cancer * H\&N SCC skin * Distant metastases (already known or if found on baseline CT-thorax) * Prior malignancy within the last 5 years (exclude non-H\&N SCC, BCC skin) * Prior chemotherapy within the last 5 years or concurrent chemotherapy/EGFR inhibitors * Prior head and neck radiotherapy * Inability to lie supine for study duration * Pregnancy * Inability to provide informed consent
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer Center — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: John J Kim, MD — The Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation
- Study coordinator: John J Kim, MD
- Email: John.kim@rmp.uhn.on.ca
- Phone: 416 946 4501
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.