The EMINENCE Study - PET/MR Imaging of Head Neck Cancer

Launched by NORWEGIAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY · Oct 27, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The EMINENCE Study is researching how advanced imaging techniques, specifically PET and MRI scans, can improve the treatment of head and neck cancers. These cancers often require radiotherapy, but there can be challenges with treatment failure and side effects. By using these imaging methods, the study aims to understand the characteristics of tumors better, which could help tailor radiotherapy to each patient’s needs. This personalized approach aims to enhance treatment effectiveness, reduce side effects, and improve the overall quality of life for patients.

To be eligible for this study, participants should have a confirmed diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck area, and they must be scheduled to receive radiotherapy with the goal of curing their cancer. They should also be able to provide written consent and have good kidney function. However, individuals with certain medical devices, serious health conditions, or a history of recent cancers may not qualify. Participants will undergo imaging scans before and during their treatment, helping researchers develop new, more precise radiotherapy techniques specifically tailored to head and neck cancer patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • willing and able to give full written consent according to the protocol approved by the Regional Ethics Committee
• • histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma in the head neck region (pharynx, larynx, oral cavity or sinonasal area)
• • locally advanced disease without sign of dissemination (T3/T4 and/or N1-3, M0) on diagnostic imaging
• • scheduled for definitive radiotherapy with curative intent with or without concomitant chemotherapy
• • adequate renal function: Creatinine clearance ≥ 60 ml/minute
• • lymph node metastasis from cancer of unknown primary of the upper neck (i.e. level II-III) were PET/CT is negative outside the head-neck region can be considered for inclusion at the discretion of the study investigators.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • general contraindications for MRI (pacemaker, aneurysm clips, any form of metal in the body, severe claustrophobia)
• • serious comorbidity (including previous or othe cancer) that in the opinion of the investigator would compromise the patient's ability to complete the study of interfere with the evaluation of the study objectives (e.g. poorly controlled diabetes mellitus)
• • histologically confirmed SCC of same or other origin within the last five years
• • patient wants to withdraw for any reason during the study