NCT03145077 · M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Diagnosing Osteoradionecrosis in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer That Is Primary, Has Come Back, or Has Spread to Other Places in the Body
What this study is about
This trial studies how well dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) works in diagnosing osteoradionecrosis in patients with head and neck cancer that is primary, has come back, or has spread to other places in the body who are undergoing radiation therapy. DCE-MRI may help doctors to predict osteoradionecrosis in patient with head and neck cancer undergoing radiation therapy.
View original scientific description
This trial studies how well dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) works in diagnosing osteoradionecrosis in patients with head and neck cancer that is primary, has come back, or has spread to other places in the body who are undergoing radiation therapy. DCE-MRI may help doctors to predict osteoradionecrosis in patient with head and neck cancer undergoing radiation therapy.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Willing and able to provide informed consent
- Patients must have histologic evidence of malignant neoplasm that may have been obtained from the primary tumor or metastatic lymph node
- Receipt of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) with curative intent, with or without concomitant chemotherapy
- Good performance status (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group \[ECOG\] score 0-2)
- Willing to comply with all study procedures; and
- Willing to participate for the duration of the study
- COHORT 1 (LONGITUDINAL) GROUP 1 (PRE-RADIATION): Subjects who are currently undergoing or scheduled to undergo treatment with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy (induction or concurrent) with intent to eradicate the malignancy. Treatment will include the following: 1) primary or nodal disease adjacent to (within 2 cm) the mandible (i.e., likely to receive a dose of at least 50 Gy to some portion of the mandible volumes) and 2) \> 60% probability of survival for 3 years after treatment
- COHORT 1 (LONGITUDINAL) GROUP 2 (POST-RADIATION): Subjects who were previously treated with radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy (induction or concurrent). Treatment will have included the following: 1) unilateral maximum mandible dose of \>= 60 Gy and a gradient of dose across the mandible of \>= 20 Gy, 2) oncological cure and now in disease surveillance; and 3) no clinically diagnosed ORN at the time of enrollment
- COHORT 2 (ENRICHED): Subjects with recurrent and/or new head and neck cancer disease who will undergo re-irradiation to the head and neck with intent to eradicate the malignancy. Treatment will include the following: 1) any mandible dose of at least 50 Gy cumulative (initial and subsequent treatment); and 2) no clinically diagnosed ORN at the time of enrollment
- COHORT 3 (EARLY ORN INTERVENTION): Subjects with clinically confirmed low-grade/early stage osteoradionecrosis requiring therapeutic (medical and/or dental surgery) intervention as diagnosed by a qualified clinician. Clinical staging of developing or existing ORN will be conducted using the CTCAE 4.0 (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events)
- COHORT 4 (SURGICAL INTERVENTION FOR ADVANCED ORN): Subjects with clinically confirmed high grade/high stage osteoradionecrosis requiring surgical intervention. Clinical staging of ORN will be conducted using the CTCAE 4.0 (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events)
Exclusion criteria
- Unable to tolerate diffusion weighted (DW)-MRI or DCE-MRI
- Having an estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) \< 60 ml/min/1.73 m\^2
- Contraindication to MRI (e.g. non-MRI compatible metallic implants)
- Pregnant females and cognitively impaired patients
- Unable or unwilling to give written, informed consent to undergo MRI imaging
- Claustrophobia
- Unable to obtain imaging studies of adequate quality to assess imaging-based biomarkers
- COHORT 1/GROUP 1: Previously treated with radiotherapy for a malignant neoplasm of the head and neck, excluding cutaneous lesions. Determination will be made by review of the radiation therapy plan and dosimetry map to evaluate mandible exposure to radiation
- COHORT 1/GROUP 2: Previously treated with radiotherapy for a malignant neoplasm of the head and neck more than one time, excluding cutaneous lesions
Where
- Houston, Texas
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Apr 16, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations