NCT03483337 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New MRI Biomarkers in Head and Neck Cancers
What this study is about
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic technique that takes pictures of organs of the body. It uses magnetic fields and radio waves that cannot be felt. This makes specific organs, blood vessels, or tumors easier to see. Diffusion MRI lets us measure the motion of water in the tumor. The purpose of this study is to see if new MRI methods can give us more information about the tumor.
View original scientific description
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic technique that takes pictures of organs of the body. It uses magnetic fields and radio waves that cannot be felt. This makes specific organs, blood vessels, or tumors easier to see. Diffusion MRI lets us measure the motion of water in the tumor. The purpose of this study is to see if new MRI methods can give us more information about the tumor.
Interventions
OTHER
MRI examinations
Patients will be imaged on a 1.5 T or 3 T MR scanner either from GE or Philips. Patients will receive a test-retest scan in on session prior to start of treatment. Patients who will be receiving radiation therapy treatment at main campus, will also be imaged weekly during their course of treatment.
OTHER
MRI examinations
Patients will be imaged on a 1.5 T or 3T MR scanner within one week prior to treatment initiation and at two months and four months after treatment completion (+/- 1 week).
Primary outcome measures
For group 1: number of patients that have biomarkers that maybe early response to therapy indicators
Time frame: 1 year
The study is designed to determine if the MRI will provide quantitative imaging biomarkers to predict or assess early treatment response in R/M head and neck cancers. The MR data will be compared with clinical follow-up data. Additional sequence parameters.
For group 2: number of patients response to treatment
Time frame: 1 year
will be assessed using ROC curves with RECIST with the RECIST version 1.1 response as the gold standard and change in DW-MRI and image feature metrics as predictors.
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
- Age ≥ 18 years
- Group 1 patients: Presence of a suspicious metastatic lesion or suspicious for recurrent disease in the head and neck region.
- Group 2 patients:
- Biopsy proven recurrent or metastatic or definitive head and neck cancer or (differentiated and undifferentiated) thyroid cancers in the head and neck region only.
- Patients planning to undergo reatment at MSK
Exclusion criteria
- Patient would require anesthesia for the study
- Patients who are claustrophobic
- Patients selecting treatment outside of MSK
- Known reaction to Gd based contrast agent
- Patients who have presence of a known contradiction to MRI
- Aneurysm clips
- Patients with implants that are contradicted for MR imaging will be excluded
- Age and mental status wherein he /she is unable to cooperate for MRI study
Where
- New York, New York
Related conditions & keywords
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 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations