Adaptive Radiation Therapy for Cancer

This trial explores new ways to use MRI and PET imaging to enhance radiation therapy for certain cancers. It aims to understand how tumors in head and neck cancer and brain metastases resist treatment, potentially causing cancer recurrence or progression. Participants will undergo imaging with 18F-fluoromisonidazole, a special imaging agent, to identify areas that might not respond well to radiation. Individuals with measurable tumors from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma or brain metastases from other cancers may be suitable for this study. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants a chance to contribute to groundbreaking advancements in cancer therapy.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

Research has shown that 18F-fluoromisonidazole, the imaging agent used in this trial, has been studied in several projects. These studies suggest it can help monitor low oxygen levels in tumors and changes related to radiation treatment. However, there isn't enough evidence yet to support its regular use for adjusting radiation doses in head and neck cancer.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is generally well-tolerated because it doesn’t use harmful radiation. It is considered safe for ongoing imaging, which is useful for tracking tumor changes over time.

PET (Positron Emission Tomography) is commonly used in cancer care and has proven to be a safe method for guiding radiation treatment. PET scans involve a small amount of radioactive material, but they are widely used because the benefits for diagnosis and treatment planning outweigh the risks.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it leverages cutting-edge imaging techniques to improve cancer treatment precision. Unlike traditional methods that rely heavily on static imaging, this approach uses 18F-fluoromisonidazole with MRI and PET scans to dynamically assess tumor behavior and response. This could lead to more personalized and effective radiation therapy, potentially improving outcomes for patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, as well as those with brain metastases. By tailoring treatment in real time, this method could overcome limitations of current standards, offering a promising advancement in cancer care.

In this trial, participants with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck or brain metastases will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and positron emission tomography (PET) scans using the imaging agent 18F-fluoromisonidazole. Research has shown that this special type of scan, called an 18F-fluoromisonidazole PET scan, can help predict the effectiveness of radiation therapy for head-and-neck cancer. This scan identifies low-oxygen areas in tumors, which are often difficult to treat with radiation. Studies have found that detecting these low-oxygen areas before treatment can provide insights into the potential success of the therapy. The scan helps doctors identify tumor parts that might resist treatment, allowing for more effective therapy planning. While promising, further research is needed to confirm these benefits in everyday medical care.¹³⁶⁷⁸