Using PET scans to improve radiation treatment for head and neck cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT02678884 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated March 2024 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This pilot study is investigating whether PET-CT scans—a type of imaging that shows how active cancer cells are—can help doctors improve radiation treatment planning for head and neck cancer. If you join, you'll receive two PET scans (one before treatment and one during treatment) in addition to your routine care. The goal is to see if this extra imaging information helps doctors deliver more effective radiation therapy.

Currently, doctors plan radiation therapy using standard imaging tests, but this treatment may not be as effective as it could be. Researchers want to see if the additional information from PET scans can help doctors target tumors more precisely and improve outcomes for patients with head and neck cancer.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (excluding nasopharynx cancer)
you are 18 years old or older
you will be receiving radiation therapy alone as your primary cancer treatment
your cancer is visible on imaging scans and has not spread to distant parts of your body
you have not received chemotherapy or prior radiation to your head and neck in the past 5 years

You likely don't qualify if…

you have nasopharynx cancer or skin-based head and neck cancer
your cancer has spread to distant organs
you have had another cancer diagnosis within the past 5 years
you are currently pregnant or cannot lie flat on your back during scans
you are unable to provide informed consent to participate

What participation looks like

You would receive a PET-CT scan before your radiation therapy begins, and then another PET-CT scan during your treatment course. These scans are in addition to your regular appointments and standard imaging tests. After your treatment is complete, you'll be followed up using the same approach as all radiation therapy patients, with no additional long-term study visits required.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

Canada

University Health Network, Princess Margaret Cancer Center, Toronto, Ontario