Recruiting

Using MRI Scans to Predict Jaw Bone Damage After Head and Neck Cancer Radiation

Plain-English translation of NCT03145077 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated April 2026 · Translation generated July 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 trial is testing whether a special type of MRI scan called dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) can predict osteoradionecrosis — a serious condition where the jaw bone becomes damaged and dies after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Researchers will follow patients over time with repeated MRI scans to see if this imaging can reliably warn doctors when bone damage is likely to occur, and whether it can help monitor how well treatments are working.

Jaw bone damage is a known but serious side effect of radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, and doctors currently have no reliable way to predict who will develop it before damage occurs. If this MRI scan can identify early warning signs, doctors could intervene sooner to prevent severe complications or plan better treatment strategies.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer (new, returning, or spread to other areas) and are receiving or have received radiation therapy
you are willing to return for multiple MRI scans over 2–4 years as part of the study
you are able to have an MRI safely (no metal implants that are incompatible with MRI machines)
you have adequate kidney function to safely receive MRI contrast dye
your doctor believes you have a good chance of surviving at least 3 years after your cancer treatment

You likely don't qualify if…

you have metal implants in your body that cannot go into an MRI machine
you have kidney disease or reduced kidney function
you have claustrophobia or cannot tolerate being in an MRI machine
you are pregnant or unable to give informed consent
you already have a clinically diagnosed jaw bone damage condition at the time you would enroll

What participation looks like

Depending on which group you join, you will receive MRI scans at different time points. If you are newly diagnosed, you'll have scans before radiation starts, a few weeks after it begins, and then at 2, 6, 12, 24, and 36 months after treatment. If you've already had radiation, you'll have 2–5 scans over several years. If you're being treated for jaw bone damage, you'll have scans before treatment and at 2 and 6 months afterward. Each MRI scan takes about 30–60 minutes, and the study continues for up to 4 years depending on your group.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 1, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

M D Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas