Smarter radiation therapy planning for head and neck cancer using lymph node mapping

Plain-English translation of NCT04688528 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 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 trial is testing a smarter approach to radiation therapy for people with head and neck cancer that has spread to lymph nodes on one side of the neck. Instead of routinely treating both sides of the neck with radiation, doctors will use a special scan (called sentinel lymph node mapping) to see exactly where cancer might spread. This helps them give radiation only to the areas that need it, reducing harm to healthy tissue.

Currently, doctors treat both sides of the neck with radiation to prevent cancer from spreading, even though only some patients actually need it. This approach doubles the amount of radiation exposure and causes more side effects. This trial tests whether using lymph node mapping can safely reduce radiation to only the areas that truly need it, while preventing cancer from returning.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (cancer of the mouth, throat, or voice box)
your cancer has spread to lymph nodes on one side of your neck, but not the other side
you are 18 years or older and in good general health
your doctors have decided you need radiation therapy (with or without chemotherapy) as your main treatment
you have had recent imaging scans (CT, MRI, and PET) of your neck showing your cancer

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had previous radiation or surgery to your neck that could affect how lymph fluid drains
you have had another cancer in the past 5 years
you cannot receive iodine contrast dye used in imaging scans
your cancer has spread to the other side of your neck or to distant parts of your body
you have a severe allergy to contrast dye that cannot be safely managed

What participation looks like

If you join this trial, you will first have a special imaging scan (called SPECT/CT) that uses a radioactive tracer to map where your lymph nodes drain. Based on the results, you may be assigned to one of three treatment groups. Some patients will receive radiation to only the side with cancer; others will be randomly assigned to receive radiation to either the entire lymph node level containing drainage or only the specific draining lymph nodes. Your radiation therapy will use a lower dose than is standard, potentially reducing long-term side effects. You will be followed closely throughout your treatment and afterward to monitor your health.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 7, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(10 sites)

Belgium

ZOL, Genk, Limburg

Jessa Ziekenhuis, Hasselt, Limburg

OLV Aalst, Aalst

UCL Saint-Luc, Brussels

Institute Jules Bordet, Brussels