Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Biopsy proven diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of head and neck mucosa. Clinical evidence should be documented, and may consist of imaging, endoscopic evaluation, palpation, and should be sufficient to estimate the size of the primary for purposes of T staging * No distant metastases, based on routine staging workup * Consent for blood collection for biomarker analysis * No head and neck surgery of the primary tumor or lymph nodes except for incisional or excisional biopsies * Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) = 0, 1, or 2 * Dispositioned to curative intent radiotherapy * For females of child-bearing age, a negative pregnancy test Exclusion Criteria: * Previous radiation treatment for head and neck mucosal primary cancers within the past 5 years (i.e. oropharynx, nasopharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, and oral cavity) * Pregnant or breast-feeding females * Contraindications to magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (e.g. implanted metallic prostheses, defibrillators, or stimulators) * History of claustrophobia * Contraindications to gadolinium contrast (e.g. kidney dysfunction)