Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 18 to 80 years old * Sex: male or female * Language spoken: Finnish or Swedish * Performance status: Karnofsky score 70 or better or WHO performance status 2 or better * Mental status: Patients must be able to understand the meaning of the study * Diagnosis: Histological, cytological and clinical findings are consistent with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (oral cavity, pharynx or larynx) * Primary tumor diameter as determined clinically or from contrast enhanced CT or MRI scan must be at least 20 mm * Patients with nodal neck metastases of head and neck cancer are eligible * Informed consent: The patient must sign the appropriate Ethical Committee (EC) approved informed consent documents in the presence of the designated staff * Gravidity: Patient, if female, must not be pregnant or lactating at the time of the study Exclusion Criteria: * Any previously known contraindication of MR Imaging (including but not limited to metallic implants or foreign bodies, pacemakers or other cardiac implantable electronic devices, MR-incompatible prosthetic heart valves, contrast allergy, claustrophobia) * Prior Medical History: Patient must have no history of serious haematologic, cardiovascular, liver or kidney disease. Since none of these is an absolute contraindication for inclusion final judgement will be left to the investigators. * Prior Therapy: Patient must have no history of previous chemotherapy, biological therapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy or major surgery for treatment of head and neck cancer * Infections: Patient must not have an uncontrolled serious infection * Advanced disease: Patient is not eligible for curative cancer treatment due to advanced disease.