Clinical Research Directory

SPECT-CT Guided ELEctive Contralateral Neck Treatment in Lateralized Oropharyngeal Cancer

Oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) is the most common type of head and neck cancer. The current standard treatment for this cancer is radiotherapy (RT) of the tumour and lymph nodes of both sides of the neck, combined with concurrent chemotherapy for advanced stages. Even though a small proportion of patients with this cancer have involvement of the lymph nodes of the neck on the opposite side of the tumour (contralateral involvement) or involvement of the lymph nodes on both sides of the neck (bilateral involvement), bilateral radiotherapy is performed due to the risk of contralateral microscopic involvement, which is invisible on imaging and clinical examination. Bilateral radiotherapy causes more adverse events, leading to a decrease in quality of life. Lymphatic mapping using Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography-Computed Tomography (SPECT-CT) imaging is a technique that visualises the lymphatic drainage of the tumour and thus determines whether radiotherapy should be delivered unilaterally or bilaterally to the lymph nodes. This technique would therefore reduce adverse events and improve quality of life, while maintaining the efficacy of radiotherapy. The goal of the clinical trial SELECT-FR is to investigate if the efficacy of a lymphatic drainage mapping with a SPECT-CT-guided approach is acceptable in terms of two-year Disease Free Survival (DFS) rate in patients with lateralized OPC.

Enhancing Oral Cancer Awareness

To evaluate the impact of AI-powered chatbot interactions versus traditional educational handouts on increasing participants' knowledge of oral cancer and its prevention

Treatment De-Escalation for Favorable Prognosis Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) or p16-Positive Oropharyngeal Cancer Receiving Definitive Radiotherapy

The current standard treatment option for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) or p16-positive oropharyngeal cancer is full-dose radiation combined with chemotherapy. Results with chemotherapy combined with full-dose radiation therapy leads to high rates of cure; this has called into question whether therapy can be decreased in intensity since both chemotherapy and radiation have long-term side effects. One approach to decrease intensity of treatment is to give radiation alone (excluding chemotherapy) and to decrease radiation therapy dose. The investigator believes that omitting chemotherapy and decreasing radiation dose both to tumor and the regions of the head and neck at highest risk of potential spread, may have no significant impact on the cancer recurring while potentially leading to fewer long-term side effects.

Predictive Tools in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy

The ITHACA study aims to improve the treatment of head and neck cancer by developing a predictive tool that helps doctors personalize care for each patient. This tool uses information such as medical history, imaging, and radiotherapy data to predict the risk of cancer recurrence, overall survival, and the likelihood of side effects. Patients with head and neck cancer face significant challenges, including managing the side effects of treatments like radiotherapy. By tailoring treatment schedules and doses, and using advanced imaging techniques, we hope to reduce complications and improve survival outcomes. The study is designed to help doctors choose the best treatment for each patient, while minimizing the side effects that impact important functions like swallowing and breathing. Patients participating in the study will have their medical data collected, including: Tumor characteristics (size, location, stage). Treatment details (radiotherapy and chemotherapy). Imaging information using tools like PET-CT and MRI to track the response to treatment and detect any signs of cancer recurrence. Side effects and overall health data. This information will be used to develop and test a new model that predicts outcomes for each patient based on their unique data. The study includes adults (18 years and older) diagnosed with head and neck cancer, who are undergoing or have completed radiotherapy. Patients will be followed over time to monitor their response to treatment and any side effects.