Study of Proton Versus Photon Beam Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer

Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Sponsor score: 60
Inactive

ClinicalTrials ID:NCT02923570

Patient View

This clinical trial compares the effects of proton beam radiotherapy (PBRT) and photon intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in treating head and neck cancers. Eligible participants are adults with specific cancer types, requiring ipsilateral radiation, and a Karnofsky performance status of ≥70. Both therapies are administered at 60-66Gy in 2 Gy fractions.

Patient Parameters

Program Overview

Compared to IMRT, PBRT is thought to give less radiation exposure to the surrounding healthy tissues. It is possible that side effect rates with PBRT will be lower or the same compared to IMRT, but this has not been well studied to date. Although both of these radiation therapies have been used in the past to treat head and neck cancer, this research study will compare the effects of these two different radiation treatment modalities with each other to see whether PBRT is better, the same or worse than IMRT.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

  • Age greater than or equal to 18.

  • Histopathologically confirmed diagnosis of one the following cancer types:

    • Salivary gland cancer
    • Skin cancer
    • Melanoma

  • HNSCC that require ipsilateral radiation

  • Patients must be a candidate for ipsilateral radiation therapy.

  • Karnofsky performance status ≥70.

  • Negative pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential (<51 years of age) as per institutional policy.

Exclusion Criteria

  • Any prior head or neck irradiation.
  • Physician recommendation of bilateral neck radiation.
  • Non-resectable disease
  • Physician recommendation of mucosal radiation

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