HN-QUEST: A Study of Head and Neck Imaging Biomarkers
Recruiting now NCT05919290
Run by University Health Network, Toronto · for 18 and older · All sexes · accepts healthy volunteers
What this study is about
This is a multi arm, single center, investigator initiated study to investigate online adaptive radiotherapy and biomarker development in patients with newly diagnosed HNSCC (Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma) receiving curative therapy. The study will consist of two prospective arms. In Arm 1 up to 100 HNSCC patients receiving (CT)RT (computed tomography-based radiation therapy) will receive up to weekly non-contrast MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans during treatment. Arm 2 consists of two cohorts. In cohort A up to 20 healthy volunteers will undergo non-contrast MRI at two time points. In cohort B up to 53 patients planned to receive curative (chemo) radiotherapy for HNSCC will undergo two baseline MRI scans, one MRI in week 2 and week 4, and final MRI scan 6-8 weeks after completion of treatment.
Who can join (things the study team will check)
✅ You may be able to join if…
- Age >/= 18 years
- Histologically proven Head and Neck Squamous Cell carcinoma
- Primary or nodal disease > 3cm for biomarker imaging
- Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) Performance Status 0-2
- Planned for curative surgery or (chemo)radiotherapy
- Willingness to undergo repeat MRI
- Able to receive and understand verbal and written information regarding study and able to give written informed consent
- Adequate renal function: Calculated creatinine clearance >/= 30ml/min
- Be able to lie comfortably on back for 1 hour
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- As judged by investigator evidence of systemic disease that makes unsuitable for study
- Contra-indication for serial MRI scans
- Previous solid tumor treated within last 5 years
- Pregnancy
- History of significant obstructive airway disease
- History of gadolinium contrast allergy
✅ You may be able to join if…
- Age >/= 18 years
- Able to receive and understand verbal and written information regarding study and able to give written informed consent
- Willingness to undergo repeat MRI
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- Unwillingness to sign informed consent
- Contra-indication for MRI
- Underlying significant respiratory disease
Where this trial is running
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Who to contact
Rehab Chahin, MD · 416-946-4501 · Rehab.Chahin@uhn.ca
It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT05919290.
Verify everything on the official ClinicalTrials.gov record. Page updated July 2026.