This is a phase II randomized trial, where patients with histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of oropharynx that have primary tumor (T3 - T4) in place, treated with curative intent chemoradiation, will be randomized to systematic mid-treatment MRI-based radiotherapy adaptation vs. standard of care. The primary objective is to compare patient-rated dysphagia (as assessed by the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory composite score at 6 months post-treatment in patients undergoing routine mid-treatment MR-guided radiotherapy adaptation vs. in patients receiving the current standard of care.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Age ≥18 years
* Ability to provide written informed consent.
* Stage T3-T4N0-3 as per AJCC 8th edition
* Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status 0-2.
* Biopsy proven diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx.
* Planned for curative radiotherapy +/- chemotherapy
* For females of child-bearing age, a negative pregnancy test
* Patients treated with induction chemotherapy can be included if they have residual tumor in place.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Previous irradiation of the head and neck (HNC) region, excluding superficial radiation therapy for non-melanomatous skin cancer
* Previous surgery of the HNC region (except for incisional or excisional biopsies)
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Connective tissue disease
* Any medical condition that could, in the opinion of the investigator, prevent follow-up after radiotherapy.
* Patients with contra-indications to MRI will be excluded.
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Patient-reported dysphagia
Timeframe: at 6 months post treatment
Trial details
NCT IDNCT04901234
SponsorCentre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM)