MRI and PET-CT for Radiotherapy Planning for Head and Neck Cancer

Radiotherapy is commonly used to treat advanced cancers of the head and neck, aiming for cure while preserving patients' quality of life including their ability to speak and swallow. In order to reduce the potentially major side effects of treatment, it is essential that the highest doses of radiotherapy are targeted to the main bulk of the tumour. At present a computerized tomography (CT) scan is used by the cancer specialist to identify the tumour for planning the radiotherapy treatment. The investigators know that other types of scan including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans are better than CT scans at showing areas involved by the cancer. However, radiotherapy cannot be directly planned on these types of scans. The aim of this study is to explore whether PET and MRI scans can be combined with CT scans to more accurately identify the tumour target. In addition, this study will explore whether PETCT and MRI scans may used to adjust radiotherapy to how well a tumour is responding during a course of radiotherapy. If the radiotherapy planning process can be improved in these ways, the investigators hope future patients will benefit by more chance of cure with a reduction in the side effects of treatment. The study aims to recruit 16 patients. All patients within the study will undergo a PETCT and an MRI scan prior to starting treatment as part of the study. A subgroup of 8 patients will undergo additional imaging at two timepoints during the course of their radiotherapy. The study is noninterventional and patients' standard treatment will not be affected by their participation in the study.