Prospective Trial of Serial CT Imaging for Evaluation of Dosimetric/Volumetric Changes During IMRT for Head/Neck Cancer

Inclusion Criteria:

• AJCC pathological stage I-IV cancers of the head and neck meeting the following criteria:

  • If gross total resection is performed it must be completed within 7 weeks of registration
• Site of tumor origin in the nasopharynx, oral cavity, oropharynx, parotid, larynx, or hypopharynx (excluding lip, or sinuses)

• Pretreatment evaluations required for eligibility include:

  • History and physical examination within four weeks prior to study entry
  • Dental evaluation with management according to the guidelines in Appendix IV prior to start of radiation
  • Serum pregnancy test, if applicable, within one week prior to study entry; urine dipstick test on the first day of treatment
  • Radiographic Studies: Pre-operative CT or MRI of the primary tumor and neck for clinical staging is required
• Patients must be ≥ 18 years of age.
• Women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) must be willing to consent to using effective contraception while on treatment.
• Pregnant women are ineligible as radiation therapy involves unforeseeable risks to the embryo or fetus. WOCBP must have a negative serum or urine pregnancy test (minimum sensitivity 25 IU/L or equivalent units of human chorionic gonadotropin [hCG], or in accordance with local regulations, whichever is more sensitive).
• Patients must sign a study-specific informed consent form prior to registration.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Histology positive for melanoma.
• Gross (visible or palpable) disease left after surgery.
• Less than gross total resection or patients requiring staged surgery.
• Prior head and neck radiotherapy.
• Women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) who are unwilling or unable to use an acceptable method to avoid pregnancy for the entire study period