Simultaneous PET-MRI for Comparison of Advanced DW-MRI Techniques and EF5-PET in the Detection of Hypoxia in Head and Neck Cancer
This study is designed to evaluate the performance of advanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in the assessment of tumor hypoxia using \[18F\]EF5 positron emission tomography (PET) as a reference in head and neck cancer patients. Low oxygen level or hypoxia contributes to radiotherapy resistance. Therefore, a clinically applicable method to detect tumor hypoxia is of great importance.
• Age: 18 to 80 years old
• Sex: male or female
• Language spoken: Finnish or Swedish
• Performance status: Karnofsky score 70 or better or WHO performance status 2 or better
• Mental status: Patients must be able to understand the meaning of the study
• Diagnosis: Histological, cytological and clinical findings are consistent with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (oral cavity, pharynx or larynx)
• Primary tumor diameter as determined clinically or from contrast enhanced CT or MRI scan must be at least 20 mm
• Patients with nodal neck metastases of head and neck cancer are eligible
• Informed consent: The patient must sign the appropriate Ethical Committee (EC) approved informed consent documents in the presence of the designated staff
• Gravidity: Patient, if female, must not be pregnant or lactating at the time of the study