Short summary

This study investigates the diagnostic value of PET/MRI for cervical lymph node metastases from head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Rationale

The Danish fast-track cancer program standardizes the work-up of patients suspected of head and neck cancer. Currently, the guidelines recommend head and neck magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the standard imaging modality for assessment of the primary tumor site and potential nodal metastases. However, recent studies have shown advantages in the use of 18F-FDG-PET (PET) combined with computed tomography (CT) due to its superiority in detecting metastases and synchronous cancers.

During the last couple of years PET/MRI has been introduced. MRI is known to provide the highest anatomic detail in the head and neck region, and preliminary studies show promising results. However, the evidence is still very sparse.

The purpose of the project is to investigate the diagnostic value of PET/MRI in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The hypothesis is that PET/MRI provides a more precise diagnosis of regional lymph node metastases, and thus, make the surgical treatment of the neck more accurate and less invasive resulting in reduced morbidity.

Description of the cohort

Patients either suspected of or with histologically verified:

•Relapse / residual head and neck squamous cell cancer with involvement of regional lymph node(s)

•Cervical lymph node metastasis with unknown primary tumor site

•Oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma

•Oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer planned for trans oral robotic surgery

Data and biological material

Pathologists' assessment of extirpated lymph nodes regarding to malignancy on histology

The assessment of specialists in nuclear medicine regarding to malignancy seen on PET/MRI 

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Oto-rhino-laryngology, Head & Neck Surgery and Audiology, Odense University Hospital

• Professor Christian Godballe
• M.D. Ph.D. Max Rohde

Department of Nuclear Medicine, Odense University Hospital

• Professor Poul Flemming Høilund-Carlsen

Department of Plastic Surgery, Odense University Hospital

• Professor Jens Ahm Sørensen