The HN13 clinical trial investigating precision radiation therapy for advanced head and neck cancer has opened

The HN13 clinical trial has recently opened in Canada and will explore a new radiotherapy technique called stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to treat patients with advanced head and neck cancer. Researchers want to know if SBRT offers better cancer and symptom control than the standard radiotherapy (RT).

“This trial will harness the most advanced technology in radiation oncology to deliver a more precise and effective radiation treatment that we hope will lead to better quality of life and better survival compared to the standard of care,” says study lead Dr. Ian Poon, radiation oncologist, Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre.

SBRT uses specialized techniques to deliver higher than usual doses of radiation focused on the area where the cancer is present. It is believed that this therapy may be better at controlling tumours without damaging surrounding normal tissue. This new therapy option could benefit frail patients who have difficulty tolerating the more frequent RT treatments that often result in long term side effects.

“I received radiation treatment for throat cancer which resulted in problems eating and swallowing, sustaining long-term side-effects with my salivary glands, throat and jaw. While my side-effects have been minor, I know other patients who have experienced much greater effects,” says Bill Richardson, CCTG patient representative. “I am excited about this trial and the possibility of a new treatment that could significantly improve the quality of life, both short and long term for head and neck cancer patients.”

HN13 is currently enrolling patients at cancer centres in Canada.

• HN13 patient information
• HN13 members trial information 

The CCTG HN13 clinical trial has been funded by a grant from the Canadian Institutes for Health Research and support from the Canadian Cancer Society.