Proton radiation again for head and neck cancer that returned
Studies proton re-irradiation in adults with recurrent head and neck cancer.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Proton Re-irradiation in Patients With Recurrent or Second Primary Head and Neck Cancer , a Multicentre Phase II Single Arm Trial
Key facts
- Where
- Bergen, Oslo, Tromsø, and Trondheim, NorwaySee the 4 sites
Where in Norway
- Haukeland University HospitalBergen, NorwayNot yet recruiting
- Oslo University HospitalOslo, NorwayTaking people
- University Hospital of North NorwayTromsø, NorwayNot yet recruiting
- St Olavs HospitalTrondheim, NorwayNot yet recruiting
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- Oslo University Hospital
- Trial code
- NCT07922967
- Record updated
- 6 November 2026
- Original description
Re-irradiation of head and neck cancer due to relaps or new cancer in the same area may be beneficial, but also poses a risk since the area has been given radiation previously. Proton radiation is a new type of radiotherapy which might result in less damage of healthy tissue around the tumour, but it is still uncertain whether this leads to fewer side effects and improved quality of life. The aim of this study is to collect more knowledge of side-effects, swallowing function, quality of life and disease control after re-irradiation with protons in patients with relaps or second primary head and neck cancerRead full original descriptionShow less
Patient-reported Tolerability and Loco-regional Control After Proton Therapy in Patients With Recurrent or Second Primary Head and Neck Cancer Eligible for Re-irradiation, a Multicentre Phase II Single Arm Trial
Re-irradiation of head and neck cancer due to relaps or new cancer in the same area may be beneficial, but also poses a risk since the area has been given radiation previously. Proton radiation is a new type of radiotherapy which might result in less damage of healthy tissue around the tumour, but it is still uncertain whether this leads to fewer side effects and improved quality of life. The aim of this study is to collect more knowledge of side-effects, swallowing function, quality of life and disease control after re-irradiation with protons in patients with relaps or second primary head and neck cancer
Inclusion: Informed consent received; Age ≥ 18 years; Histological verified squamous cell carcinoma; Candidate for treatment with curative intent; Loco-regional recurrence or new second primary ≥ six months after primary radiotherapy; Medical or surgical inoperable or without free margins ((R1: < 1mm margin /R2: macroscopic residual tumour) or rpN2-3 or extranodal extension (ENE)) after surgical resection; WHO PS ≤ 2; Ability to understand and complete the study documents; Complete Response (CR) after previous therapy, except in the case where the recurrence is considered a geometric miss (recurrence center of mass (COM) outside the 95% of prescription dose.
Exclusion: Previous re-irradiation for overlapping second primary or relapse; Comparative treatment planning showing an overall benefit of photon therapy compared to proton therapy; Severe late effects after primary radiotherapy (osteoradionecrosis, trismus grade 3 or dysphagia grade 3 before recurrence or second primary disease); Distant metastasis; Patients with pacemaker/ and/or implanted defibrillators.