RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Stereotactic Post-operative Radiotherapy for Intraparotid Metastatic Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This study looks into two ways of giving radiotherapy after surgery for a type of skin cancer in the head and neck. One treatment, called stereotactic radiotherapy, involves 5 short sessions. The other, standard radiotherapy, typically uses between 20 and 30 sessions. Both treatments work by damaging cancer cells to stop them growing. Researchers want to find out if the shorter, 5-session treatment is as effective at controlling the cancer, and if it has similar or fewer side effects compared to the longer, standard treatment. This information will help doctors decide the best way to treat patients in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

David Palma

Enrolment target

Start

21 Oct 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2035

Cutaneous Head and Neck Cancer Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What is this study about?

This research study is looking at the best way to treat a specific type of skin cancer found on the head or neck. This is particularly for cases where the cancer has spread to the glands (lymph nodes) in the face or neck area, and where you've already had surgery to remove the main tumour. We know that after surgery for this type of cancer, radiotherapy is often needed to kill any leftover cancer cells and reduce the chance of the cancer coming back.

The study compares two ways of giving this radiotherapy. One is the standard treatment, which usually involves 20 to 30 radiotherapy sessions over several weeks. The other is a newer, more focused treatment called stereotactic radiotherapy, which uses very precise beams and only requires 5 sessions. Both treatments aim to destroy cancer cells by damaging their genetic material, stopping them from growing and spreading. We want to see if the 5-session treatment works as well as the longer treatment, and if it has similar, or perhaps even fewer, side effects.

By comparing these two approaches, we hope to understand if the shorter treatment is just as effective and safe for you. The results will help doctors decide the best way to manage this type of cancer in the future, potentially offering a more convenient and equally effective treatment option for patients like you.

Key takeaways

Compares short (5 sessions) vs. standard (20-30 sessions) radiotherapy.
For head and neck skin cancer that has spread to lymph nodes after surgery.
Aims to find out if shorter treatment is as effective and safe.
Patients are randomly assigned to one of the two treatments.
Includes regular check-ups and questionnaires about well-being.
Your decision to join is voluntary and won't affect your medical care.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and generally well enough to undergo both surgery and radiotherapy. You must have been diagnosed with a specific type of skin cancer on your head or neck that has already been surgically removed and has spread to the lymph nodes in your face or neck. Also, you should be able to understand and complete questionnaires in English.

There are also certain reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if your cancer has already spread to other distant parts of your body, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. You also can't have had this type of cancer in your head or neck in the last five years, or have had radiotherapy to the same part of your neck before (unless it was for the original skin cancer that led to your current issue).

Your doctors will carefully check all the details of your health and cancer to confirm if this study is suitable for you. They will explain everything clearly and answer any questions you have.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years or older?
Do you have a type of head/neck skin cancer called Squamous Cell Carcinoma that's been surgically removed?
Has your cancer spread to the lymph glands in your face or neck?
Are you generally well and able to speak and understand English?
Are you not currently pregnant or breastfeeding?
Have you not had a distant spread of cancer to other organs?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, you will be assigned by chance (like flipping a coin) to one of two treatment groups. One group will receive the standard radiotherapy treatment (20-30 sessions), and the other will receive the newer, shorter stereotactic radiotherapy treatment (5 sessions).

Both treatments involve coming to the hospital for your radiotherapy sessions and regular check-ups with the study doctors. These check-ups will monitor how you are responding to treatment, check for any side effects, and generally keep an eye on your health and cancer. You will also be asked to complete questionnaires about your symptoms and quality of life.

These follow-up appointments will continue for a period of time after your treatment finishes to see how well the treatment worked long-term. The total length of your participation, including follow-up, will be discussed in detail by the study team.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer potential benefits, such as receiving a newer, shorter form of radiotherapy that might be more convenient. However, there's always a possibility that the newer treatment isn't as effective or might have different side effects compared to the standard approach. The study aims to understand these differences. All medical treatments carry some risks, and the study team will fully explain any potential side effects of both radiotherapy types. Your participation is completely voluntary; you can choose to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your future medical care.

Locations (1)

Verspeeten Family Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
London, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What kind of cancer is this study for?

This study is for a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma that is on the head or neck and has spread to nearby lymph glands, and you've already had surgery for it.

What are the two main treatments being compared?

We're comparing standard radiotherapy (20-30 sessions) with a newer type called stereotactic radiotherapy (5 sessions).

Will I get to choose which treatment I receive?

No, you will be assigned to one of the two treatments randomly, like drawing lots. Neither you nor the doctors will choose.

What is the main goal of the study?

The main goal is to find out if the shorter radiotherapy treatment (5 sessions) is as good as the standard treatment for controlling the cancer and what the side effects are like.

What does a 'session' of radiotherapy involve?

Each session involves receiving a focused beam of radiation to the area where the cancer was, usually lasting only a few minutes. You don't feel anything during the treatment itself.

How to find out more

Palma

david.palma@lhsc.on.ca 519-685-8500 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.