SAFFIRE Version 1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the effectiveness of stimulated diffusion weighted magnetic resonances imaging in determining salivary gland function for radiotherapy treatment planning for head and neck cancer.
IRAS ID
162949
Contact name
Rachel Pearson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Newcastle upon Tyne Hosptials NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 9 months, 29 days
Research summary
One of the principal side effects of head and neck radiotherapy (RT) is xerostomia (dry mouth). This occurs due to salivary gland function loss due to salivary gland irradiation. Modern radiotherapy techniques can limit the radiation dose to some of the salivary glands, but not all. Knowledge of relative and absolute salivary gland function could help inform clinicians in knowing which glands to prioritise for dose sparing.
Stimulated diffusion weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW MRI) of the salivary glands is an experimental technique which has the potential to determine salivary gland function. This study seeks to determine if the technique is useful within the radiotherapy treatment planning process.
Patients will have a stimulated DW MRI scan of their salivary glands as part of their routine radiotherapy planning MRI scan before their treatment. The stimulation is provided by 5 ml of lemon juice. To check that it does not cause unpleasant stinging within the mouth, a preliminary study Part A will address this single question. Part B will enrol patients to have two MRI scans, one before and one after RT. The timing of the second scan will be influenced by part A of the study. The patients will fill in a xerostomia questionnaire at each DW MRI scan, to assess their salivary gland function. The study will not change the treatment the patients receive in any way.
REC name
North East - Tyne & Wear South Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/NE/1184
Date of REC Opinion
21 Oct 2014
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion