Imaging of Tumour Microenvironment in Patients With Oropharyngeal Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using RGD PET/CT Imaging
Imaging of Tumour Microenvironment in Patients With Oropharyngeal Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using RGD PET/CT Imaging
Known risk factors inducing squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck are tabacco and
 alcohol intake. However, the incidence of human papillomavirus (HPV) related oropharyngeal
 carcinomas is increasing. It is known that HPV+ and HPV- tumors have a different reaction to
 (chemo)radiotherapy. The exact mechanisms underlying these differences is not yet known but
 might be caused by changes in vascularity. Therefore the vasculature is imaged with the help
 of a study specific Gallium-68-DOTA-(RGD)2 PET/CT scan and a CT perfusion scan.
The incidence of Human Papilloma Virus positive (HPV+) oropharyngeal Head and Neck Squamous
 Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is rising and it has become evident that this type of cancer
 represents a subgroup of HNSCC that is characterized by a more favourable prognosis, mediated
 by a distinct tumour microenvironment, compared to patients with HPV negative (HPV-) tumours.
 However, the exact mechanisms underlying this improved treatment outcome and the potential
 role of the tumour microenvironment are not fully understood yet. Imaging of αvβ3 integrin
 expression will obtain more insight in the differences in tumour microenvironment between
 HPV+ and HPV- oropharyngeal HNSCC. CT perfusion provides additional characterisation of this
 tumour microenvironment. Therefore, these techniques may have the potential to predict
 response to treatment and might possibly steer treatment decisions in future clinical trials.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Proven squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx

 -  p-16 immunohistochemistry analysis

 -  Tumour lesion of at least 1.0 cm in diameter

 -  Planned chemoradiotherapy as primary treatment

 -  Ability to provide written informed consent

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Contra-indications for PET

 -  Contra-indications for administration of iodine-containing contrast agents

 -  Other serious illness that can affect the scans