This World Head and Neck Cancer Day, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute (ONJCRI) is proud to highlight our innovative clinical trial that could transform how we treat metastatic head and neck cancer by combining precision radiotherapy with cutting-edge immune system monitoring.
The START-HN trial (Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy and T cell Biodistribution for Oligoprogressive Head and Neck Cancer) is testing a highly targeted, higher-dose radiotherapy treatment called stereotactic radiotherapy (SBRT). SBRT requires fewer visits than conventional radiotherapy and is therefore less toxic to patients.
Led by ONJCRI Clinician-Scientist A/Prof Sweet Ping Ng, the trial goes beyond just testing the treatment itself. The research team will use a novel technique to detect immune cells and image tumours. They will also analyse blood samples to measure changes in circulating immune cells following treatment.
“This study tracks CD8-T cells, a type of immune cell,” explains A/Prof Ng. “What makes this research particularly exciting is its potential to be one of the first to show the changes in T-cell population after SBRT in head and neck cancer.”
Understanding how the immune system responds to radiotherapy is crucial because it helps researchers identify the optimal timing to combine radiotherapy with immunotherapy drugs, potentially amplifying the body’s natural defenses.
The long-term vision is ambitious: “We hope that in the future we can use this immune cell tracking technique to identify patients who will benefit from immunotherapy after SBRT.”
The trial represents a collaborative effort between ONJCRI’s Tumour Targeting Laboratory, Dr Billy McMahon (ONJCRI Clinical Trial Project Manager), and Austin Health’s Radiation Oncology and Nuclear Medicine teams.
Looking ahead, the trial results could guide the optimal timing of SBRT and immunotherapy combinations, “maximising potential effects of both therapies to control the disease.”
The START-HN trial exemplifies ONJCRI’s mission to translate cutting-edge research into more effective, tolerable, and accessible cancer care.
We’re grateful to Ray Kelly, consumer advocate, for his contributions to this trial. This research is supported by grants from RANCZR and AHMRF. A/Prof Sweet Ping Ng holds a VCA Fellowship.