Prospective Trial of Serial CT Imaging for Evaluation of Dosimetric/Volumetric Changes During IMRT for Head/Neck Cancer

Inclusion Criteria:

* AJCC pathological stage I-IV cancers of the head and neck meeting the following criteria:

  * If gross total resection is performed it must be completed within 7 weeks of registration
* Site of tumor origin in the nasopharynx, oral cavity, oropharynx, parotid, larynx, or hypopharynx (excluding lip, or sinuses)
* Pretreatment evaluations required for eligibility include:

  * History and physical examination within four weeks prior to study entry
  * Dental evaluation with management according to the guidelines in Appendix IV prior to start of radiation
  * Serum pregnancy test, if applicable, within one week prior to study entry; urine dipstick test on the first day of treatment
  * Radiographic Studies: Pre-operative CT or MRI of the primary tumor and neck for clinical staging is required
* Patients must be ≥ 18 years of age.
* Women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) must be willing to consent to using effective contraception while on treatment.
* Pregnant women are ineligible as radiation therapy involves unforeseeable risks to the embryo or fetus. WOCBP must have a negative serum or urine pregnancy test (minimum sensitivity 25 IU/L or equivalent units of human chorionic gonadotropin \[hCG\], or in accordance with local regulations, whichever is more sensitive).
* Patients must sign a study-specific informed consent form prior to registration.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Histology positive for melanoma.
* Gross (visible or palpable) disease left after surgery.
* Less than gross total resection or patients requiring staged surgery.
* Prior head and neck radiotherapy.
* Women of childbearing potential (WOCBP) who are unwilling or unable to use an acceptable method to avoid pregnancy for the entire study period