Blood test guided therapy for HPV throat cancer
Part of Cancer clinical trials.
This trial tests whether a blood test measuring HPV DNA can help doctors decide the best treatment for HPV-positive throat cancer. The goal is to use this information to guide whether patients need immunotherapy (a drug called pembrolizumab) after their initial treatment.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- Diagnosed with HPV-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the throat (tongue base or tonsil), stage I–III
- HPV confirmed by tissue biopsy showing p16 protein or high-risk HPV subtypes
- Tumor tissue available for additional testing (PD-L1)
- Age 18 or older with good overall health (ECOG performance status 0–1)
- Adequate organ and blood cell counts (normal kidney, liver, and blood function)
- No prior checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy or live vaccines in past 30 days
Quick eligibility check
Answer a few plain-language questions, based on this study's own requirements, to get a preliminary sense of fit.
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