HPV throat cancer trial skipping radiation with blood tests
Part of Cancer clinical trials.
This study tests whether patients with a specific type of HPV-positive throat cancer can safely skip radiation after surgery by using blood tests to monitor for cancer recurrence. The goal is to reduce side effects while keeping patients cancer-free.
Summary written for real people, not researchers, by Clin2.
Who can take part
- Biopsy-confirmed squamous cell carcinoma (a type of throat cancer) that is HPV16-positive
- Specific tumor size and location: small tumors (stages T0-T2) in the tonsil or base of tongue area with limited lymph node involvement
- Never had radiation to the head or neck before (with rare exceptions for skin cancer)
- Healthy enough for surgery and chemotherapy, with normal blood counts and kidney/liver function
- No current smoking or tobacco use; limited smoking history (≤10 pack-years or quit ≥5 years ago)
- Willing to have regular blood tests and follow-up appointments instead of radiation therapy
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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