Oropharynx cancer
MONDO:0004608A primary or metastatic malignant neoplasm that affects the oropharynx.
Also known as: cancer of oropharynx, malignant neoplasm of junctional region of oropharynx, malignant neoplasm of lateral wall of oropharynx, malignant neoplasm of oropharynx, malignant neoplasm of posterior wall of oropharynx, malignant neoplasm of the oropharynx, malignant oropharyngeal neoplasm, malignant oropharyngeal tumor
3220 clinical trials for this condition and its sub-types, 150 tagged with Oropharynx cancer itself.
Follow this condition to get notified about new trialsWhere it sits in the disease tree
Browse by category →Sub-types of Oropharynx cancer
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Oropharyngeal carcinoma 100 trials · 243 incl. sub-types
6 sub-types
- Oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma 192 trials · 195 incl. sub-types Sub-types →
- Tonsil carcinoma 1 trial · 5 incl. sub-types Sub-types →
- Carcinoma in situ of oropharynx 1 trial Sub-types →
- Carcinoma of soft palate 1 trial
- Adenoid cystic carcinoma of oropharynx 0 trials
- Epiglottis cancer 0 trials Sub-types →
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Waldeyer's ring cancer 0 trials · 8 incl. sub-types
1 sub-type
- Tonsil cancer 5 trials · 8 incl. sub-types Sub-types →
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Soft palate cancer 0 trials · 1 incl. sub-types
2 sub-types
- Carcinoma of soft palate 1 trial
- Uvula cancer 0 trials
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Vallecula cancer 0 trials
Most studied deeper sub-types
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Radiation plus immunotherapy: a new hope for advanced head and neck cancer?
Disease control OngoingThis phase III trial compares the standard immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab alone versus pembrolizumab plus radiation therapy in 290 patients with metastatic head and neck cancer. The goal is to see if adding radiation improves overall survival. Participants receive pembrolizumab…
Phase 3 • Sponsor: ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Sep 16, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can heat make radiation more effective against head and neck cancer?
Disease control OngoingThis trial tests whether adding weekly thermotherapy, a treatment that heats the tumor and lymph nodes, to standard radiotherapy can help people with head and neck cancer who cannot receive chemotherapy. The goal is to find a safe dose of thermotherapy that does not cause severe …
Phase 1 • Sponsor: Erasmus Medical Center • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Sep 04, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New triple therapy targets Hard-to-Treat cancers
Disease control OngoingThis study tests a combination of three drugs—bintrafusp alfa, PDS01ADC, and entinostat—in adults with advanced HPV-related cancers (like cervical, anal, or throat cancer) or certain colon cancers that haven't responded to standard treatment. The goal is to find a safe dose and s…
Phase 1/2 • Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI) • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Sep 02, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can a Three-Pronged attack shrink Hard-to-Treat head and neck cancers?
Disease control OngoingThis phase I trial is testing whether a combination of three treatments — an experimental drug called elimusertib, precise radiation therapy, and the immunotherapy pembrolizumab — can shrink or stabilize recurrent head and neck cancer that cannot be removed by surgery. The study …
Phase 1 • Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI) • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Aug 23, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New vaccine could help throat cancer patients avoid radiation
Disease control OngoingThis phase 2 trial tests whether adding an experimental vaccine (PRGN-2009) to standard chemotherapy can improve outcomes for people with newly diagnosed HPV-related throat cancer, potentially allowing them to skip radiation. About 70 adults will receive either chemo alone or che…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI) • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Aug 22, 2026 00:00 UTC
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A gentler path after surgery for HPV throat cancer?
Disease control OngoingThis phase 2 trial is testing whether people with HPV-related throat cancer can safely receive lower doses of radiation and chemotherapy after surgery, compared with the standard full-intensity approach. The goal is to see if this lighter treatment helps preserve swallowing funct…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Aug 16, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Can less radiation be safer for throat cancer?
Disease control OngoingThis trial tests whether giving radiation to a smaller area of the neck can prevent throat cancer from returning while reducing side effects. People with p16-positive oropharynx cancer (a type linked to HPV) who are getting radiation therapy may be eligible. The goal is to see if…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: University of Maryland, Baltimore • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Aug 14, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Immunotherapy after standard treatment may keep HPV throat cancer at bay
Disease control OngoingThis phase III trial tests whether adding the immunotherapy drug nivolumab after standard chemotherapy and radiation helps people with HPV-positive throat cancer live longer without the cancer growing. About 636 patients with intermediate-risk, locally advanced disease will eithe…
Phase 3 • Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI) • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Aug 06, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New hope for head and neck cancer: Three-Drug showdown after immunotherapy fails
Disease control OngoingThis study tests three different drug combinations in 430 adults with advanced head and neck cancer that has spread or returned after prior immunotherapy. The goal is to see if adding bevacizumab to standard chemo, or using atezolizumab plus bevacizumab, works better than the usu…
Phase 2/3 • Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI) • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Aug 02, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New drug combo aims to boost immune attack on HPV throat cancer before surgery
Disease control OngoingThis phase 2 trial tests whether giving targeted radiation along with two immunotherapy drugs (evorpacept and pembrolizumab) before standard surgery can improve outcomes for people with HPV-related throat cancer. The study enrolls 29 patients with early-stage, resectable disease.…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: University of California, San Diego • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 18, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New proton beam therapy aims to zap head and neck cancer with fewer side effects
Disease control OngoingThis study is testing whether a precise form of radiation called proton therapy can control head and neck cancer after surgery as well as standard X-ray radiation, but with fewer side effects. About 174 adults with newly diagnosed head and neck cancer will receive either proton t…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Mayo Clinic • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 18, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Could less radiation be enough for HPV throat cancer?
Disease control OngoingThis study compares a reduced dose of radiation therapy combined with the immunotherapy drug nivolumab against the standard treatment of full-dose radiation plus cisplatin for early-stage HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer in non-smokers. About 384 participants are enrolled to see…
Phase 2/3 • Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI) • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jul 04, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Weekly chemo may be gentler for head and neck cancer patients
Disease control PausedThis study compares two ways of giving the chemotherapy drug cisplatin alongside radiation for people with advanced head and neck cancer. One group gets a high dose every three weeks, the other gets a lower dose weekly. The goal is to see if the weekly schedule causes fewer side …
Phase 2/3 • Sponsor: NRG Oncology • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:03 UTC
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Immunotherapy-Chemo cocktail shows promise in head and neck cancer trial
Disease control OngoingThis phase II trial is testing whether combining the immunotherapy drug cemiplimab with low doses of two chemotherapy drugs (paclitaxel and carboplatin) can shrink tumors in people with head and neck cancer that has come back or spread. The study includes 46 participants who have…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Marcelo Bonomi • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:02 UTC
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New Drug-Radiation combo shows promise for Tough-to-Treat head and neck cancer
Disease control OngoingThis early-phase trial is testing whether adding the drug peposertib to standard radiation therapy is safe and effective for people with advanced head and neck cancer who cannot take the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. The study involves 21 participants and aims to find the best dos…
Phase 1 • Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI) • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 14:00 UTC
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MRI tailors radiation to throat cancer, aims to spare swallowing
Disease control OngoingThis study tests whether using MRI scans to plan radiation doses can control HPV-positive throat cancer as well as standard treatment, while reducing severe swallowing side effects. About 90 adults with early-stage cancer will receive radiation doses adjusted based on MRI images.…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:07 UTC
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Mid-treatment PET scan may allow safer, lower radiation for throat cancer
Disease control OngoingThis study is testing whether a PET scan taken partway through radiation treatment can identify patients with HPV-related throat cancer who can safely receive a lower dose of radiation. The goal is to reduce side effects while still controlling the cancer. About 120 adults with s…
Sponsor: Duke University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:06 UTC
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New drug cocktail shows promise in battling advanced head and neck cancer
Disease control OngoingThis study tests whether adding two drugs, niraparib and dostarlimab, to standard radiation therapy can better control advanced head and neck cancer. About 34 adults with stage III or IV cancer will receive the drugs before, during, and after radiation. The goal is to see if this…
Phase 1/2 • Sponsor: Grupo Español de Tratamiento de Tumores de Cabeza y Cuello • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 13:03 UTC
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Tailored radiation beams aim to outsmart aggressive throat cancer
Disease control OngoingThis pilot study tests a personalized radiation plan for people with HPV-related throat cancer that is considered high-risk. Using advanced scans (MRI and PET), doctors adjust the radiation dose to target the most aggressive parts of the tumor. The goal is to see if this approach…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:34 UTC
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Cancer trial aimed at clearing HPV after treatment pulled before starting
Disease control CancelledThis study was designed for people with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer who still had signs of the virus in their blood after completing standard treatment. Researchers planned to give an immunotherapy drug called BALSTILIMAB to see if it could clear the virus and improve long-…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:31 UTC
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New hope for throat cancer patients: smarter treatments on the horizon
Disease control OngoingThis study tests whether different drug combinations can improve survival and reduce side effects for people with intermediate or high-risk oropharyngeal (throat) cancer. About 785 participants will receive one of several experimental treatments alongside standard chemoradiothera…
Phase 3 • Sponsor: University of Birmingham • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:31 UTC
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New drug duo aims to supercharge immunotherapy against head and neck cancer
Disease control OngoingThis study tests whether adding an experimental drug called INBRX-106 to the standard immunotherapy pembrolizumab (Keytruda) works better than pembrolizumab alone for people with advanced head and neck cancer that has spread or come back. About 410 participants whose tumors have …
Phase 2/3 • Sponsor: Inhibrx Biosciences, Inc • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:30 UTC
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Could a vaccine help fight throat cancer? new trial tests promising combo
Disease control OngoingThis study tests whether a vaccine (PDS0101) given alone or with an immunotherapy drug (pembrolizumab) can shrink HPV-related throat tumors before surgery. About 20 adults with advanced cancer that has spread to nearby lymph nodes will receive the treatment. The goal is to see if…
Phase 1/2 • Sponsor: Mayo Clinic • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:07 UTC
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Can less radiation be enough? new trial aims to cut side effects for HPV-linked throat cancer
Disease control OngoingThis phase II trial is testing whether a lower dose of chemoradiotherapy, given after initial chemotherapy, can effectively treat locally advanced HPV-positive oropharynx cancer while reducing long-term side effects. The study involves 43 participants and tracks how long the canc…
Sponsor: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:03 UTC
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Can less radiation after throat surgery be just as effective?
Disease control OngoingThis study looks at people with HPV-positive throat cancer that has spread but can still be removed with surgery. After surgery, some patients get the usual high-dose radiation plus chemo, while others get a lower dose. The goal is to see if the lower dose works just as well and …
Phase 2 • Sponsor: ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:02 UTC
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Could less radiation be just as good for HPV throat cancer?
Disease control OngoingThis study looks at whether giving a lower dose of radiation after robotic surgery can help people with HPV-positive throat cancer have fewer side effects, like trouble swallowing, while still controlling the cancer. About 33 adults with this type of cancer will receive the reduc…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Emory University • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:02 UTC
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Could a Chemo-Immunotherapy cocktail spare head and neck cancer patients from radiation?
Disease control OngoingThis phase 2 trial tests a combination of two chemotherapy drugs (carboplatin and nab-paclitaxel) plus an immunotherapy drug (durvalumab) given before surgery for people with locally advanced head and neck cancer. The goal is to shrink or eliminate the tumor so that radiation—whi…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:08 UTC
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Throat cancer showdown: radiation vs. surgery in HPV patients
Disease control OngoingThis study compares two standard treatments—radiation therapy and surgery—for people with HPV-related throat cancer. The goal is to see which approach provides better survival and quality of life. About 61 adults with early-stage cancer are taking part to help guide future treatm…
Sponsor: London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:00 UTC
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New drug shows promise in shrinking head and neck tumors before surgery
Disease control OngoingThis study tests an oral drug called APG-157 given before standard treatment (surgery or radiation) for people with newly diagnosed head and neck cancer. The goal is to see if the drug can shrink tumors and improve outcomes. About 24 adults with early to advanced stage cancer wil…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Aveta Biomics, Inc. • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:11 UTC
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New combo therapy aims to boost immune attack on hard-to-treat cancers
Disease control OngoingThis early-phase study tests a new drug called NBTXR3, which is injected into tumors and activated by radiation. It is combined with an immunotherapy (anti-PD-1) to see if it can help the immune system fight advanced cancers better. The study involves about 145 people with variou…
Phase 1 • Sponsor: Nanobiotix • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:55 UTC
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Immunotherapy may replace chemo in head and neck cancer trial
Disease control OngoingThis study tests whether the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) combined with radiation works better than the standard chemotherapy drug cisplatin with radiation for patients with a certain type of head and neck cancer (p16-positive). About 126 adults with advanced or in…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Loren Mell, MD • Aim: Disease control
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:53 UTC
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Simple blood test could spot hidden throat cancer
Diagnosis OngoingThis study is testing whether a blood test called NavDx can find HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer early by looking for HPV DNA in the blood. Researchers are enrolling adults aged 45 and older with multiple sexual partners who have no history of this cancer. Participants give bloo…
Sponsor: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center • Aim: Diagnosis
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 19:16 UTC
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Smart sensors may keep head and neck cancer patients out of the ER
Prevention OngoingThis study tests whether using home sensors to monitor dehydration risk can reduce hospitalizations and emergency room visits in head and neck cancer patients. About 427 participants will either use the CYCORE sensor system plus standard care, or standard care alone. The goal is …
Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center • Aim: Prevention
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:35 UTC
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Acupuncture needles take on radiation dry mouth in major trial
Prevention OngoingThis Phase 3 trial tests whether acupuncture can prevent dry mouth (xerostomia) in 435 head and neck cancer patients receiving radiation. Participants are split into two different acupuncture groups or a standard care group. The study compares which approach better reduces dry mo…
Phase 3 • Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center • Aim: Prevention
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:07 UTC
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Mouth rinse could ease painful radiation side effects for head and neck cancer patients
Symptom relief OngoingThis trial tests Gelclair, a mouth rinse that forms a protective coating over the mouth's lining, to see if it eases the painful mouth sores (oral mucositis) caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. The study enrolls adults with squamous cell carcinoma who will recei…
Phase 4 • Sponsor: McMaster University • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jul 15, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Could One-Sided radiation be safer for throat cancer patients?
Symptom relief OngoingThis study looks at whether people with throat cancer on one side of the neck can safely receive radiation to only that side, instead of both sides. The goal is to reduce side effects from unnecessary radiation. About 8 participants with early-stage HPV-related tonsil or tongue b…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:23 UTC
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Natural mouthwash aimed to soothe radiation mouth sores, but study never started
Symptom relief CancelledThis study planned to test a mouthwash made from copaíba oil, a natural resin, to prevent and treat painful mouth sores (oral mucositis) in people with oral cancer undergoing radiation. The trial was set to include 40 patients, half using the copaíba mouthwash and half a placebo,…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Instituto Nacional de Cancer, Brazil • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 12:05 UTC
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New online program aims to empower oral cancer survivors
Symptom relief OngoingThis study tests an online program called Empowered Survivor, designed to help people who have had oral or throat cancer feel more confident managing their health after treatment. Researchers are comparing it to a free online tool already available for cancer survivors. The goal …
Sponsor: Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:08 UTC
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Could less radiation be better for some throat cancer patients?
Symptom relief OngoingThis study is testing whether giving less radiation to the lymph nodes can reduce side effects for people with low-risk HPV-related throat cancer. The goal is to see if doctors can safely skip radiation to some lymph node areas without increasing the chance of the cancer coming b…
Phase 2 • Sponsor: Canadian Cancer Trials Group • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:06 UTC
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Robotic surgery or radiation? new study compares which is better for throat cancer patients' quality of life
Symptom relief OngoingThis study compares two treatments for early-stage throat cancer: robotic surgery (TORS) or radiation therapy (IMRT). It looks at which one leads to better swallowing function and overall quality of life. About 138 adults with HPV-related throat cancer are taking part. The goal i…
Sponsor: Christian von Buchwald • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 08:07 UTC
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Throat cancer radiation trial targets saliva ducts to stop dry mouth
Symptom relief CancelledThis study aimed to see if using MRI scans to guide radiation away from the main saliva ducts could reduce dry mouth in people with oropharynx cancer. The trial planned to compare standard radiation with a new approach that spares these ducts. However, the study was withdrawn bef…
Sponsor: UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center • Aim: Symptom relief
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 13:32 UTC
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New program aims to lift mood and boost treatment adherence in head and neck cancer
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study tests a new program designed to help head and neck cancer patients who feel depressed. The goal is to see if the program is practical and liked by patients, and if it can improve their mood and help them follow through with swallowing exercises and dental care. About 1…
Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Sep 20, 2026 00:00 UTC
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Gene therapy patients monitored for 15 years to spot hidden side effects
Knowledge-focused By invitation onlyThis study follows up to 1,000 adults who previously received gene therapy in a National Cancer Institute study. Researchers will contact participants yearly for up to 15 years to check for any long-term side effects, such as new cancers or nerve problems. No new treatments are g…
Sponsor: National Cancer Institute (NCI) • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Sep 18, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New study tracks throat cancer Patients' symptoms after radiation
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study looks at symptoms reported by patients with oropharyngeal cancer after they finish radiation or chemoradiation. Researchers will review medical records and have patients complete questionnaires about their symptoms. The goal is to learn more about what patients experie…
Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jul 18, 2026 00:00 UTC
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New study aims to personalize throat cancer treatment using genetic tests and MRI
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study looks at whether genetic markers (like tumor mutations and DNA in the blood) and special MRI scans can predict how well chemoradiotherapy works for patients with HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer. Researchers will follow 30 patients to see if these tests can forecast t…
Sponsor: Institute of Oncology Ljubljana • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:06 UTC
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Could less radiation be enough for HPV throat cancer? new study investigates
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study looks at whether a lower dose of radiation can safely treat HPV-positive oropharynx (throat) cancer in people who have never smoked or smoked very little. Researchers will follow 75 patients for up to 5 years to see if the cancer stays away and how their quality of lif…
Sponsor: Sanford Health • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 09:02 UTC
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Simple blood test may spot returning throat cancer sooner
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study looks at whether a blood test that finds HPV DNA can spot throat cancer coming back after treatment, possibly earlier than usual scans. Researchers will follow 200 patients with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer to see how accurate the test is. The goal is to improve m…
Sponsor: Rigshospitalet, Denmark • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 27, 2026 07:57 UTC
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1,500 volunteers tracked to uncover hidden throat cancer clues
Knowledge-focused OngoingThis study is screening 1,500 adults for oral HPV infection and antibodies to build a group at higher risk for HPV-related throat cancer. Researchers will follow them over time to see which infections persist and what factors (like mouth bacteria or immune response) increase canc…
Sponsor: Johns Hopkins University • Aim: Knowledge-focused
Last updated Jun 26, 2026 16:06 UTC