Blood test could help throat cancer patients get less radiation
NCT ID NCT05541016
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This phase II trial tests whether a blood test that detects HPV DNA can help doctors decide the right amount of radiation for people with HPV-positive throat cancer. About 455 participants will either have surgery or receive standard chemotherapy plus radiation, but the radiation dose may be lowered if the blood test shows a low risk of recurrence. The goal is to maintain high cure rates while reducing harsh side effects like trouble swallowing and dry mouth.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Cisplatin chemotherapy and radiation therapy, guided by a blood test (NavDx) that detects HPV DNA
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could allow doctors to safely lower radiation doses for many patients, reducing long-term side effects without raising the risk of cancer returning.
- What could go wrong
- This is a mid-stage trial with 455 participants, so results are not yet proven. The blood test may not accurately predict who needs less treatment, and some patients might still experience cancer recurrence or side effects.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Mayo Clinic in Arizona
RECRUITINGScottsdale, Arizona, 85259, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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Mayo Clinic in Florida
RECRUITINGJacksonville, Florida, 32224-9980, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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Mayo Clinic in Rochester
RECRUITINGRochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- A gentler path after surgery for HPV throat cancer?
- Blood test may tailor throat cancer treatment, sparing patients from harsh side effects
- Can a Three-Pronged attack shrink Hard-to-Treat head and neck cancers?
- Could less radiation be just as good for HPV throat cancer?
- Blood test may allow safer, Lower-Dose radiation for throat cancer patients
- New hope for head and neck cancer: which drug works best with radiation?