Blood test may help some throat cancer patients skip or shorten radiation

NCT ID NCT05307939

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study is testing whether a blood test that detects HPV DNA can help doctors decide who needs radiation after surgery for HPV-related oropharynx cancer. In one group, patients with no detectable HPV DNA after surgery will be watched closely and only get radiation if the test becomes positive. In another group, patients who would normally need 6 weeks of chemoradiation may get only 3 weeks if their test results are favorable. The goal is to see if this personalized approach can safely reduce treatment and side effects.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

HPV ctDNA blood test (NavDx assay) and radiation therapy

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could allow some patients to safely skip or shorten radiation therapy after surgery, reducing side effects while still controlling the cancer.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 30 participants. The strategy may not be as effective as standard treatment, and there is a risk of cancer returning if radiation is delayed or shortened.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

human papilloma virus infection human papillomavirus-related squamous cell carcinoma oropharynx cancer oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Baptist Alliance MCI (Data Collection Only)

    RECRUITING

    Miami, Florida, 33143, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Basking Ridge (Limited protocol activities)

    RECRUITING

    Basking Ridge, New Jersey, 07920, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Bergen (Limited Protocol Activities)

    RECRUITING

    Montvale, New Jersey, 07645, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (All Protocol Activities)

    RECRUITING

    New York, New York, 10065, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth (Limited Protocol Activities)

    RECRUITING

    Middletown, New Jersey, 07748, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Nassau (Limited protocol activities)

    RECRUITING

    Rockville Centre, New York, 11553, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Suffolk-Commack (Limited Protocol Activities)

    RECRUITING

    Commack, New York, 11725, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Westchester (Limited Protocol Activites)

    RECRUITING

    East White Plains, New York, 10604, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••