Can less radiation be just as good for HPV throat cancer?
NCT ID NCT05119036
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Aug 12, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study looks at whether giving less radiation after surgery for HPV-positive throat cancer can still prevent the cancer from coming back while causing fewer long-term side effects. About 83 adults with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer will receive either a standard or reduced radiation dose to the surgical area. The goal is to see if the lower dose works as well as the usual treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- radiation therapy
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that a lower dose of radiation after surgery is just as effective as standard treatment, reducing long-term side effects for patients.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase study with only 83 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Reducing radiation might increase the risk of cancer returning.
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
Locations
-
IU Health Joe and Shelly Schwarz Cancer Center
Carmel, Indiana, 46032, United States
-
Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- Blood test may tailor throat cancer treatment, sparing patients from harsh side effects
- Robotic surgery may spare throat cancer patients from chemo and radiation
- Mouth rinse could ease painful radiation side effects for head and neck cancer patients
- Vaccine trains immune system to fight HPV-Positive head and neck tumors
- New Vaccine-Drug combo aims to tame HPV throat cancer with less radiation
- New drug aims to spare cancer patients from debilitating mouth sores