Could less radiation be enough for HPV throat cancer?

NCT ID NCT05268614

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: University of Florida Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study is testing whether giving less radiation, based on a patient's HPV type and levels of HPV DNA in the blood, can control throat cancer as well as standard higher doses. About 250 adults with favorable-prognosis oropharyngeal cancer will receive 70, 60, or 50 gray of radiation depending on their risk profile. The goal is to maintain cancer control while reducing treatment 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: Radiation therapy (dose adjusted based on HPV subtype and DNA levels)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that many patients with HPV-related throat cancer can safely receive lower doses of radiation, reducing side effects while still controlling the cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 2 trial with 250 participants, so results are not yet proven. There is a risk that lower radiation doses may not control the cancer as well as standard treatment.

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.

oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck

As listed by the trial registrant

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

OROPHARYNGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Medical University of South Carolina
RECRUITING

Charleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
UF Health Proton Therapy Institute
RECRUITING

Jacksonville, Florida, 32206, United States
University of Florida
RECRUITING

Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States

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