Could a few big doses of radiation before surgery beat head and neck cancer?

NCT ID NCT05538533

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

Summary

This early-phase study is testing whether giving a shorter, more intense course of radiation before surgery is safe for people with head and neck cancer. The trial involves 12 adults with HPV-negative, surgically removable tumors. The main goal is to see if this condensed radiation schedule causes severe side effects or prevents surgery.

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 (hypofractionated)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to a shorter, more convenient radiation schedule before surgery for head and neck cancer, potentially reducing treatment time.

What could go wrong

This is a very early phase 1 study with only 12 participants, so safety and feasibility are still being tested. It may not lead to better outcomes or could cause unexpected side effects.

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.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin

    Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53226, United States