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

NCT ID NCT05538533

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Medical College of Wisconsin Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

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.

HEAD AND NECK CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Froedtert Hospital and the Medical College of Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53226, United States

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