Blood test may allow safer radiation for head and neck cancer

NCT ID NCT05962242

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

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

Summary

This study is testing whether a lower dose of radiation, guided by a blood test that detects HPV DNA from tumors, can safely treat head and neck cancer. About 90 adults with squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx will receive reduced radiation to the neck. The goal is to see if this approach controls the cancer as well as standard radiation while causing fewer 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 (external beam radiation to head and neck)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could lead to a treatment approach that uses lower radiation doses for certain head and neck cancers, potentially reducing side effects while maintaining cancer control.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 2 trial with only 90 participants, so results are preliminary. The lower radiation dose might not control the cancer as well as standard treatment, and there is still a risk of side effects.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Head and Neck Neoplasms 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.

SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OF THE OROPHARYNX

Contacts and locations

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Study contacts

Contact

Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

Bon Secours
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Richmond, Virginia, 23114, United States
Eastern Virginia Medical School
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Norfolk, Virginia, 23507, United States
Miami Cancer Institute
RECRUITING

Miami, Florida, 33176, United States
University of Virginia
RECRUITING

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22908, United States

Contact Email: •••••@•••••
Virginia Commonwealth University
RECRUITING

Richmond, Virginia, 23284, United States

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