Could less radiation be just as good for HPV throat cancer?

NCT ID NCT05491512

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study is testing whether a much lower dose of radiation (30 Gy) combined with standard chemotherapy can control HPV-positive throat cancer as well as the usual high dose (70 Gy). The goal is to reduce side effects from radiation while still keeping the cancer from coming back. About 121 people with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer will take part.

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 (lower dose) combined with chemotherapy (cisplatin, carboplatin, 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, or abraxane)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could mean that people with HPV-positive throat cancer can get effective treatment with fewer long-term side effects from radiation.

What could go wrong

This is a Phase 2 trial with only 121 participants, so results are preliminary. Lower radiation might not control the cancer as well as the standard dose, and chemotherapy still carries risks like nausea, kidney problems, and nerve damage.

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.

human papilloma virus infection human papillomavirus-related squamous cell carcinoma oropharyngeal carcinoma oropharynx cancer

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Bergen (Limited Protocol Activities)

    RECRUITING

    Montvale, New Jersey, 07645, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (All Protocol Activities)

    RECRUITING

    New York, New York, 10065, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at Basking Ridge (Limited Protocol Activities)

    RECRUITING

    Basking Ridge, New Jersey, 07920, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at Suffolk-Commack (Limited Protocol Activities)

    RECRUITING

    Commack, New York, 11725, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth (Limited Protocol Activities)

    RECRUITING

    Middletown, New Jersey, 07748, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Nassau (Limited Protocol Activities)

    RECRUITING

    Uniondale, New York, 11553, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Westchester (Limited Protocol Activities)

    RECRUITING

    Harrison, New York, 10604, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-••••