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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Bergen (Limited Protocol Activities)
RECRUITINGMontvale, New Jersey, 07645, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (All Protocol Activities)
RECRUITINGNew York, New York, 10065, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at Basking Ridge (Limited Protocol Activities)
RECRUITINGBasking Ridge, New Jersey, 07920, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at Suffolk-Commack (Limited Protocol Activities)
RECRUITINGCommack, New York, 11725, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Monmouth (Limited Protocol Activities)
RECRUITINGMiddletown, New Jersey, 07748, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Nassau (Limited Protocol Activities)
RECRUITINGUniondale, New York, 11553, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Westchester (Limited Protocol Activities)
RECRUITINGHarrison, New York, 10604, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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