Blood test may let some throat cancer patients skip radiation after surgery
NCT ID NCT07513389
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 3 times
Summary
This study is for people with HPV-related throat cancer who have surgery to remove the tumor. Normally, some patients also get radiation afterward to lower the risk of cancer coming back. This trial tests whether it's safe to skip that radiation if a blood test two weeks after surgery shows no signs of cancer DNA. Participants will be closely monitored with regular check-ups and blood tests to catch any recurrence early. The goal is to see if avoiding radiation can reduce side effects without compromising cancer control.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- active surveillance with ctHPVDNA blood test (NavDx®)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could allow many patients to avoid the side effects of radiation after surgery, while still catching any recurrence early through a simple blood test.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 36 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. There is a risk that skipping radiation could lead to cancer returning in some patients.
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
-
Medical University of South Carolina
RECRUITINGCharleston, South Carolina, 29425, United States
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