Proton beam vs. X-Ray: which radiation is safer for throat cancer?
NCT ID NCT01893307
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase 3 trial compares two types of radiation therapy for advanced throat cancer: standard photon radiation (IMRT) and newer proton beam therapy (IMPT). The goal is to see if proton therapy causes fewer severe side effects while still controlling the cancer. About 440 patients with stage III-IVB oropharyngeal cancer are taking part, and researchers are tracking side effects, survival, and quality of life.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Proton beam therapy (IMPT) and photon radiation therapy (IMRT)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show that proton therapy is as effective as standard radiation but with fewer severe side effects, improving quality of life for throat cancer patients.
- What could go wrong
- This is a large phase 3 trial, but results are not yet available. Proton therapy is more expensive and less accessible, and it may not prove significantly better than standard treatment.
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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Emory University Hospital/Winship Cancer Institute
Atlanta, Georgia, 30322, United States
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Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium
Seattle, Washington, 98109, United States
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Inova Schar Cancer Institute
Fairfax, Virginia, 22031, United States
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M D Anderson Cancer Center
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
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MD Anderson League City
League City, Texas, 77573, United States
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MD Anderson West Houston
Houston, Texas, 77079, United States
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MD Anderson in Sugar Land
Sugar Land, Texas, 77478, United States
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MD Anderson in The Woodlands
Conroe, Texas, 77384, United States
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Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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Mayo Clinic in Arizona
Scottsdale, Arizona, 85259, United States
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Mayo Clinic in Rochester
Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York, 10065, United States
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Miami Cancer Institute
Miami, Florida, 33176, United States
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New York Proton Center
New York, New York, 10035, United States
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Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center Warrenville
Warrenville, Illinois, 60555, United States
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University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, 35249, United States
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University of Florida Health Science Center - Gainesville
Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States
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University of Maryland/Greenebaum Cancer Center
Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States
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University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, 73104, United States
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University of Pennsylvania/Abramson Cancer Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
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Wayne State University/Karmanos Cancer Institute
Detroit, Michigan, 48201, United States
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Willis-Knighton Medical and Cancer Center
Shreveport, Louisiana, 71103, United States
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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