Blood test could guide cancer treatment, reducing side effects

NCT ID NCT07513324

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a blood test that detects HPV DNA can help doctors choose the right treatment for people with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer. About 116 participants with stage I to III cancer will receive either the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or standard observation, based on their risk level. The goal is to improve survival and reduce treatment 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

Pembrolizumab (Keytruda)

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could personalize treatment for HPV-positive throat cancer, potentially improving survival while reducing unnecessary side effects.

What could go wrong

This is a Phase 2 trial with only 116 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The treatment involves an immunotherapy drug, which can cause serious immune-related side effects.

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 papillomavirus-related squamous cell carcinoma 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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • Brigham and Women's Hospital

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

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

    Contact

  • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

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

    Contact