Could less radiation be better? new trial spares healthy neck tissue
NCT ID NCT00593840
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This phase 2 trial tests whether it is safe to skip radiation on one or both sides of the neck that show no signs of cancer after surgery. The goal is to reduce side effects like dry mouth and trouble swallowing without increasing the chance of cancer returning. The study includes 74 people with head and neck cancers who have already had surgery and need radiation to the main tumor site.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could allow doctors to safely avoid radiating healthy neck tissue, reducing side effects like dry mouth and swallowing problems for future patients.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 74 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. There is a risk that cancer could return in the untreated neck area.
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
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Locations
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Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States
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