Blood test may spare throat cancer patients from radiation side effects
NCT ID NCT06088381
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study is for people with HPV-related throat cancer who have surgery to remove their tumor. Researchers are testing whether a blood test that looks for leftover tumor DNA can safely identify patients who do not need additional radiation. The goal is to reduce side effects by giving radiation only to those who truly need it. About 61 participants will be followed for two years to see if the approach works.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Circulating Tumor DNA (ctDNA) blood test
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this approach could spare many patients from unnecessary radiation and its side effects after surgery for HPV-related throat cancer.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial (61 people) without a comparison group, so results may not apply broadly. The blood test might miss some recurrences or lead to undertreatment.
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
-
Baltimore Washington Medical Center
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGGlen Burnie, Maryland, 21061, United States
-
Central Maryland Radiation Oncology
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGColumbia, Maryland, 21044, United States
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Maryland Proton Treatment Center
RECRUITINGBaltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States
-
University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center
RECRUITINGBaltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States
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Upper Chesapeake Health
NOT_YET_RECRUITINGBel Air, Maryland, 21014, United States
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