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.

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.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms head and neck squamous cell carcinoma human papillomavirus-related squamous cell carcinoma oropharynx cancer 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: •••••@•••••

  • Contact

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

Locations

  • Baltimore Washington Medical Center

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Glen Burnie, Maryland, 21061, United States

    Contact

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

  • Central Maryland Radiation Oncology

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Columbia, Maryland, 21044, United States

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

  • Maryland Proton Treatment Center

    RECRUITING

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States

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

  • University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center

    RECRUITING

    Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States

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

  • Upper Chesapeake Health

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Bel Air, Maryland, 21014, United States

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