Can less radiation be safer for throat cancer?

NCT ID NCT04609280

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: University of Maryland, Baltimore Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Aug 12, 2026 · Last updated Aug 13, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether giving radiation to a smaller area of the neck can prevent throat cancer from returning while reducing side effects. People with p16-positive oropharynx cancer (a type linked to HPV) who are getting radiation therapy may be eligible. The goal is to see if shrinking the radiation target on one side of the neck is just as effective but gentler on swallowing and saliva.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Radiation therapy (IMRT/VMAT or proton beam therapy) with reduced treatment volumes in the neck
What this could lead to: If successful, this approach could reduce side effects like dry mouth and swallowing problems without increasing the risk of cancer returning in the neck.
What could go wrong: This is a phase II trial with a modest number of participants, so results may not be definitive. There is a risk that reducing radiation could allow cancer to recur in untreated areas.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms 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.

HEAD AND NECK CANCER OROPHARYNGEAL SQUAMOUS CELL CARCINOMA OROPHARYNX CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Baltimore Washington Medical Center

Glen Burnie, Maryland, 21061, United States
Central Maryland Radiation Oncology

Columbia, Maryland, 21044, United States
Maryland Proton Treatment Center

Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States
UMMC

Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States
University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center

Baltimore, Maryland, 21201, United States
Upper Chesapeake Health

Bel Air, Maryland, 21014, United States

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