NCT07178301 · Northwestern University
Evaluating a Decreased Dose of Radiation Therapy to the Elective Neck for the Treatment of HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer, ENLIGHT Trial
What this study is about
This clinical trial evaluates how decreasing the dose of radiation to the elective neck (areas of lymph nodes not directly involved in the cancer) impacts treatment outcomes in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays, particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors.
View original scientific description
This clinical trial evaluates how decreasing the dose of radiation to the elective neck (areas of lymph nodes not directly involved in the cancer) impacts treatment outcomes in patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays, particles, or radioactive seeds to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy plays an important role in the treatment of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, but it also causes significant toxicities. Given the significant toxicities associated with treatment, and the excellent outcomes of HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, researchers are attempting to identify methods to de-escalate treatment for HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer in an effort to maintain excellent treatment outcomes while reducing the risk of toxicities. Reducing the dose of radiation therapy to the lymph nodes in the neck that aren't directly involved in the cancer may improve patient quality of life while still maintaining excellent rates of cure of disease.
Interventions
PROCEDURE
Computed Tomography
Undergo CT
PROCEDURE
Nasopharyngeal Laryngoscopy
Undergo nasopharyngolaryngoscopy
PROCEDURE
Positron Emission Tomography
Undergo PET
OTHER
Questionnaire Administration
Ancillary studies
RADIATION
Radiation Therapy
Undergo radiation therapy
Primary outcome measures
2-year locoregional progression free survival
Time frame: From the beginning of radiation therapy to the first incidence of local recurrence, regional recurrence in the neck, or death, assessed at 2 years post-treatment
Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 will be used to assess tumor response. The 2-year progression free survival (PFS) estimate will be reported along with the confidence interval. Log-rank tests will be used to compare PFS across predefined subgroups. Cox proportional hazards models will be applied to assess the impact of covariates such as age, sex, baseline disease severity on PFS, when appropriate.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 1.1 Patients must have a histologically confirmed HPV-related OPSCC, confirmed by HPV insitu hybridization.
- 1.2 Patients must not have received prior treatment (i.e., no induction chemotherapy).
- 1.3 Patients must have evaluable disease (per RECIST v1.1 response criteria). See Section 6.
- 3 for the evaluation of measurable disease.
- 1.4 Patients must be age ≥ 18 years.
- 1.5 Patients must have AJCC 8 th edition Stage I-II disease, as defined by a T-classification of T1-3, and N-classification of N1-2, without metastases (M0), as defined by physical examination (including nasopharyngolaryngoscopy) and positron emission tomography (PET)
- 1.6 Patient must receive a staging PET scan prior to registration on study.
- 1.7 Patients must exhibit an ECOG performance status of 0-1. Please refer to Appendix A ECOG Performance Status Scale.
- 1.8 Patients may be planned to undergo RT alone or RT with concurrent chemotherapy, with chemotherapy managed at the discretion of the treating medical oncologist per standard of care.
- 1.9 RT is known to be teratogenic to a developing human fetus. For this reason, patients of child-bearing potential (POCBP) must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) from time of informed consent, for the duration of study participation (while actively receiving RT. Should a patient become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while she or her partner is participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately. NOTE: A POCBP is any patient (regardless of sexual orientation, having undergone a tubal ligation, or remaining celibate by choice) who meets the following criteria: • Has not undergone a hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy • Has had menses at any time in the preceding 12 consecutive months (and therefore has not been naturally postmenopausal for \> 12 months)
- 1.10 POCBP must have a negative pregnancy test prior to CT simulation or sign the Department of Radiation Oncology's pregnancy testing declination form. Note: the timing of the pregnancy test/declination form will follow the policy of the Department of Radiology and Oncology, which requires completion of pregnancy testing or signed pregnancy declination prior to CT simulation.
- 1.11 Patients must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document prior to registration.
Exclusion criteria
- 2.1 Patients with cT4, cN3, or cM1 disease by AJCC 8 th edition.
- 2.2 Patients who have had prior RT to the head/neck region that would result in overlap of RT fields. 3.2.3 Patients who have had prior major surgery to the head/neck region that could disrupt lymphatic flow.
- 2.4 Patients who have an uncontrolled intercurrent illness that would interfere with the receipt of RT including, but not limited to any of the following, are not eligible: • Uncontrolled connective tissue disorders (e.g. lupus, scleroderma) given potential for this to interfere with RT • Psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements • Any other illness or condition that the treating investigator feels would interfere with study compliance or would compromise the patient's safety or study endpoints
Where
- Chicago, Illinois
- Warrenville, Illinois
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Jul 14, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations