NCT05544136 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
A Study of Decreasing Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy in People With Head and Neck Cancer
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to test the treatment approach of de-escalated radiation and chemotherapy followed by a planned neck dissection surgery in people with head and neck cancer. The study will look at how effective the treatment approach is against participants' cancer.
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to test the treatment approach of de-escalated radiation and chemotherapy followed by a planned neck dissection surgery in people with head and neck cancer. The study will look at how effective the treatment approach is against participants' cancer.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
18F-FMISO PET/CT scan
18F-FMISO PET/CT scan (only 1 injection) that occurs 5-10 treatment days after RT start
RADIATION
Chemoradiation therapy
* 18F-FMISO hypoxia negative patients complete CRT with 70Gy primary tumor and 50Gy de-escalated RT dose to gross nodes (if 50Gy is has pilot efficacy, then 44Gy to gross nodes; if 44Gy has pilot efficacy, then 40Gy to gross nodes). * 18F-FMISO hypoxia positive patients are taken off study and complete SOC 70Gy CRT to primary tumor and gross nodes.
DRUG
Carboplatin
The chemotherapy used in this protocol is the standard of care for head and neck cancer, cisplatin or carboplatin/5-Fluorouracil
Primary outcome measures
Number of participants alive post-Chemo Radiation Therapy
Time frame: 2.5 years
The primary objective is to assess the pilot efficacy of RT dose de-escalation to grossly involved lymph nodes for hypoxia negative T0-T3N1-2B HPV- OPC/UPC and HPC/LXC patients. For evaluation on the efficacy of the regimen in this cohort, a simple decision rule will be implemented as follows: If, among the first 10 evaluable patients, we have at least 8 patients who are alive, followed, and have major pathological response on planned neck dissection at 4 months ± 1 month post-CRT, then we will declare the treatment modality using that RT dose has pilot efficacy and will then proceed with treatment at the next de-escalated dose level.
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
- Histologically confirmed diagnosis of SCC of the head and neck (excluding nasopharynx, nasal cavity/paranasal sinus, oral cavity, salivary, thyroid, and cutaneous primary malignancies).
- Any unknown primary SCC of the head and neck with radiographically detectable gross nodes is allowed (core or excisional biopsy acceptable; if excisional biopsy is performed, there must be residual radiographically detectable nodal disease; FNA may be acceptable only with PI and/or co-PI approval)
- If the primary site is oropharynx or unknown primary, P16 IHC must be negative.
- If the primary site is hypopharynx or larynx, any P16 status is acceptable (positive, negative, or unknown). P16 IHC is strongly encouraged when possible.
- Clinical stage T0-3 N1-2C M0 (AJCC 7th edition) without evidence of distant metastasis based on staging FDG PET/CT.
- 18 years of age or older.
- Must not have received prior radiation therapy or chemotherapy for HNC.
- Patients who have had
Where
- Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- Middletown, New Jersey
- Montvale, New Jersey
- Commack, New York
- Harrison, New York
- New York, New York
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 Feb 27, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations