NCT03875716 · Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Study of De_Intensified Postoperative Radiation Therapy for HPV Associated Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
What this study is about
This research study is studying lowering the standard dose of radiation and chemotherapy after surgery, to minimize the side effects and improve the quality of life.
View original scientific description
This research study is studying lowering the standard dose of radiation and chemotherapy after surgery, to minimize the side effects and improve the quality of life.
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 or cytologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil or base of tongue (oropharynx) or unknown primary with p16-positive cervical lymph node metastases
- HPV-associated tumor as defined by: positive p16 immunohistochemistry (\>70%) OR in situ hybridization OR PCR-based methods
- Eligible for curative-intent surgery with anticipated negative margins
- Surgery performed at Brigham \& Women's Hospital
- Age 18 or older years.
- ECOG performance status 0-1 (Karnofsky ≥70%, see Appendix A)
- Normal organ and marrow function as defined below:
- leukocytes ≥3,000/mcL
- absolute neutrophil count ≥1,000/mcL
- platelets ≥100,000/mcL
- total bilirubin within normal institutional limits
- AST(SGOT)/ALT(SGPT) ≤2.5 × institutional upper limit of normal
- creatinine ≤ 1.5 times the institutional upper limit of normal OR
- creatinine clearance ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for participants with creatinine levels above institutional normal.
- Patients with ≤20 pack-years of cumulative cigarette smoking. Pack-years are calculated by multiplying the number of years smoked with the pack of cigarettes smoked per day. One pack is considered to contain 20 cigarettes.
- Tumor clinical stage (AJCC 8th edition): T0 or T1 or T2
- Nodal clinical stage (AJCC 8th edition): N0 or N1
- No distant metastases. Clinical M-stage must be M0 (AJCC 8th edition).
- Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
Exclusion criteria
- Prior history of head and neck cancer within 5 years.
- Prior head and neck radiation
- Clinically fixed or matted nodes
- Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements. Note: that HIV positive patients will be eligible.
- Pregnant women are excluded from this study because of the teratogenic risks of radiation exposure to the developing fetus. Because there is an unknown but potential risk for adverse events in nursing infants secondary to treatment of the mother with radiation therapy and supportive care medications required for symptomatic management of head and neck cancer side effects as well as general anesthesia required for oncologic head and neck surgery, breastfeeding should be discontinued if the mother is enrolled in the study. Pregnancy status will be determined by a serum pregnancy test.
Where
- Boston, Massachusetts
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 Mar 13, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations