NCT06563479 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
A Study Comparing Personalized Radiation Therapy With Standard Radiation Therapy in People With HPV-Positive Throat Cancer
What this study is about
The researchers are doing this study to find out if a personalized approach to chemoradiation therapy (which may include a lower dose of radiation) is as effective as the standard chemoradiation therapy in people with HPV-positive throat cancer.
View original scientific description
The researchers are doing this study to find out if a personalized approach to chemoradiation therapy (which may include a lower dose of radiation) is as effective as the standard chemoradiation therapy in people with HPV-positive throat cancer.
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
FMISO-PET Scan
Patients will undergo 18F-FMISO scan (only 1 injection) that occurs at week two of radiation treatment, typically day 10 but a window of 8-10 radiation treatment days\* after start of radiation is allowed.
COMBINATION_PRODUCT
Chemoradiation
30 Gy or 70 Gy of radiation in combination with standard chemotherapy (cisplatin, carboplatin, and 5-FU)
COMBINATION_PRODUCT
Chemoradiation
70 Gy of radiation in combination with standard chemotherapy (cisplatin, carboplatin, and 5-FU)
OTHER
Assessments
EQ-5D-5L (5 questions); 2. MDADI-HN (total of 20 questions); 3. COST-FACIT (total of 12 questions).
Primary outcome measures
overall survival
Time frame: 2 years
The measurement of survival will be evaluated as a time from randomization to events endpoint (i.e., death due to any cause) so that censored data are allowed. To assess the overall survival rate, Kaplan-Meier estimates will be calculated and reported.
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
- Pathologically (histologically or cytologically) proven diagnosis of HPV associated squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (tonsil, base of tongue, or oropharyngeal walls) or squamous cell carcinoma with an unknown primary. Surgical removal of primary site is allowed.
- Patients must test positive for both p16 expression (70% nuclear and cytoplasm expression; Ventana Medical Systems) and mRNA HPV in situ hybridization (RNAscope® 2.5 HD Reagent kit (Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Inc, Hayward, CA). Any CLIA certified testing method can be used.
- Clinical stage T0-2, N1-2c (AJCC, 7th ed.) without evidence of distant metastasis based on FDG PET/CT.
- ECOG Performance Status of 0-1 or KPS \>/=70
- Adequate hematologic function within 30 days prior to registration, defined as follows:
- White Blood Count (WBC) ≥ 2 K/mcL
- Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≥ 1,500 cells/mm\^3
- Platelets ≥ 100,000 cells/mm\^3
- Hemoglobin ≥ 10.0 g/dl
- Adequate renal
Where
- Hartford, Connecticut
- Miami, Florida
- Basking Ridge, New Jersey
- Middletown, New Jersey
- Montvale, New Jersey
- Commack, New York
- Harrison, New York
- New York, New York
- Uniondale, 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 Jun 3, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations