NCT05491512 · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
A Study of Reduced Radiation Therapy and Standard-of-Care Chemotherapy in People With HPV-Positive Throat Cancer
What this study is about
The purpose of this study is to find out if lower doses of radiation may help reduce the side effects of radiation therapy in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy in people with HPV-positive throat cancer. The chemotherapy drugs used in this study include cisplatin, carboplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5- FU), paclitaxel and abraxane- (Albumin-bound Paclitaxel).
View original scientific description
The purpose of this study is to find out if lower doses of radiation may help reduce the side effects of radiation therapy in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy in people with HPV-positive throat cancer. The chemotherapy drugs used in this study include cisplatin, carboplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5- FU), paclitaxel and abraxane- (Albumin-bound Paclitaxel).
Interventions
DIAGNOSTIC_TEST
18 F-FMISO PET/CT
The 18F-FMISO PET/CT Scan Protocol consists first of an IV bolus injection of approximately 5-10 mCi of the radiotracer. At between 150-180 mins post injection, 18F-FMISO images will be acquired.
RADIATION
Radiation
Total Radiation Dose (over 3 weeks) 30Gy\*\* in 2 Gy per fraction
DRUG
Cisplatin
Concurrent chemotherapy (2 cycles) will be given. At the start of week 1 of radiation, subjects will receive cisplatin 100 mg/m2 intravenously. They may be given for 2 consecutive days (50 mg/m2 each day for a total dose 100 mg/m2 ), typically on days 1 and 2, or as a single dose, typically on day 1.
DRUG
Carboplatin
If cisplatin cannot be given at 100 mg/m2 for either cycle 1 or cycle 2, the investigator may use a regimen with carboplatin and 5-Fluorouracil in its place. Carboplatin will be given at a dose of AUC 1.25 intravenously daily x 4 days starting on day 1 of the cycle (total dose of AUC 5). 5-Fluorouracil will be given at a dose of 600 mg/m2 intravenous infusion over 24 hours daily x 4 days (total dose of 2400 mg/m2 intravenous infusion over 96 hours). (Cohort B to start carboplatin (AUC 1.5) and paclitaxel 45 mg/m2 at the start of RT)
DRUG
5-fluorouracil
If cisplatin cannot be given at 100 mg/m2 for either cycle 1 or cycle 2, the investigator may use a regimen with carboplatin and 5-Fluorouracil in its place. Carboplatin will be given at a dose of AUC 1.25 intravenously daily x 4 days starting on day 1 of the cycle (total dose of AUC 5). 5-Fluorouracil will be given at a dose of 600 mg/m2 intravenous infusion over 24 hours daily x 4 days (total dose of 2400 mg/m2 intravenous infusion over 96 hours).
Primary outcome measures
Number of participants with any locoregional recurrences
Time frame: 2 years
The primary objective of this protocol is to demonstrate that the 2 year locoregional control for these subjects treated with a major de-escalated radiation dose of 30Gy is acceptable as compared to historical locoregional control rate for subjects treated with the current standard chemoradiation at 70Gy. To examine if subjects receiving 30Gy have an acceptable treatment outcome when compared to the radiation of 70Gy both in the setting of concurrent chemotherapy, we will test the hypothesis that H0: P\<=85% vs H1: P\>85%, where P represents the 2-year locoregional control rate.
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) from biopsy, surgical resection or excisional biopsy regardless of margin status. 1. Squamous cell carcinoma of the neck of unknown primary is allowed with excision biopsy of a lymph node (or core biopsy) or consent from the PI or co-PI 2. Patient must have excisional biopsy or core biopsy done in order to be on protocol
- Subjects must have clinically or radiographically evident measurable gross disease at either the primary tumor site or nodal stations.
- Oropharyngeal Carcinoma (AJCC, 7th ed.) without evidence of distant metastasis based on FDG PET/CT.
- CT or MRI of the neck with and without contrast Note: A CT scan of neck and/or a PET/CT performed for the purposes of radiation planning may serve as planning tools.
- ECOG Performance Status of 0-2 or KPS ≥ 50
- Age ≥ 18 Patients ov
Where
- 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 Apr 23, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations