Reducing Radiation Dose to the Neck Lymph Nodes in HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer Treatment A Phase II Study Evaluating Safety and Outcomes of Lower Elective Neck Radiation

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating how reducing the radiation dose to lymph nodes in the neck that are not directly affected by human papillomavirus HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer impacts treatment outcomes. This clinical trial focuses on patients with HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer, aiming to maintain excellent disease control while minimizing the significant toxic side effects that usually occur with radiation therapy. The study is a Phase 2 trial assessing whether lower radiation doses can improve quality of life without sacrificing cancer control. Participants receive standard radiation doses directly to the tumor and a reduced dose to the elective neck lymph nodes. Treatment is delivered five days per week for a total of 35 sessions over 7 weeks. During the trial, patients undergo computed tomography CT, positron emission tomography PET, and nasopharyngolaryngoscopy to monitor the cancer and treatment effects. After completing radiation therapy, patients are followed up every 3 months for 2 years to assess outcomes and side effects. Throughout the study, researchers measure 2-year locoregional progression-free survival as the primary outcome, tracking local or regional recurrence and survival. Secondary outcomes include progression-free survival, regional failure in the low-dose neck area, overall survival, and both physician-reported and patient-reported toxicities at 1, 3, and 12 months after treatment. The trial involves regular imaging and clinical assessments to evaluate disease status and treatment impact over time, with total participation lasting over 2 years post-treatment.

Evaluating a Decreased Dose of Radiation Therapy to the Elective Neck for the Treatment of HPV-Related Oropharyngeal Cancer, ENLIGHT Trial