Reduced Radiation Dose with Chemotherapy for HPV-Positive Throat Cancer in Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating whether lower doses of radiation therapy combined with standard chemotherapy can effectively treat people with Human Papilloma Virus HPV-positive throat cancer. This Phase 2 study compares reduced radiation therapy to the standard radiation dose, aiming to find if fewer treatments over a shorter time work as well. The chemotherapy drugs used include cisplatin, carboplatin, and 5-fluorouracil 5-FU. Participants start with 6 weeks of standard induction chemotherapy. If their cancer shrinks to certain stages and they show no signs of hypoxia on a special PETCT scan called 18F-FMISO, they receive a reduced radiation dose of 30Gy along with 2 cycles of chemotherapy. If hypoxia is detected, they continue with the standard radiation dose of 70Gy plus 3 cycles of chemotherapy. An optional baseline 18F-FMISO scan is also offered. During the study, participants undergo imaging scans, including 18F-FMISO PETCT and FDG PET scans, to assess their cancer and hypoxia status. They also complete questionnaires about their health and quality of life. The primary outcome measured is locoregional control of the cancer over 2 years. Safety and treatment effects are monitored as participants receive radiation and chemotherapy over several weeks.

A Study of Reduced Radiation Therapy With Chemotherapy in People With HPV-Positive Throat Cancer