Risk Adapted De-Intensification of Radio-Chemotherapy for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (NCT05268614) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingPhase 2
Risk Adapted De-Intensification of Radio-Chemotherapy for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
United States250 participantsStarted 2022-05-16
Plain-language summary
This study builds on the results of several prior studies that we have been involved with to test the hypothesis that Risk-Adapted De-Intensification of Radiation Therapy and chemotherapy based on HPV subtype, plasma circulating free HPV DNA (cfHPV DNA) level, and cfHPV DNA clearance rate produces Local-Regional Control rates that are similar to what has been achieved with more aggressive therapy in patients with Favorable Prognosis Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC).
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria
. ≥ 18 years of age (no upper age limit)
. T0-3, N0 to N2, M0 squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx by AJCC 8th Edition staging. If T0 the adenopathy must be predominantly in Level 2.
. Tissue diagnosis of HPV and/or p16 positivity from the primary site or an associated lymph node.
. Radiologic confirmation of the absence of lung metastasis within 12 weeks prior to treatment; at a minimum, CT of the chest is required. PET-CT is acceptable.
. ECOG Performance Status 0-2
. ≤10 pack-years of smoking or no smoking for ≥ 10 years
. Eligible for chemotherapy
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
. CBC/differential obtained within 12 weeks prior to treatment, with adequate bone marrow function defined as follows:
Exclusion criteria
. Prior radiotherapy for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) OR to the head and neck that, if combined with the protocol therapy, is deemed likely to compromise critical organs at risk in the opinion of the investigator.
. Prior cancer within the last 10 years.
. Prior surgery with curative intent for this OPSCC.
. Patients who have undergone tonsillectomy for diagnosis or excisional biopsy of a neck node for diagnosis are eligible provided there is "gross" cancer present at the primary site or in the neck at the start of radiation therapy on this protocol with "gross" defined as visible on an imaging study.
. Inhalation smoking of tobacco within the last 10 years with \> 10 pack-year equivalent history.
. Currently taking Disease Modifying Rheumatoid Drugs (DMRDs) or immunosuppressive medication, for example as for organ transplant or multiple sclerosis.
. Severe, active co-morbidity, defined as follows:
. Known HIV positivity. HIV positive patients are known to have worse clinical outcomes especially for local, regional, and distant cancer control. This poorer prognosis is thought to be secondary to a compromised immune system. Thus, de-intensification of radiation and chemotherapy is not justifiable in this population. HIV testing at the time of enrollment is not required.