A Study on Using Cell-Free Tumor DNA (ctDNA) Testing to Decide When to StartRoutine Treatment in … (NCT05307939) | Clinical Trial Compass
RecruitingPhase 2
A Study on Using Cell-Free Tumor DNA (ctDNA) Testing to Decide When to StartRoutine Treatment in People With Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)- Associated Oropharynx Cancer (OPC)
United States30 participantsStarted 2022-03-24
Plain-language summary
This study will look at whether monitoring HPV ctDNA levels is an effective way to detect cancer relapse risk in people with HPV-OPC. All participants will have recently had surgery to treat their disease, or they will be scheduled to have this surgery.
In Arm A the researchers will see whether monitoring participants' HPV ctDNA levels can safely identify patients who do not need radiation therapy (RT) after surgery and whose RT can be delayed until their HPV ctDNA levels become detectable.
In Arm B, the researchers will see whether patients who usually need 6-6.5 weeks of CRT can be selected by HPV ctDNA to receive 3 weeks of CRT.
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:
* Age ≥ 18
* ECOG 0-2
* HPV-16 squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx or HPV-16 head and neck squamous cell carcinoma of unknown primary . HPV status must be confirmed by in-situ hybridization.
* HPV ctDNA detectable by HPV digital PCR (Naveris assay) with a minimum of 50 copies/mL pre-operatively.
* Surgical resection of all gross disease with no gross disease visualized on post-operative imaging.
o For patients with pT0 (unknown primary) evaluation for the primary should include PET/CT, direct laryngoscopy, ipsilateral tonsillectomy, and targeted biopsy. This should be followed by a neck dissection.
* Two, undetectable (\<1 copy/mL) post-operative HPV ctDNA within 2-6 weeks following surgery (blood drawn at least one week apart preferred).
* A minimum of one of the following pathologic criteria: (Arm A)
* AJCC 7 Stage: pT0N1-N2b, pT1N1, pT2N1, or ≥pT3
* AJCC 7 ≥pN2
* Lymphovascular invasion
* Perineural invasion
* Close pathologic margin (≤ 3 mm)
* Signed informed consent form by the participant or their legally authorized representative (LAR).
* A minimum of one of the following pathologic criteria (Arm B):
* Microscopic positive margin
* Extracapsular extension
* Signed informed consent form by the participant or their legally authorized representative (LAR).
Additional criteria for Arm B only:
* Adequate hematologic function within 30 days prior to registration, defined as follows:
* White Blood Count (WBC) ≥ 2 K/mcL
* Ab…
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.