Induction Chemotherapy Response-Guided Radiation for EBV-Associated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
United States66 participantsStarted 2025-03-18
Plain-language summary
This clinical trial tests the effect of induction chemotherapy response-guided radiation (de-escalated intensity-modulated radiation therapy \[IMRT\]) compared to standard IMRT in patients with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated nasopharyngeal cancer. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is an advanced form of 3-dimensional radiation therapy that uses computer-generated images to show the size and shape of the tumor. Thin beams of radiation of different intensities are aimed at the tumor from many angles. This type of radiation therapy reduces the damage to healthy tissue near the tumor. Radiation therapy sometimes causes unwanted symptoms or side effects, including late effects such as hearing loss and dental problems. The severity of the side effects is related to the radiation dose received and the amount of tissue that received radiation. De-escalation IMRT uses lower doses of radiation based on a good response to induction chemotherapy. Giving de-escalated IMRT may be as effective as standard doses of IMRT in treating patients with EBV-associated nasopharyngeal cancer.
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:
* Participants must have histologically or cytologically confirmed (from primary lesion and/or lymph nodes) nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
* Participants must have Epstein Barr virus (EBV)-associated nasopharyngeal carcinoma, defined as detectable (\> 0 copies/mL) circulating plasma EBV DNA on a qualitative or quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based test.
* Stage III-IVA disease (American Joint Committee on Cancer \[AJCC\], 8th edition \[ed.\]) with no evidence of distant metastasis at the time of diagnosis based upon all 3 of the following minimum diagnostic workup criteria:
* History/physical examination by a medical oncologist or clinical oncologist or radiation oncologist or otolaryngology (ENT);
* Evaluation of tumor extent with either one of the following:
* MRI with contrast of the face, nasopharynx, and neck or CT with contrast of the face, nasopharynx and neck with ≤ 3 mm contiguous slices and bone windows to evaluate base of skull involvement; or
* MRI of the nasopharynx and PET/CT (with contrast) of the neck
* Imaging to rule out distant metastasis:
* CT scan with contrast of the chest and abdomen (required) and the pelvis (optional) or a total body PET/CT scan (non-contrast PET/CT is acceptable); and
* Only if clinically indicated: Bone scan only when there is suspicion of bone metastases (a PET/CT scan can substitute for the bone scan)
* Started or planning to start platinum-based induction systemic therapy.
* P…
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.
What they're measuring
1
Progression-Free Survival Rate (PFS) at 2 years post radiation