HPV DNA-Guided Radiotherapy De-intensification of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Last updated: March 21, 2025
Sponsor: University of Virginia
Overall Status: Active - Recruiting

Phase

2

Condition

Carcinoma

Lung Cancer

Treatment

Radiation Therapy

Clinical Study ID

NCT05962242
HSR220263
  • Ages > 18
  • All Genders

Study Summary

The study will evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a lower than standard dose of radiation for definitive or adjuvant treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form

  2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for theduration of the study

  3. Male or female, ≥ 18 years of age

  4. Pathologically proven diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx of anyAJCC 8th edition stage.

  5. Eligible for and planning to receive definitive treatment or adjuvant treatment withradiotherapy.

  6. Participants who are receiving concurrent systemic anticancer therapy (e.g.chemotherapy or immunotherapy) for oropharyngeal cancer are eligible.

  7. For participants with T1-2 and N0 disease, chemotherapy is not required foreligibility. Participants may or may not receive chemotherapy per physiciandiscretion.

  8. For participants with T3-4 and/or N+ disease, chemotherapy is required foreligibility.

  9. Participants may receive investigational agents with prior approval from thePrincipal Investigator.

  10. ECOG Performance Status of 0-2.

  11. p16 positive HPV as determined by NavDx and immunohistochemistry

  12. For females of reproductive potential: agreement to use adequate contraceptionduring radiation treatment and for 6 months (or more if applicable based on othermedications) after the end of radiation treatment.

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Evidence of distant metastatic disease

  2. Prior history of radiotherapy to the head and/or neck

  3. Had surgery for oropharyngeal cancer within 8 months of enrollment unless it was anincomplete oncologic surgery. Participant is eligible if the gross tumor was notcompletely removed.

  4. Diagnosis of T3-4 and/or N+ disease with no plans to receive concurrentchemotherapy.

  5. Diagnosis of a current or prior invasive malignancy (except non-melanoma skincancer) unless the participant has been disease free for at least 3 years.

  6. Participant is a prisoner

  7. Known contraindications to head and neck radiation therapy such as ataxiatelangiectasia or scleroderma.

  8. Pregnancy or lactation

  9. Active or severe co-morbidities as defined by the following:

  10. Unstable angina and/or congestive heart failure requiring hospitalization up to 180 days before registration

  11. Transmural myocardial infarction up to 180 days before registration

  12. Acute bacterial or fungal infection requiring intravenous antibiotics at thetime of registration

  13. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation or other respiratory illnessrequiring hospitalization or precluding study therapy at the time ofregistration

  14. Hepatic insufficiency as determined by the treating clinician resulting inclinical jaundice and/or coagulation effects or severe liver dysfunction.

  15. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) based upon current CDC definition.The need to exclude patients with AIDS from this protocol is necessary becausethe treatments involved in this protocol may be slightly immunosuppressive.Protocol-specific requirements may also exclude immuno-compromised patients.

  16. Tobacco smoking history of 10 pack years or greater, or ≥ 20 pack years if smokingcessation occurred at least 1 year prior to enrollment

  17. Current use of antineoplastic drugs for other malignancies.

Study Design

Total Participants: 90
Treatment Group(s): 1
Primary Treatment: Radiation Therapy
Phase: 2
Study Start date:
June 28, 2024
Estimated Completion Date:
November 01, 2029

Study Description

In squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, regional recurrence is rare within lymph node stations treated with elective radiation. However, radiotherapy to the neck is toxic, and leads to a variety of unpleasant side effects, especially coupled with concurrent systemic therapy. There is growing evidence from previous studies showing that lower radiation doses may be adequate in preventing locoregional recurrence of disease. The hypothesis is that lower dose of radiation will have equal effectiveness but less toxicity than standard approaches for the treatment of squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck.

The study evaluates the effectiveness and safety of reduced dose radiotherapy for definitive and adjuvant treatment of Human papillomavirus (HPV) positive oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas.

Participants will be treated with a radiation therapy regimen that has a lower dose to less tissue area (dose and volume de-escalation) than standard of care radiation therapy. The dosing will be determined by whether concurrent chemotherapy will be given, results from on treatment HPV blood test called NavDx, physical exam, and imaging. On treatment NavDx results indicating a slow (non-rapid) response to the treatment will receive an additional boost of radiation. Routine NavDx testing will be performed to assess treatment response and recurrence. Participants will also be asked to complete surveys about overall health and wellbeing.

Connect with a study center

  • Miami Cancer Institute

    Miami, Florida 33176
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

  • University of Virginia

    Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
    United States

    Active - Recruiting

  • Eastern Virginia Medical School

    Norfolk, Virginia 23507
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Bon Secours

    Richmond, Virginia 23114
    United States

    Site Not Available

  • Virginia Commonwealth University

    Richmond, Virginia 23284
    United States

    Site Not Available

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