This research study is designed for people with HPV-related head and neck cancer who are being treated with either surgery followed by radiation or radiation as their first treatment. Patients with this type of cancer generally have excellent outcomes, but the treatments can cause significant short- and long-term side effects. Because cancer control is often very good regardless of the specific treatment approach, this study focuses on whether radiation doses can be safely reduced to lessen side effects while still effectively controlling the cancer.
Most patients receive either surgery or radiation as their initial treatment, based on discussions with their medical team. For patients who have surgery first, radiation is often recommended afterward to the surgical area and nearby lymph nodes in the neck. Traditionally, this includes radiation to lymph nodes on both sides of the neck, even the side opposite the tumor. This study will evaluate whether lowering the radiation dose to low-risk lymph nodes on the side opposite the tumor can reduce side effects without compromising cancer control. This approach is called reduced lymph node radiation (Method A).
For patients who receive radiation as their first treatment, radiation is typically given to both the tumor and lymph nodes on both sides of the neck. In these patients, the study will evaluate one or two radiation-reduction strategies. In addition to reduced lymph node radiation (Method A), the study will also examine tumor dose reduction (Method B), which lowers the amount of radiation delivered directly to the tumor itself. Some patients may receive one of these approaches, while others may be eligible for both. Eligibility for these radiation-reduction approaches is based on individual cancer characteristics, such as tumor size, the number of involved lymph nodes, and risk factors like smoking history.
For patients who may qualify for tumor dose reduction (Method B), an additional blood test called a circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) test is used. This test measures small amounts of tumor DNA in the blood. Studies suggest that patients whose ctDNA levels are negative after treatment are less likely to have their cancer return. In this study, ctDNA testing before treatment and partway through radiation will help identify patients who may be able to safely stop radiation earlier than usual (Method B).
Participants in the study are followed closely as part of their routine cancer care. This includes regular clinic visits, imaging, and physical exams. This also includes research procedures such as questionnaires about symptoms and quality of life. Some participants will also provide additional research-related blood samples to help researchers better understand which factors may predict treatment response and long-term outcomes in the future.
Up to 132 patients will take part in this study at the University of Maryland Medical System. Participation is voluntary, and treatment decisions-such as whether to have surgery or radiation and whether to receive chemotherapy-are made by the patient and their medical team, not determined by the study. However, the study procedures will determine participants' eligibility for and use of one or both of the two radiation reduction approaches.
The goal of this research is to improve future care by identifying safe ways to reduce radiation and treatment-related side effects while maintaining excellent cancer control.
