Comparing swallowing ability after different treatments for early-stage oropharyngeal cancer

Prospective Non-randomized Comparative Study Between IMRT and Primary Transoral Surgery in the Treatment of Squamous Cell Carcinomas of Early Local Stage of Oropharynx

Observational Gustave Roussy, Cancer Campus, Grand Paris · NCT04224389

This study is trying to see if patients with early-stage throat cancer swallow better after getting either radiation therapy or surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorGustave Roussy, Cancer Campus, Grand Paris Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations16 sites (Villejuif, Val De Marne and 15 other locations)
Trial IDNCT04224389 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to compare the swallowing ability of patients with early-stage squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx who have undergone either intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) or transoral surgery. The assessment will be based on the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) scores collected two years post-treatment. The study will include patients aged 18 and older with confirmed diagnoses and specific tumor characteristics, while excluding those with severe comorbidities or metastatic disease.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with early-stage squamous cell carcinoma localized to the oropharynx.

Not a fit: Patients with severe medical comorbidities, metastatic disease, or a history of head and neck cancer within the last five years may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into which treatment option offers better swallowing outcomes for patients with early-stage oropharyngeal cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored treatment outcomes for oropharyngeal cancer, but this specific comparison of IMRT and transoral surgery is less common and may provide novel insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥ 18 years old
2. ECOG performance status 0-2
3. Histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma
4. Primitive localization of the oropharynx on the tonsil compartment or the tongue base
5. p16 or HPV status available
6. TNM classification AJCC7th T1 or T2
7. TNM classification AJCC7th N0 or N1
8. Patient and tumor that can be treated by radiotherapy or by transoral surgery
9. Patient who has not objected to participate after being informed about the study. The patient must be able and willing to cooperate in follow-up and study visits

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Severe medical comorbidity or other contraindication to radiotherapy or surgery
2. Primary tumor or unresectable lymphadenopathy
3. Metastatic disease
4. History of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck within 5 years
5. History of radiation therapy to the head and neck
6. Inability to undergo or complete radiation therapy follow-up consultations
7. History of cancer except free of any disease for at least 5 years, with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancers
8. Inability to complete questionnaires
9. Pregnant or lactating woman
10. Patient under tutorship or curatorship, deprived of liberty or unable to do so to express consent

Where this trial is running

Villejuif, Val De Marne and 15 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.