Lower dose radiation therapy for HPV positive head and neck cancer

Circulating Tumor Modified HPV DNA-Guided Radiotherapy De-intensification of the Elective Neck (RaDEN) in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck

This study is testing if a lower dose of radiation therapy can safely treat HPV positive head and neck cancer while causing fewer side effects.

Quick facts

• Phase: PHASE2
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 90 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Virginia (other)
• Drugs / interventions: chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation
• Locations: 5 sites (Miami, Florida and 4 other locations)
• Trial ID: NCT05962242 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the safety and effectiveness of a reduced dose of radiation therapy for treating head and neck squamous cell carcinomas, specifically those that are HPV positive. The approach involves administering a lower radiation dose to a smaller area compared to standard treatment, aiming to maintain effectiveness while reducing toxicity and side effects. Participants will undergo routine monitoring through HPV blood tests and surveys to assess their health and treatment response. The study hypothesizes that this de-intensified approach will be as effective as traditional methods but with fewer adverse effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a pathologically confirmed diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx who are eligible for definitive or adjuvant radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with non-squamous cell carcinoma or those not eligible for radiotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to less toxic treatment options for patients with HPV positive head and neck cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that lower radiation doses may be effective, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form
2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures and availability for the duration of the study
3. Male or female, ≥ 18 years of age
4. Pathologically proven diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx of any AJCC 8th edition stage.
5. Eligible for and planning to receive definitive treatment or adjuvant treatment with radiotherapy.
6. Participants who are receiving concurrent systemic anticancer therapy (e.g. chemotherapy or immunotherapy) for oropharyngeal cancer are eligible.

   1. For participants with T1-2 and N0 disease, chemotherapy is not required for eligibility. Participants may or may not receive chemotherapy per physician discretion.
   2. For participants with T3-4 and/or N+ disease, chemotherapy is required for eligibility.
7. Participants may receive investigational agents with prior approval from the Principal Investigator.
8. ECOG Performance Status of 0-2.
9. p16 positive HPV as determined by NavDx and immunohistochemistry
10. For females of reproductive potential: agreement to use adequate contraception during radiation treatment and for 6 months (or more if applicable based on other medications) after the end of radiation treatment.

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 an incomplete oncologic surgery. Participant is eligible if the gross tumor was not completely removed.
4. Diagnosis of T3-4 and/or N+ disease with no plans to receive concurrent chemotherapy.
5. Diagnosis of a current or prior invasive malignancy (except non-melanoma skin cancer) 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 ataxia telangiectasia or scleroderma.
8. Pregnancy or lactation
9. Active or severe co-morbidities as defined by the following:

   1. Unstable angina and/or congestive heart failure requiring hospitalization up to 180 days before registration
   2. Transmural myocardial infarction up to 180 days before registration
   3. Acute bacterial or fungal infection requiring intravenous antibiotics at the time of registration
   4. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation or other respiratory illness requiring hospitalization or precluding study therapy at the time of registration
   5. Hepatic insufficiency as determined by the treating clinician resulting in clinical jaundice and/or coagulation effects or severe liver dysfunction.
   6. Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) based upon current CDC definition. The need to exclude patients with AIDS from this protocol is necessary because the treatments involved in this protocol may be slightly immunosuppressive. Protocol-specific requirements may also exclude immuno-compromised patients.
10. Tobacco smoking history of 10 pack years or greater, or ≥ 20 pack years if smoking cessation occurred at least 1 year prior to enrollment
11. Current use of antineoplastic drugs for other malignancies.

Where this trial is running

Miami, Florida and 4 other locations

• Miami Cancer Institute — Miami, Florida, United States (RECRUITING)
• University of Virginia — Charlottesville, Virginia, United States (RECRUITING)
• Eastern Virginia Medical School — Norfolk, Virginia, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• Bon Secours — Richmond, Virginia, United States (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
• Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, Virginia, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Chris McLaughlin, M.D. — UVA
• Study coordinator: Song W

Conditions: Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oropharynx, Radiation Therapy, Radiotherapy, Head Cancer, Neck Cancer, Low Dose Radiation, HPV