Personalized radiation therapy based on blood HPV markers for throat cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT04900623 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2026 · Translation generated August 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 2 — Testing in a bigger group (up to a few hundred people) to see if the treatment actually works and is still safe.

What is this trial?

The ReACT Study is testing whether a blood test called NavDx® HPV ctDNA can help personalize treatment for people with HPV-positive throat cancer. Instead of giving everyone the same radiation and chemotherapy doses, this study uses the blood test results to identify patients who might do well with lower doses. The goal is to reduce side effects while keeping the cancer treatment effective.

Currently, all patients with HPV-positive throat cancer receive standard-dose radiation and chemotherapy, even though some patients may not need full doses. This research wants to see if the blood test can safely identify which patients can tolerate lower treatment doses, which could mean fewer long-term side effects like difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and other complications.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with stage I, II, or III HPV-positive throat cancer (cancer of the tongue base or tonsil)
your HPV status has been confirmed through a tissue biopsy or lab test
you have a detectable HPV blood test result at the start of the study
you are 22 years or older
you are planning to receive radiation and/or chemotherapy rather than surgery
your organ function (blood counts, kidney and liver function) is adequate to safely receive chemotherapy if needed

You likely don't qualify if…

you have metastatic (stage IV) cancer or very large lymph nodes suggesting the cancer has spread widely
you have had prior cancer treatment or radiation to the head and neck area
you are pregnant or unwilling to use contraception during treatment
you have serious organ problems that would make chemotherapy unsafe

What participation looks like

You will have blood tests before, during, and after your radiation therapy to measure HPV DNA levels. Based on your blood test results and other factors, your doctor will assign you to either low-dose or standard-dose radiation therapy, sometimes combined with chemotherapy. Treatment lasts 5–7 weeks, and you'll have regular follow-up visits and additional blood tests for the next 5 years to monitor how well the treatment worked and watch for any cancer recurrence.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Aug 10, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

United States

Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts

Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts