Plain-English translation of NCT05388773 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated · Translation generated · 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.
This trial is testing a gentler approach to treating HPV-related oropharyngeal (throat) cancer. Instead of the standard heavy chemotherapy and radiation, patients have surgery to remove the tumor, and then receive radiation therapy that is tailored to their individual risk — some patients may skip radiation entirely, while others receive lower doses than the traditional treatment. The goal is to cure cancer while reducing serious side effects.
Current standard treatment for advanced throat cancer can cause severe, long-lasting side effects like difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and hearing loss. This trial explores whether using surgery first, followed by carefully adjusted radiation doses based on how risky each patient's cancer is, can work just as well while sparing patients from unnecessary toxicity.
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You will first undergo transoral surgery to remove the tumor through your mouth — no external cuts to your neck. After surgery, based on pathology findings, you will be placed into one of three risk groups (low, intermediate, or high). Low-risk patients are observed without additional treatment. Intermediate-risk patients receive 3 weeks of daily outpatient radiation therapy. High-risk patients receive 5 weeks of radiation therapy (with chemotherapy on one day per week) plus a chemotherapy medication like or to enhance effectiveness. The entire process from surgery through completion of any radiation typically takes 1–2 months.
AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 13, 2026 · Not medical advice
United States