Testing Lower Radiation Doses to the Neck for HPV-Related Throat Cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT07178301 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated July 2026 · Translation generated July 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 ENLIGHT trial is testing a new approach to radiation therapy for people with early-stage HPV-related oropharyngeal cancer (throat cancer caused by human papillomavirus). Instead of giving the standard high dose of radiation to the neck lymph nodes, this study uses a lower dose while keeping the standard dose on the tumor itself. Researchers want to see if this approach works just as well while potentially causing fewer side effects.

Standard radiation therapy can cause significant side effects in the neck and throat area, including difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, and other long-term complications. This trial exists to see whether using a lower radiation dose on the neck lymph nodes — where cancer is less likely to spread in early-stage cases — can maintain cancer control while reducing these harmful side effects.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with HPV-positive throat cancer that is stage I or II
you have not received any prior cancer treatment, including chemotherapy
you are 18 years of age or older
you are in good enough health to tolerate radiation therapy
you have had a PET scan before joining the study to confirm the cancer has not spread to distant sites

You likely don't qualify if…

you have advanced-stage cancer (stage III or IV) or cancer that has spread to distant parts of your body
you have received previous radiation therapy to your head or neck that would overlap with this treatment
you have had major surgery to your head or neck that could affect lymph node drainage
you have an uncontrolled serious medical condition that would prevent you from safely receiving radiation therapy
you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during radiation treatment

What participation looks like

You will receive radiation therapy five days a week for seven weeks (35 total treatments). During this time, you'll have imaging scans (CT and PET scans) and throat examinations to monitor your progress. After treatment ends, you'll return to the clinic every three months for two years for follow-up visits to check how you're doing and monitor for any side effects. Throughout the study, both your doctor and you will be asked to report any side effects you experience.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 21, 2026 · Not medical advice

Testing Lower Radiation Doses to the Neck for HPV-Related Throat Cancer

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(2 sites)