Radiation Therapy for Oropharyngeal Cancer
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial protocol does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, since concurrent chemotherapy is part of the treatment, it's best to discuss your current medications with the trial team to ensure there are no interactions.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Intensity-Modulated Proton Beam Therapy (IMPT) and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for oropharyngeal cancer?
Research suggests that IMPT can reduce side effects like pain and difficulty swallowing compared to traditional radiation therapy, while still effectively targeting the cancer. Studies also show that IMRT can reduce damage to healthy tissues, improving quality of life without compromising cancer control.12345
Is Intensity-Modulated Proton Beam Therapy (IMPT) safe for treating oropharyngeal cancer?
Research suggests that IMPT may be safer than traditional radiation therapy (IMRT) for oropharyngeal cancer, as it tends to cause fewer and less severe side effects like pain, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and nausea. This is because IMPT can target the cancer more precisely, reducing the radiation dose to healthy tissues.12367
How does the treatment of IMPT and IMRT for oropharyngeal cancer differ from other treatments?
IMPT (Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy) is unique because it can reduce the radiation dose to surrounding healthy organs while still effectively targeting the cancer, potentially leading to fewer side effects compared to IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy). This is particularly beneficial for patients with HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer, as it may improve their quality of life by reducing issues like pain and difficulty swallowing.12356
What is the purpose of this trial?
This randomized phase III trial studies the side effects and how well intensity-modulated proton beam therapy works and compares it to intensity-modulated photon therapy in treating patients with stage III-IVB oropharyngeal cancer. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays, protons, and other types of radiation to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. It is not yet known whether intensity-modulated proton beam therapy is more effective than intensity-modulated photon therapy in treating oropharyngeal cancer.
Research Team
Steven J. Frank
Principal Investigator
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults with stage III-IVB oropharyngeal cancer who can provide tumor tissue for testing. They should have an ECOG performance status of 0, 1, or 2 and be able to undergo concurrent chemotherapy and bilateral neck radiation. Pregnant women, those with recent heart issues, previous head and neck radiation within five years, distant metastases, uncontrolled major diseases or prior surgical resection for their cancer are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants undergo either IMRT or IMPT once daily, five days a week for approximately 6.5 weeks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Intensity-Modulated Proton Beam Therapy (IMPT)
- Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Collaborator
National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)
Collaborator