Radiation for Throat Cancer
(Lombardi197 Trial)
Trial Summary
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.
What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Radiation for Throat Cancer?
Radiation is a key part of treating head and neck cancers, including throat cancer, and has been shown to improve control of the disease and reduce side effects when combined with surgery. Advances in radiation techniques have made it more effective and less harmful, helping to preserve important functions and improve patient outcomes.12345
Is radiation therapy generally safe for humans?
Radiation therapy has been used for over 100 years and is effective in treating cancers, but it can cause significant side effects that affect quality of life. These side effects can impact various body systems, including the nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems, and require careful management to minimize risks.678910
How does radiation treatment for throat cancer differ from other treatments?
Radiation treatment for throat cancer is unique because it is often the first choice for early-stage cancers and can be combined with other therapies like chemotherapy for advanced cases to improve outcomes. It uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells, and its effectiveness can vary based on the cancer's stage and location.1112131415
What is the purpose of this trial?
The current standard treatment option for Human Papillomavirus (HPV) or p16-positive oropharyngeal cancer is full-dose radiation combined with chemotherapy. Results with chemotherapy combined with full-dose radiation therapy leads to high rates of cure; this has called into question whether therapy can be decreased in intensity since both chemotherapy and radiation have long-term side effects. One approach to decrease intensity of treatment is to give radiation alone (excluding chemotherapy) and to decrease radiation therapy dose. The investigator believes that omitting chemotherapy and decreasing radiation dose both to tumor and the regions of the head and neck at highest risk of potential spread, may have no significant impact on the cancer recurring while potentially leading to fewer long-term side effects.
Research Team
Peter Ahn, MD
Principal Investigator
Georgetown University
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for individuals with HPV or p16-positive oropharyngeal cancer, which includes cancers of the throat, tongue, and tonsils. Participants should have a favorable prognosis and be candidates for definitive radiotherapy without prior treatment.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Radiation
Participants receive radiation therapy only to a dose of 66Gy to gross disease
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment, including local, regional, and distant metastasis control
Treatment Details
Interventions
- Radiation
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Georgetown University
Lead Sponsor