Selective Adjuvant Therapy for HPV-mediated Oropharynx SCCs Based on Residual Circulating Tumor DNA Levels (SAVAL)

Description

Patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer generally have favorable outcomes and how well they do depends on the specific details about the patient and their cancer. How well they do isn't as related to the kinds of treatment they get. However, there are significant side effects for the various types of treatments they may get. Because these patients generally have favorable outcomes no matter the kind of treatment, reducing side effects should be a priority when choosing their treatment. The goal of this clinical research study is to evaluate whether a new blood test called a Circulating Tumor DNA test (ctDNA test) can decrease the number of people that require radiation after surgery. This blood test is often elevated in people when they are diagnosed with head and neck cancer. There are studies that show that cancer most often returns when this blood test is positive after treatment. This study will test patients' blood before and after surgery. In cases where the test is negative after surgery, people on the study will not receive radiation unless they are considered high risk based on surgery findings. The hope is that radiation and its potential side effects can be limited to only people that need the treatment.

Conditions

Head and Neck Cancer, Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Oropharynx Cancer, Oropharynx Squamous Cell Carcinoma, HPV Positive Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

Patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal cancer generally have favorable outcomes and how well they do depends on the specific details about the patient and their cancer. How well they do isn't as related to the kinds of treatment they get. However, there are significant side effects for the various types of treatments they may get. Because these patients generally have favorable outcomes no matter the kind of treatment, reducing side effects should be a priority when choosing their treatment. The goal of this clinical research study is to evaluate whether a new blood test called a Circulating Tumor DNA test (ctDNA test) can decrease the number of people that require radiation after surgery. This blood test is often elevated in people when they are diagnosed with head and neck cancer. There are studies that show that cancer most often returns when this blood test is positive after treatment. This study will test patients' blood before and after surgery. In cases where the test is negative after surgery, people on the study will not receive radiation unless they are considered high risk based on surgery findings. The hope is that radiation and its potential side effects can be limited to only people that need the treatment.

A Single Arm Phase II Trial Evaluating Selective Adjuvant Therapy for HPV-mediated Oropharynx SCCs Based on Residual Circulating Tumor DNA Levels (SAVAL)

Selective Adjuvant Therapy for HPV-mediated Oropharynx SCCs Based on Residual Circulating Tumor DNA Levels (SAVAL)

Condition
Head and Neck Cancer
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Baltimore

Maryland Proton Treatment Center, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21201

Baltimore

University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 21201

Bel Air

Upper Chesapeake Health, Bel Air, Maryland, United States, 21014

Columbia

Central Maryland Radiation Oncology, Columbia, Maryland, United States, 21044

Glen Burnie

Baltimore Washington Medical Center, Glen Burnie, Maryland, United States, 21061

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

    Ages Eligible for Study

    18 Years to

    Sexes Eligible for Study

    ALL

    Accepts Healthy Volunteers

    No

    Collaborators and Investigators

    University of Maryland, Baltimore,

    Jason K Molitoris, MD, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Maryland/Maryland Proton Treatment Center

    Study Record Dates

    2027-10-18