Radiotherapy vs. Trans-Oral Surgery for HPV-Negative Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma

What this study is about

The goal of this randomized phase II study is a formal comparison of radiotherapy versus trans-oral surgery as the primary treatment of HPV-negative patients with early-stage oropharyngeal carcinoma.

Who can join (things the study team will check)

✅ You may be able to join if…

• Age 18 years or older
• Willing to provide informed consent
• ECOG performance status 0-2
• Histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma
• HPV-negative tumor, as determined by: negative p16 status, real time PCR or in-situ hybridization. Central confirmation is not required prior to randomization. Equivocal/uncertain HPV status will be allowed on trial.
• Primary tumor site in the oropharynx (includes tonsil, soft palate, base of tongue, walls of oropharynx)
• Tumor stage: T1 or T2, with likely negative resection margins at surgery
• Nodal stage: N0-3. Patients with positive nodal disease and extranodal extension on imaging may be included at the surgeon's discretion, if the nodal disease is deemed resectable by the operating surgeon.
• Eligible for curative intent treatment, with likely negative resection margins at surgery. For patients where adequate transoral access is in question, they will first undergo an examination under anesthesia prior to randomization to ensure adequate exposure can be obtained.
• Blood work obtained within 4 weeks prior to randomization, with adequate bone marrow function, hepatic, and renal function, as determined by the investigator.
• Patient assessed by a radiation oncologist and surgeon and presented at multidisciplinary tumor board prior to randomization. If not feasible, case can be discussed with study Principal Investigator.

🚫 You may not be able to join if…

• Serious medical comorbidities or other contraindications to radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery
• Prior history of head and neck cancer within 5 years
• Prior head and neck radiation at any time
• Metastatic disease
• Inability to attend full course of radiotherapy or follow-up visits
• Prior invasive malignant disease unless disease-free for at least 5 years or more, with the exception of non-melanoma skin cancer
• Unable or unwilling to complete QOL questionnaires
• Pregnant or lactating women

Where this trial is running

• London Regional Cancer Program, London, Ontario, Canada

Who to contact

Susan Archer · 519-685-8618 · susan.archer@lhsc.on.ca

It's completely normal to call and ask questions before deciding anything. Mention the study ID: NCT04220749.