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

Launched by LONDON HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE RESEARCH INSTITUTE OR LAWSON RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF ST. JOSEPH'S · Jan 6, 2020

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is comparing two different treatments for patients with early-stage oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma, which is a type of head and neck cancer that is not linked to the HPV virus. The two treatments being studied are radiotherapy (using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells) and trans-oral surgery (removing the cancer through the mouth). The goal is to find out which method works better for treating this specific type of cancer.

To be eligible for the trial, participants must be at least 18 years old, have a confirmed diagnosis of HPV-negative oropharyngeal cancer, and have a tumor that is not too large (stages T1 or T2). They should also be able to tolerate the treatment and follow-up visits. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either radiotherapy or surgery and will be monitored throughout the study to assess their health and quality of life. Importantly, this trial is currently recruiting patients, so there is an opportunity for eligible individuals to take part in this important research.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 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.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 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