HPV DNA-Guided Radiotherapy De-intensification of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

This study is testing whether people with HPV-positive throat cancer (oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma) who respond very well to radiation treatment can safely have their radiation dose reduced. The idea is that if a blood test shows the HPV DNA is clearing from the body during treatment, less radiation might be needed — reducing side effects while keeping the cancer under control. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 or older with a confirmed diagnosis of HPV-positive squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx (throat/tonsil area) - You are planned to receive definitive radiation therapy (with or without chemotherapy) - Your cancer tests positive for HPV (p16 positive) - You have an adequate performance status (ECOG 0–2) **You may NOT be eligible if...** - Your cancer has spread to distant parts of the body - You have had prior radiation to the head or neck - You had surgery to remove the tumor within the past 8 months - You have another active cancer (except non-melanoma skin cancer) diagnosed within the past 3 years - You have a condition that makes radiation therapy dangerous, such as certain connective tissue diseases Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.