Anthony J. Cmelak, MD, professor, Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, discusses the results of ECOG1308, a study that evaluated reduced-dose IMRT in HPV-associated resectable oropharyngeal squamous carcinomas (OPSCC) after clinical complete response to induction chemotherapy.

Cmelak says previous data showed that these patients had very good outlook and overall survival with standard chemotherapy. In this large phase II study, researchers attempted to minimize toxicity by using upfront chemotherapy for three cycles. Patients that had a complete clinical response went on to IMRT, Cmelak says.

The goal of the study was to minimize long-term toxicities associated with radiation.

The study found that patients with less aggressive, HPV-associated OPSCC can be effectively treated with a lower-dose radiation regimen depending upon their response to combination induction therapy.  

Anthony J. Cmelak, MD

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Dr. Cmelak Discusses the Results of the ECOG1308 Study