PET-CT for Dose Reduced Radiotherapy in HPV positive Oral Cancer

We are doing this study to understand whether people who receive a lower radiation dose after an interim (the second scan) PET-CT identifies an early treatment response have a similar outcome to those receiving standard radiation dose.

The results of the interim PET-CT scan will be used guide your radiation dose plan. Depending on the PET-CT results, you will either received a reduced radiation dose or the standard radiation dose for your cancer.

Oral Cancer

Adults who:
-Are diagnosed with oral cancer that is positive for Human Papilloma Virus (HPV+)
-Are planning to have radiation therapy

If you choose to join this study, you will:
-Have 2 PET scans in addition to computed tomography (CT) scans
---The first PET scan will be done with your standard CT scan for treatment planning before starting radiation therapy
---The second PET-CT scan will be about 2 weeks after starting radiation therapy to see how you are responding
-Get either a reduced dose or a standard dose of radiation based on your second PET-CT results

Everyone in the study will:
-Be involved in the study for about 1 year
-Have information collected from your medical record for about 2 years
-Have follow up study visits where we will ask you about:
--Radiation treatment side effects
--Mucositis (sore mouth)
--Quality of life (questionnaires)

This study is also available to patients at Duke Raleigh Hospital with eConsent; the 2 PET scans must be done at Duke Cancer Center in Durham, NC and the rest of your standard medical care will be with your regular doctor at Duke Raleigh Hospital.