Phase II Trial Evaluating Elimination of Radiation Therapy

Phase II Trial Evaluating Elimination of Radiation Therapy To Pathological N0 Neck(s) With Intensity Modulated Postoperative Radiation Therapy

The purpose of this study is to determine if reducing or eliminating radiation treatment to one or both sides of the neck where there is no evidence of cancer can help spare the side effects of radiation treatment for head and neck cancer. In this study, the investigators plan to reduce the amount of radiation treatment received to healthy tissue

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with pathologically proven tumors of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx .

• Treated with surgical resection with one (or both) side(s) of the neck pathologically N0.

• Indication for radiation therapy at the primary site or neck consisting of any of the below characteristics:

  • Close margin (<= 0.5 cm)
  • Positive margin
  • Perineural invasion
  • Lymphovascular space invasion
  • Metastatic disease in more than one lymph node
  • Metastatic disease in more than one lymph node group
  • Extracapsular extension in any lymph node
  • Constellation of factors considered to be at risk based on the multi-disciplinary tumor board discussion.

• Age >= 18.

• Patients must sign study specific, Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous head and neck cancer other than non melanoma skin cancer.
• Previous head and neck surgery.
• Female patients who are pregnant or nursing.