A Phase 2 interventional study of Short course radiation and Active Surveillance in Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma (CSCC), sponsored by University of Vermont Medical Center. Recruiting at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-05-26.
Sponsored by University of Vermont Medical Center · Phase 2, Interventional, and Treatment
The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate if short-course radiation therapy (SCRT) can effectively treat high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) and if active surveillance is a safe alternative to radiation for moderate-risk cSCC in adults with head and neck cSCC who have undergone surgery.
The main questions it aims to answer are:
Does short-course radiation therapy (5 treatments over 2 weeks) effectively prevent cancer recurrence in high-risk patients? Can moderate-risk patients be safely monitored with active surveillance instead of receiving radiation?
Researchers will compare:
Short-course radiation therapy (SCRT) for high-risk patients to historical data on long-course radiation to determine effectiveness.
Active surveillance for moderate-risk patients to expected recurrence rates to assess safety.
Participants will:
High-Risk Group (SCRT): Receive short-course radiation therapy and attend follow-up visits.
Moderate-Risk Group (Active Surveillance): Have regular check-ups, including clinical exams and imaging, to monitor for cancer recurrence.
Optionally provide blood samples for future biomarker research.
This clinical trial investigates two approaches for managing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) of the head and neck following surgical resection, based on patient risk stratification. The study evaluates short-course radiation therapy (SCRT) as a treatment for high-risk cSCC and active surveillance as a potential alternative to radiation therapy for moderate-risk cSCC.
High-Risk Cohort (Short-Course Radiation Therapy - SCRT) Patients classified as high risk will undergo SCRT, consisting of five fractions of radiation therapy over a two-week period. This approach aims to provide effective local control while minimizing treatment burden compared to conventional long-course radiation therapy (typically 30+ fractions over six weeks). The study will assess the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of SCRT, including recurrence rates, toxicity profiles, and patient-reported quality of life.
Moderate-Risk Cohort (Active Surveillance) Patients meeting moderate-risk criteria will not receive adjuvant radiation therapy but will instead be monitored through regular clinical exams and imaging. This arm evaluates whether active surveillance is a safe alternative to radiation in this population by tracking recurrence rates and overall survival.
Study Design and Assessments Participants will be followed for oncologic outcomes (local, regional, and distant recurrence rates), adverse events, functional outcomes, and patient-reported quality of life. Optional blood sample collection will allow for biomarker analysis and potential future translational research.
By stratifying patients based on risk, this trial aims to refine post-surgical management of head and neck cSCC, potentially reducing unnecessary radiation exposure in moderate-risk patients while ensuring effective treatment for high-risk individuals.
2,710 studies on the registry are indexed under Head and Neck Neoplasms; 594 are open to participants now.
This study's planned enrollment of 24 is below the median of 46 across 2,032 interventional studies indexed under Head and Neck Neoplasms.
Browse Head and Neck Neoplasms studies →University of Vermont Medical Center is the lead sponsor of 43 studies on the registry; 19 are open to participants now.
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Appropriate stage for study entry (T1-T3 N0 M0; AJCC 8th ed.) based on the following diagnostic workup:
Risk Factors fitting either the High-Risk or Moderate-Risk Categories:
Major Risk Factors: Microscopic Extensive PNI (defined as PNI for >3 nerves with all involved nerves either >0.1 mm in size and/or deeper than the dermis), Gross PNI (defined as perineural spread evidenced on by MRI imaging, with cranial nerve deficit, or both), Size >6 cm, or Recurrent disease status post prior Mohs
Moderate-Risk Factors: Poor differentiation, 4-6 cm, PNI (defined as >0.1 mm in size)
BWH Risk factors: >2 cm, poor differentiation, deep invasion, PNI (>0.1 mm in size)
High-Risk Group (Group H) Any 1 major OR 2-3 moderate OR BWH T3
Moderate-Risk Group (Group M) BWH T2b not meeting criteria for High-Risk.
Exclusion Criteria:
Patients pregnant or nursing due to the potential for congenital abnormalities and the potential of this regimen to harm nursing infants.
Serious medical comorbidities that, in the opinion of the radiation oncologist, would prevent participation in this study.
Prior systemic chemotherapy for the study cancer; note that prior chemotherapy for different cancer(s) is allowable
Prior radiotherapy to the region of the study cancer that would result in overlap of radiation therapy fields
Actively receiving systemic cytotoxic chemotherapy, , anti-monocyte or immunomodulatory therapy.
Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
The diagnosis was confirmed by looking at a sample under a microscope: tissue from a biopsy or surgery (histology), or cells from a fluid or needle sample (cytology).
Your pathology report is the document that shows this.
A reason a treatment, test or procedure should not be given to a particular person, such as an allergy, another illness or a medicine they take.
A drug or device being studied in a clinical trial.
It may be new, or already approved and being studied for another use, dose or form. Criteria often leave out people who took part in another study of one within a recent period, commonly 30 days or five half-lives.
A weakened immune system. It can come from an illness, such as HIV or some blood cancers, or from medicines that turn the immune system down, for example after an organ transplant or for an autoimmune disease; steroids at higher doses count.
Read whether the line is about a condition or about medicines, and which medicines and doses it means.
Histologically or cytologically confirmed
The diagnosis was confirmed by looking at a sample under a microscope: tissue from a biopsy or surgery (histology), or cells from a fluid or needle sample (cytology).
Your pathology report is the document that shows this.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Contraindication
A reason a treatment, test or procedure should not be given to a particular person, such as an allergy, another illness or a medicine they take.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Investigational drug or device
A drug or device being studied in a clinical trial.
It may be new, or already approved and being studied for another use, dose or form. Criteria often leave out people who took part in another study of one within a recent period, commonly 30 days or five half-lives.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Immunosuppression
A weakened immune system. It can come from an illness, such as HIV or some blood cancers, or from medicines that turn the immune system down, for example after an organ transplant or for an autoimmune disease; steroids at higher doses count.
Read whether the line is about a condition or about medicines, and which medicines and doses it means.
Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.
Patients meeting moderate-risk criteria will not receive adjuvant radiation therapy but will instead be monitored through regular clinical exams and imaging. This arm evaluates whether active surveillance is a safe alternative to radiation in this population by tracking recurrence rates and overall survival.
Other: Active Surveillance
Patients classified as high risk will undergo SCRT, consisting of five fractions of radiation therapy over a two-week period. This approach aims to provide effective local control while minimizing treatment burden compared to conventional long-course radiation therapy (typically 30+ fractions over six weeks). The study will assess the efficacy, safety, and long-term outcomes of SCRT, including recurrence rates, toxicity profiles, and patient-reported quality of life.
Radiation: Short course radiation · Other: Active Surveillance
The radiation arm in this study involves Short Course Radiation Therapy (SCRT), which consists of 5 fractions delivered twice a week (either Monday/Thursday or Tuesday/Friday).
The Active Surveillance arm (Group M) aims to monitor participants with moderate-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) after surgical resection, without immediate intervention unless disease progression occurs. Participants will undergo regular clinical evaluations, physical exams, and skin checks to detect new lesions or signs of recurrence. Imaging, including ultrasound and CT/MRI scans, will be performed every 6 months for up to 3 years to monitor for metastasis or progression. Blood samples will be collected for future biomarker analysis to identify indicators of disease recurrence. Participants will also complete quality of life assessments using the EORTC QLQ-C30 and Skin Cancer Index (SCI) to evaluate the impact of surveillance on their daily lives. If disease progression is detected, radiation therapy may be initiated. The study will track overall survival without initiating radiation, as well as disease progression and quality of life outcomes, to determine if active s
Exploring the Efficacy of Adjuvant Hypofractionated Radiation Therapy in High-Risk cSCC Head and Neck Patients: A Comparison of 2-Year Locoregional Recurrence Rates
To explore the potential efficacy of adjuvant hypofractionated radiation therapy (SCRT) in high-risk cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) head and neck patients by examining the 2-year locoregional recurrence rate (LRR) and comparing it to historical controls who received standard long-course radiation therapy (LCRT). Considering the variability in LRR among patients eligible for SCRT, the researchers aim to investigate whether a 2-year LRR \<25% could be achieved.
Time frame: 2 years
2-Year Locoregional Recurrence Rate (LRR) in Moderate-Risk SCC Patients
To assess the 2-year rate of locoregional recurrence (LRR) in moderate-risk patients undergoing active surveillance, compared to historical controls. Unit of Measure: Percentage of participants with locoregional recurrence.
Time frame: 2 years
2-Year Overall Survival (OS) in High-Risk SCC Patients Receiving SCRT
To evaluate overall survival at 2 years in high-risk patients treated with short-course radiation therapy (SCRT), compared to historical controls who received long-course radiation therapy (LCRT). Unit of Measure: Percentage of participants alive at 2 years.
Time frame: 2 years
Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in High-Risk SCC Patients as Measured by EORTC QLQ-C30
To assess overall health-related quality of life using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) in patients receiving SCRT or active surveillance. This validated questionnaire includes subscales for physical, emotional, and social functioning, among others. Unit of Measure: Score on scale from 0 to 100; higher scores on functioning scales and global health indicate better outcomes; higher scores on symptom scales indicate worse symptoms.
Time frame: 3 years
2-Year Overall Survival (OS) in Moderate-Risk SCC Patients
To assess overall survival (OS) at 2 years in moderate-risk patients undergoing active surveillance. OS is defined as time from surgery to death from any cause. Unit of Measure: Percentage of participants alive at 2 years.
Time frame: 2 years
2-Year Disease-Specific Survival (DSS) in Moderate-Risk SCC Patients
To assess disease-specific survival (DSS) at 2 years. DSS is defined as time from surgery to death attributed to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Unit of Measure: Percentage of participants who survive without dying from cSCC
Time frame: 2 years
Local Recurrence Rate (LR) in Moderate-Risk SCC Patients
To assess the incidence of local tumor recurrence in moderate-risk patients undergoing active surveillance. To assess the incidence of local tumor recurrence in moderate-risk patients undergoing active surveillance.
Time frame: 2 years
Regional Recurrence Rate (RR) in Moderate-Risk SCC Patients
To assess the incidence of regional tumor recurrence (e.g., nodal) in moderate-risk patients. Unit of Measure: Percentage of participants with regional recurrence
Time frame: 2 years
Distant Metastasis Rate (DMR) in Moderate-Risk SCC Patients
To assess the incidence of distant metastasis at 2 years. Unit of Measure: Percentage of participants with distant metastasis
Time frame: 2 years
Total Relapse Rate (TRR) in Moderate-Risk SCC Patients
To assess the 2-year total relapse rate (local, regional, or distant) in moderate-risk patients. Unit of Measure: Percentage of participants with any form of relapse
Time frame: 2 years
Rate of Resectability at Recurrence in Moderate-Risk SCC Patients
To assess the proportion of participants with resectable disease upon recurrence. Unit of Measure: Percentage of recurrences deemed resectable
Time frame: 2 years
2-Year Disease-Specific Survival (DSS) in High-Risk SCC Patients Receiving SCRT
To evaluate disease-specific survival at 2 years in high-risk patients treated with SCRT, compared to historical controls. DSS is defined as death due to cSCC. Unit of Measure: Percentage of participants surviving without death from cSCC.
Time frame: 2 years
Local Recurrence Rate (LR) in High-Risk SCC Patients Receiving SCRT
To evaluate the local recurrence rate at 2 years in high-risk patients treated with SCRT, compared to historical controls treated with LCRT. Unit of Measure: Percentage of participants with local recurrence.
Time frame: 2 years
Regional Recurrence Rate (RR) in High-Risk SCC Patients Receiving SCRT
To evaluate the regional recurrence rate at 2 years in high-risk patients treated with SCRT, compared to historical controls treated with LCRT. Unit of Measure: Percentage of participants with regional recurrence.
Time frame: 2 years
Distant Metastasis Rate (DMR) in High-Risk SCC Patients Receiving SCRT
To evaluate the distant metastasis rate at 2 years in high-risk patients treated with SCRT, compared to historical controls. Unit of Measure: Percentage of participants with distant metastases
Time frame: 2 years
Unit of Measure: Percentage of participants with distant metastases
To evaluate the total relapse rate at 2 years (local, regional, or distant) in high-risk patients treated with SCRT, compared to historical controls treated with LCRT. Unit of Measure: Percentage of participants with any recurrence.
Time frame: 2 years
Rate of Resectability at Recurrence in High-Risk SCC Patients Receiving SCRT
To assess the proportion of patients whose recurrence was considered surgically resectable. To assess the proportion of patients whose recurrence was considered surgically resectable.
Time frame: 2 years
Skin Cancer-Specific Quality of Life in High-Risk SCC Patients as Measured by the Skin Cancer Index (SCI)
To evaluate quality of life specific to skin cancer using the Skin Cancer Index (SCI), which includes domains such as emotional, social, and appearance-related concerns. Unit of Measure: Score on scale from 0 to 100; higher scores indicate better quality of life.
Time frame: 3 years
Patient-Reported Cancer Care Burden as Measured by the Patient Experience Survey (PES)
To assess cancer care-related burdens such as travel, cost, and logistical challenges using the Patient Experience Survey (PES), a custom questionnaire including both Likert-scale and yes/no questions. Unit of Measure: Percentage of patients reporting specific concerns (e.g., % worried about cost, % concerned about transportation).
Time frame: 3 years
Plan to share: No — Anonymized patient related data will be incorporated into publications and will be made available to other investigators at reasonable request.
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