Search Results

Inclusion Criteria: * Biopsy-proven SCC of the oropharynx (tonsil, base of tongue, pharyngeal wall or palate). * Tumor positive for infection with HPV virus type 16 or other types (section 8.0). * T stage: 1, 2. T3 tumors are allowed if the tumor is arising from the tonsillar fossa and/or is exophytic based on both clinical exam and CT; Surgery of the primary tumor is limited to incisional or excisional biopsies (i.e tonsillectomy) even without macroscopic disease left. Positive resection margins and/or gross residual disease at the primary site are allowed. * Any N stage, but resectable; lymph nodes in both sides of the neck are at risk of metastatic disease, according to clinical judgment, and require irradiation; pre-treatment surgery in the neck in the forms of incisional/excisional biopsy or a multilevel neck dissection is allowed only if there is gross tumor left at the primary site. * M0. * ECOG performance status 0-1. * Patient's nutritional and general physical condition must be considered compatible with the proposed radiotherapeutic treatment and/or amenable to be corrected before the start of treatment. * Patient is judged to be mentally reliable to follow instructions and to keep appointments. * Patient is on no other treatment for head and neck cancer. * Signed study-specific informed consent prior to registration. Exclusion Criteria: * Evidence of distant metastases. * Evidence of extracapsular nodal extension on pathology. * Absence of macroscopic disease after upfront surgery, i.e., TxNx and TxN0. TxN+ and T1-3Nx are eligible if the T/N stage categories meet the criteria of 3.1.1. * Previous irradiation for head and neck tumor; concurrent chemotherapy other than the treatment per protocol; previous chemotherapy â?¤ 3 months from start of RT. * Other malignancy except non-melanomatous skin cancer or a carcinoma not of head and neck origin and controlled at least 5 years. * Active untreated infection. * Major medical or psychiatric illness, which in the investigators' opinions would interfere with either completion of therapy and follow-up or with full and complete understanding of the risks and potential complications of the therapy. * Prophylactic use of amifostine or pilocarpine is not allowed.