About 3% of people with head and neck cancer have cancer in their lymph nodes, but doctors are unable to find the primary tumour. This situation has become more common due to human papillomavirus (HPV), a virus linked to certain cancers. Generally, patients with HPV-related cancers have a good outlook, with around 90% surviving for at least five years.
Recent advancements in medical technology, such as advanced imaging and specialized surgeries, have significantly improved doctors' ability to find these hidden tumours. These techniques can locate the primary tumour in 70-80% of cases. If the tumour remains undetected, it could be very small or potentially eliminated by the body's immune system.
The best way to treat this type of cancer is still debated. Current treatment options include surgery to remove lymph nodes or radiation therapy. There is no clear agreement on which areas should receive radiation. Often, surgery is performed on one side of the throat to try and locate the tumour's origin.
Researchers are exploring ways to minimize the harmful side effects of treatment. Some studies suggest that surgery alone might be sufficient for patients with small tumours in their neck, but more research is needed. Another important question is whether radiation needs to cover the entire throat area. Recent findings suggest that omitting radiation from some areas might reduce side effects such as difficulty swallowing and dry mouth.
The SUPERIOR trial aims to investigate whether reducing the amount of radiation can still be effective and improve patients' quality of life. The study also examines whether surgery alone is adequate for certain patients with HPV-related cancers.