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.
Pathologically confirmed cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma of the head & neck region, defined as extending from vertex of head to supraclavicular region.
Mohs micrographic surgery with or without further surgery following Mohs to achieve negative margins (i.e. R0 margin status) within 70 days prior to registration
Clinical exam within 60 days prior to registration
CT head & neck/soft tissue with IV contrast within 60 days prior to registration or MR face and neck with IV contrast. IV contrast may be held if medically contraindicated.
Patients receiving any other investigational agents.