A Phase II Trial of Bevacizumab, Cetuximab, Cisplatin, and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Patients with Stage III/IV Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Protocol
09-083
Full Title
A Phase II Trial of Bevacizumab, Cetuximab, and Cisplatin with IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) for Patients with Stage III/IV Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Purpose

Cisplatin and cetuximab are effective chemotherapies for head and neck cancers, and both drugs can sensitize tumors to radiation therapy. Bevacizumab is a newer drug which is approved for treating advanced colorectal, lung, breast, and brain cancers. It works by interfering with the growth of blood vessels that support tumor growth and survival.

Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is a targeted form of radiation therapy that is the standard of care for patients with head and neck cancers. The purpose of this study is to determine the effectiveness of combination treatment with bevacizumab, cisplatin, cetuximab, and IMRT in patients with stage III/IV head and neck cancer. Patients will be followed for two years to see if they are cancer-free during this time.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this study, patients must meet several criteria, including but not limited to the following:

  • Patients must have stage III/IV squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (or stage II hypopharynx cancer) that has not metastasized to distant sites.
  • Patients may not have had prior treatment with bevacizumab or other VEGF inhibitors, or cetuximab or other EGFR inhibitors.
  • Patients may not have received prior radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
  • Patients must be age 18 or older

For more information and to inquire about eligibility for this study, please contact Dr. Matthew G. Fury at 646-888-4233.

Disease(s)
Head & Neck Cancer
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