Reduced Radiation + Chemotherapy for Throat Cancer
Trial Summary
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial protocol does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss your specific medications with the trial team to get a clear answer.
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug combination of reduced radiation, 5-fluorouracil, and platinum-based chemotherapy for throat cancer?
Research shows that combining chemotherapy drugs like cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil with radiation can improve survival rates in advanced head and neck cancers compared to radiation alone. Carboplatin, a similar drug to cisplatin, is noted for having less toxicity, making it a potentially effective alternative in combination treatments.12345
Is the combination of reduced radiation and chemotherapy safe for throat cancer treatment?
The combination of carboplatin and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is generally considered to have a more favorable safety profile compared to cisplatin and 5-FU, with less severe side effects like nausea, vomiting, and kidney issues. While some side effects like low blood cell counts and mild kidney problems can occur, they are usually manageable and reversible.16789
How is the reduced radiation and chemotherapy treatment for throat cancer different from other treatments?
This treatment combines reduced radiation with chemotherapy drugs like 5-fluorouracil, carboplatin, and cisplatin, aiming to lower toxicity while maintaining effectiveness. Carboplatin is used instead of cisplatin in some cases due to its less severe side effects, and the combination with radiation is designed to enhance the treatment's cancer-fighting ability.15101112
What is the purpose of this trial?
The purpose of this study is to find out if lower doses of radiation may help reduce the side effects of radiation therapy in combination with standard-of-care chemotherapy in people with HPV-positive throat cancer. The chemotherapy drugs used in this study include cisplatin, carboplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5- FU), paclitaxel and abraxane- (Albumin-bound Paclitaxel).
Research Team
Nancy Lee, MD
Principal Investigator
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for adults with HPV-positive throat cancer who have measurable disease, confirmed diagnosis, and adequate organ function. They must not have had prior head and neck radiation or chemotherapy for the current cancer, no other simultaneous primary cancers, and no severe active co-morbidities.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Induction Chemotherapy
Participants receive induction chemotherapy of carboplatin, paclitaxel with or without cetuximab for 6 weeks
Radiation and Concurrent Chemotherapy
Participants receive reduced radiation therapy concurrent with chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin, carboplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), paclitaxel, or Abraxane
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for locoregional control and recurrence for 2 years
Treatment Details
Interventions
- 5-fluorouracil
- Carboplatin
- Cisplatin
- Radiation
5-fluorouracil is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada, Japan for the following indications:
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Anal cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Anal cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Anal cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Breast cancer
- Stomach cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Esophageal cancer
- Anal cancer
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor