Chemotherapy + Bevacizumab for Head and Neck Cancers
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This randomized phase III trial studies chemotherapy to see how well it works with or without bevacizumab in treating patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has come back (recurrent) or that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as docetaxel, cisplatin, carboplatin, and fluorouracil, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Monoclonal antibodies, such as bevacizumab, may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Bevacizumab may also make tumor cells more sensitive to chemotherapy and stop the growth of head and neck cancer by blocking blood flow to the tumor. It is not yet known whether combination chemotherapy is more effective when given with or without bevacizumab in treating patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop taking your current medications. However, you cannot be on any other investigational agents, and certain medications like high-dose aspirin or NSAIDs that affect platelet function are restricted. It's best to discuss your current medications with the trial team to ensure they don't interfere with the study.
Is the combination of chemotherapy drugs including docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil safe for head and neck cancer patients?
Studies have shown that the combination of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil is generally safe for patients with head and neck cancer, although it can cause side effects. These side effects may include nausea, fatigue, and low blood cell counts, which are common with chemotherapy treatments.12345
What makes the chemotherapy and bevacizumab drug combination unique for head and neck cancers?
This treatment combines chemotherapy drugs with bevacizumab, which targets blood vessel growth in tumors, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy. The combination of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil is known for high response rates, and adding bevacizumab may improve outcomes by inhibiting tumor blood supply.26789
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug combination used in the clinical trial for head and neck cancers?
Research shows that the combination of docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) has been effective in treating head and neck cancers, with response rates ranging from 52% to 100% in some studies. Additionally, docetaxel combined with cisplatin has shown response rates of 33% to 44% in recurrent disease, with promising survival outcomes.210111213
Who Is on the Research Team?
Athanassios (Ethan) Argiris
Principal Investigator
ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who haven't had chemotherapy or targeted therapy for the recurrence. They must have adequate blood counts, organ function, no severe bleeding history, controlled blood pressure without major surgery recently, and no brain metastases. Pregnant women are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive chemotherapy with or without bevacizumab. Courses repeat every 21 days in the absence of disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment. Follow-up occurs every 3 months for 2 years, then every 6 months for 3 years.
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Bevacizumab
- Carboplatin
- Cisplatin
- Docetaxel
- Fluorouracil
Carboplatin is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Lead Sponsor