Radiation Therapy, Combination Chemotherapy, and Amifostine in Treating Patients With Head and Ne… (NCT00003582) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 1/2
Radiation Therapy, Combination Chemotherapy, and Amifostine in Treating Patients With Head and Neck Cancer
United States36 participantsStarted 1988-05
Plain-language summary
RATIONALE: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Chemoprotective drugs, such as amifostine, may protect normal cells from the side effects of radiation therapy and chemotherapy.
PURPOSE: Phase I/II trial to study the effectiveness of radiation therapy plus combination chemotherapy and amifostine in treating patients who have stage II, stage III, or stage IV head and neck cancer that cannot be surgically removed.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 120 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including: Stage III or IV: oral cavity, paranasal sinus, hypopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, and nasopharynx OR Unknown primary carcinoma of the head and neck with greater than N1 disease if no planned neck dissection Evaluable disease No metastases below clavicle by clinical or radiographic diagnosis All hypopharynx and nasopharynx patients with N3 disease undergo a CT scan of the chest
PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Platelet count at least 130,000/mm3 WBC at least 3,400/mm3 Hemoglobin greater than 10.0 g/dL (transfusion allowed) Hepatic: Not specified Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.4 mg/dL Cardiovascular: No active heart disease No myocardial infarction within past 6 months No uncontrolled congestive heart failure No uncontrolled angina Cardiac ejection fraction at least 50% by MUGA scan for patients under 65 without antecedent heart disease, at least 55% for patients over 65 and/or with antecedent heart disease Pulmonary: FEV greater than 60% of predicted Other: Not pregnant or nursing Fertile patients must use effective contraception
PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: No prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: No prior radiotherapy to the treatment field Surgery: Eligible for PEG gastrostomy Other: At least 24 hours since prior a…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.