Erlotinib Plus Docetaxel in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced, Metastatic, or Recurrent Hea… (NCT00055770) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 1/2
Erlotinib Plus Docetaxel in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced, Metastatic, or Recurrent Head and Neck Cancer
United States45 participantsStarted 2002-10
Plain-language summary
Phase I/II trial to study the effectiveness of combining erlotinib with docetaxel in treating patients who have locally advanced, recurrent, or metastatic head and neck cancer. Erlotinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking the enzymes necessary for their growth. Drugs used in chemotherapy work in different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Combining erlotinib with docetaxel may kill more tumor cells.
Who can participate
Age range
18 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.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Histologically or cytologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck meeting 1 of the following staging criteria:
* Recurrent
* Metastatic
* Locally advanced and determined to be incurable by surgery or radiotherapy
* Measurable disease
* No known brain metastases
* Performance status - ECOG 0-2
* Performance status - Karnofsky 60-100%
* WBC at least 3,000/mm\^3
* Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm\^3
* Platelet count at least 100,000/mm\^3
* Bilirubin normal
* AST and ALT no greater than 2.5 times upper limit of normal
* Creatinine normal
* Creatinine clearance at least 60 mL/min
* No symptomatic congestive heart failure
* No unstable angina pectoris
* No cardiac arrhythmia
* No severe pulmonary insufficiency, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, requiring oxygen (O2 saturation less than 90%) and/or increase in PaCO2 blood gas level greater than 50 mm Hg
* No history of abnormality of the cornea (e.g., dry eye syndrome or Sjögren's syndrome)
* No congenital abnormality (e.g., Fuch's dystrophy)
* No abnormal slit-lamp examination using a vital dye (e.g., fluorescein or Bengal-Rose)
* No abnormal corneal sensitivity test (Schirmer test or similar tear production test)
* Able to take oral medication
* No requirement for IV alimentation
* No active peptic ulcer disease
* Not pregnant or nursing
* Negative pregnancy test
* Fertile patients must use effective contraception
* No significant traumatic injury within…
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.
What they're measuring
1
Maximum tolerated dose of erlotinib and docetaxel, based on incidence of DLT graded according to NCI CTC version 2.0 (Phase I)
Timeframe: Up to 28 days
2
Proportion of patients with an objective response (Phase II)