Clinical Research Directory

Comparing Radiation Plus Cetuximab to Radiation Plus Chemotherapy in People With Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Who Cannot Receive Cisplatin

This phase III trial compares cetuximab to chemotherapy, carboplatin and paclitaxel, with intensity modulated radiation therapy for the treatment of patients with head and neck cancer that may have spread from where it first started to nearby tissue, lymph nodes, or distant parts of the body (advanced) who are unable to receive cisplatin. Cetuximab is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It binds to a protein called EGFR, which is found on some types of cancer cells. This may help keep cancer cells from growing. Carboplatin is in a class of medications known as platinum-containing compounds. It works in a way similar to the anticancer drug cisplatin, but may be better tolerated than cisplatin. Carboplatin works by killing, stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells. Paclitaxel is in a class of medications called antimicrotubule agents. It stops cancer cells from growing and dividing and may kill them. Intensity modulated radiation therapy is a type of 3-dimensional radiation therapy that uses computer-generated images to show the size and shape of the tumor. Thin beams of radiation of different intensities are aimed at the tumor from many angles. This type of radiation therapy reduces the damage to healthy tissue near the tumor. It is not yet know if cetuximab or chemotherapy, with intensity modulated radiation therapy works best for the treatment of patients with advanced head and neck cancer who are unable to receive cisplatin.

Testing the Addition of Ipatasertib to Usual Chemotherapy and Radiation for Head and Neck Cancer

This phase I/Ib trial tests the safety and best dose of ipatasertib in combination with the usual treatment approach using chemotherapy together with radiation therapy ("chemo-radiation") in patients with head and neck cancer. Ipatasertib is in a class of medications called protein kinase B (AKT) inhibitors. It may stop the growth of tumor cells and may kill them. Cisplatin, which is a chemotherapy used in this trial, is in a class of medications known as platinum-containing compounds. It works by killing, stopping or slowing the growth of cancer cells. Radiation therapy uses high energy to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Giving ipatasertib in combination with chemo-radiation may be better than chemo-radiation alone in treating patients with advanced head and neck cancer.

Tolinapant and Radiation for Cisplatin-Ineligible, Previously Untreated, Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

This early-phase trial tests the safety and side effects of a tolinapant given together with radiation therapy in treating patients with head and neck cancer for which the patient has not received treatment in the past (previously untreated), has spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes (locally advanced) and cannot receive cisplatin (cisplatin-ineligible). Tolinapant may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill tumor cells and shrink tumors. Giving tolinapant and radiation therapy may kill more tumor cells.