Radiation Oncology

Induction Chemotherapy & Attenuated Chemoradiotherapy

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Clinical Trial: Head and Neck Cancer

A Phase II Trial of Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Attenuated Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Associated With Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

This study will observe whether patients with HPV-positive head and neck cancer can benefit from being treated with a less aggressive regimen of radiation therapy and chemotherapy following two cycles of chemotherapy.
Subjects who enroll to this study may receive lower doses of radiation and chemotherapy in the second phase of treatment than is considered routine.

Technical Title: A Phase II Trial of Induction Chemotherapy Followed by Attenuated Chemoradiotherapy for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Associated With Human Papillomavirus (HPV)

Basic Information:

Standard treatment for HPV-positive head and neck cancer includes induction chemotherapy (paclitaxel/carboplatin) over a period of five weeks, followed by aggressive radiation therapy and chemotherapy (paclitaxel) for five weeks. If you respond well to induction chemotherapy, you will receive a lower dose of radiation and chemotherapy over five weeks, however, this can not be guaranteed.

Procedures

  • You will undergo evaluations, exams and blood draws to determine your eligibility for this study.
  • If eligible, you will undergo standard radiation therapy planning which includes the use of CT and/or PET scans.
  • You will receive routine induction chemotherapy (paclitaxel/carboplatin) for up to five weeks.
  • You will receive a PET scan to examine how you have responded to induction chemotherapy and to plan radiation therapy.
  • Depending upon your response, you will receive either lesser amounts of radiation and chemotherapy (paclitaxel), or the standard amounts, over a period of five weeks.
  • You will regularly return to UCLA for routine follow up visits, which include physical exams and blood draws, and discussion about how you are doing.

Eligibility Criteria

  • Adults 18 years of age or older;
  • Diagnosed with Stage III or IV HPV-related head and neck cancer;
  • Has not be diagnosed with other primary cancers;
  • Has not received prior surgery for their cancer.
  • Other enrollment criteria apply.

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