A Phase I/II Study Using Cisplatin and Gemcitabine (Gemzar) for Advanced Head and Neck Cancer (Squamous Cell Carcinoma)
cisplatin
+ gemcitabine hydrochloride
Carcinoma+22
+ Carcinoma, Squamous Cell
+ Laryngeal Diseases
Treatment Study
Summary
Study start date: March 1, 1997
Actual date on which the first participant was enrolled.OBJECTIVES: I. Determine the maximum tolerated dose and dose limiting toxicity of gemcitabine used in combination with cisplatin in the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. II. Determine the toxicity profile of this combination treatment in these patients. III. Assess the response rate of treatment in these patients. OUTLINE: This is a dose escalation study of gemcitabine. Patients receive gemcitabine as an IV bolus on day 1 every 2 weeks. Cisplatin is administered on day 1 every 2 weeks. In the absence of dose limiting toxicity (DLT) in the first 3 patients treated, subsequent cohorts of 3 patients each receive escalating doses of gemcitabine on the same schedule. If 1 of 3 patients in each cohort experiences DLT, an additional 3 patients are enrolled at that same dose level. If 2 of 3 patients experiences DLT in the cohort, then dose escalation ceases and the next lower dose is declared the maximum tolerated dose. Patients are assessed for response every 2 weeks. Patients may continue treatment for up to 9 months or until disease progression. PROJECTED ACCRUAL: At least 3 patients will be accrued for phase I and 20-40 patients will be accrued for phase II of this study.
Protocol
This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.40 patients to be enrolled
Total number of participants that the clinical trial aims to recruit.Treatment Study
Eligibility
Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria: person's general health condition or prior treatments.Any sex
Biological sex of participants that are eligible to enroll.Over 18 Years
Range of ages for which participants are eligible to join.Healthy volunteers not allowed
If individuals who are healthy and do not have the condition being studied can participate.Conditions
Pathology
Criteria
DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven stage III or IV squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck that is surgically unresectable and not curable by radiation therapy Upper aerodigestive tract only Unresectable or recurrent disease following initial therapy with surgery and/or radiation Measurable or evaluable disease PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: Over 18 Performance status: SWOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: Not specified Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 3 times institutional normal Transaminases no greater than 3 times institutional normal Renal: Creatinine clearance greater than 40 mL/min Cardiovascular: Adequate cardiac function No heart failure Pulmonary: Adequate pulmonary function not requiring supplemental oxygen Other: Not pregnant Fertile patients must use adequate contraception PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: Not specified Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: Prior radiation therapy allowed Surgery: Prior surgery allowed
Study Centers
These are the hospitals, clinics, or research facilities where the trial is being conducted. You can find the location closest to you and its status.This study has 2 locations
Heartland Cancer Research Network
Kansas City, United States