Erlotinib Hydrochloride and Radiation Therapy in Stage III-IV Squamous Cell Cancer of the Head and Neck
Status:
Terminated
Trial end date:
2012-10-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
RATIONALE: Erlotinib hydrochloride may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the
enzymes needed for cell growth. Erlotinib hydrochloride may also make tumor cells more
sensitive to radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x- rays and other types of
radiation to kill tumor cells. Giving erlotinib hydrochloride together with radiation therapy
may be an effective treatment for patients with head and neck cancer.PURPOSE: This phase II
trial is studying how well giving erlotinib hydrochloride together with radiation therapy
works in treating patients with stage III-IV squamous cell cancer of the head and neck.