Induction Chemotherapy Followed By Cetuximab and Radiation in HPV-Associated Resectable Stage III/IV Oropharynx Cancer
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2015-01-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel and cisplatin, work in different
ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from
dividing. Monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, can block tumor growth in different ways.
Some block the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Others find tumor cells and help
kill them or carry tumor-killing substances to them. Radiation therapy uses high energy
x-rays to kill tumor cells. Giving paclitaxel, cisplatin, and cetuximab together with
radiation therapy may kill more tumor cells.
PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying paclitaxel, cisplatin, and cetuximab to see how well
they work when followed by cetuximab and two different doses of intensity-modulated radiation
therapy in treating patients with HPV-associated stage III or stage IV cancer of the
oropharynx that can be removed by surgery.