S0414 Cetuximab, Combo Chemo, and RT in Locally Advanced Esophageal Cancer
Status:
Terminated
Trial end date:
2012-05-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
RATIONALE: 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. Cetuximab may also stop the growth
of esophageal cancer by blocking blood flow to the tumor and by blocking some of the enzymes
needed for cell growth. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as cisplatin and irinotecan, work in
different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping
them from dividing. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. Giving
cetuximab together with combination chemotherapy and radiation therapy may kill more tumor
cells.
PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well giving cetuximab together with combination
chemotherapy and radiation therapy works in treating patients with locally advanced
esophageal cancer that cannot be removed by surgery.