Phase 2 Single Arm Trial of Cisplatin, Nab-Paclitaxel, and Cetuximab (CACTUX) in Patients With Incurable Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)
The purpose of this research study is to look at the effect of a treatment regimen called CACTUX on head and neck cancer. The CACTUX regimen is a combination of three drugs called cisplatin, nab-paclitaxel, and cetuximab (although carboplatin may be given in place of cisplatin if participants have previously had problems receiving cisplatin). The use of nab-paclitaxel in this combination is different from routine care, in which a drug called 5FU is often given instead, but the investigators group has conducted previous research where the investigators incorporated nab-paclitaxel into routine treatment with cisplatin, 5FU, and cetuximab. The investigators are looking at the incidence of side effects with the CACTUX regimen as well as response of the disease and health status.
• Histologically or cytologically confirmed incurable HNSCC of the oral cavity, oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx, and/or Level 1-3 neck node with non-skin SCC and unknown primary. Incurable is defined as metastatic disease or a local or regional recurrence in a previously irradiated site that is unresectable (or patient declines resection).
• Measurable disease defined as lesions that can be accurately measured in at least one dimension (longest diameter to be recorded) as ≥ 10 mm with CT scan, as ≥ 20 mm by chest x-ray, or ≥ 10 mm with calipers by clinical exam per RECIST 1.1.
• At least 18 years of age.
• ECOG performance status ≤ 1
• Adequate hematologic, renal, and hepatic function as defined below:
‣ Leukocytes ≥ 3,000/mcL
⁃ Absolute neutrophil count ≥ 1,500/mcl
⁃ Platelets ≥ 100,000/mcl
⁃ Total bilirubin ≤ 1.5 mg/dL
⁃ AST(SGOT)/ALT(SGPT) ≤ 2.5 x IULN, alkaline phosphatase ≤ 2.5 x IULN, unless bone metastasis is present in the absence of liver metastasis
⁃ Creatinine at or below IULN (males 0.7-1.30 mg/dl; females 0.6-1.10 mg/dl) OR Creatinine clearance ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 for patients with creatinine levels above institutional normal
• At least 4 months since completion of curative therapy, if given previously.
• Availability of diagnostic tumor tissue specimens for correlative studies.
• Women of childbearing potential and men must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control, abstinence) prior to study entry, for the duration of study participation, and for 3 months after completing treatment. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while participating in this study, she must inform her treating physician immediately.
• Ability to understand and willingness to sign an IRB approved written informed consent document (or that of legally authorized representative, if applicable).