Cetuximab, Cisplatin, and Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Advanced Stage III or Stage IV Head and Neck Cancer

Summary

RATIONALE: Monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, can locate tumor cells and either kill them or deliver tumor-killing substances to them without harming normal cells. Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Combining chemotherapy with monoclonal antibody therapy and radiation therapy may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: Phase II trial to study the effectiveness of combining cetuximab, cisplatin, and radiation therapy in treating patients who have advanced stage III or stage IV head and neck cancer.

Timeline

Start

1999-12

Primary completion

2005-10

Completion

2005-10

Drugs

Indications