Study of Post-Op Adjuvant Concurrent Chemo-RT With or Without Nimotuzumab for Head & Neck Cancer

Overview

The aim of the study is to improve the loco-regional control rate and overall survival of locally advanced head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC). The investigators hypothesize that the addition of nimotuzumab (a recombinant humanized murine immune antibody that blocks both epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)) to the current gold standard of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) (7)(8), an adjuvant setting in patients after resection of their locally advanced HNSCC will confer therapeutic advantage.

The aim of the study is to improve the loco-regional control rate and overall survival of locally advanced head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC). We hypothesize that the addition of nimotuzumab (a recombinant humanized murine immune antibody that blocks both epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)) to the current gold standard of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) (7)(8), an adjuvant setting in patients after resection of their locally advanced HNSCC will confer therapeutic advantage. We have designed a phase III randomized study that includes a placebo arm. We assume a 10% increase in 2 year disease free survival (from 60% to 70%). To achieve statistical significance at 90% power, we calculate the need for 355 patients per arm, assuming also a 10% dropout rate. We aim to accomplish this study with the involvement of a multidisciplinary team of surgical, radiation and medical oncologists actively involved in the management of HNSCC coming from multiple institutions and spanning at least 12 different countries. For quality assurance we will have the involvement of Singapore Clinical Research Institute who will lead the data coordination and ensure fidelity of data collected and statistical analysis; the European Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology (EQUAL-ESTRO) for radiation dose and fields and an international independent panel of medical oncologist, radiation oncologist and biostatistician for the Data Monitoring Committee (DMC). This committee will monitor significant events and advise on continuation or termination of trial. Concurrent with the randomized trial, we will be collecting bio specimens including blood, tumour and saliva, pre-treatment and on completion of surgical resections. We hypothesize that there are important biomarkers including clusters of genes, cancer stem cells that will predict prognosis and treatment response. The analyses performed will be very powerful because of the large sample size, the specimens are collected prospectively and because the statistical analyses will be multivariate, incorporating not only treatment but biological and staging data.