Trial Objectives: The objective is to investigate the efficacy and safety of afatinib with induction chemotherapy in primary unresected patients with locally advanced, HPV-negative, stage III or IVa/b HNSCC including oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx. Primary Objective Phase I The primary objective of the phase I portion of the trial is to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) or the recommended phase II dose of daily oral afatinib that is safe in combination with carboplatin AUC 6 and paclitaxel 175mg/m2 q 21 days as an induction regimen. Primary Objective Phase 2 The primary objective of the phase 2 portion of the trial is to estimate the objective tumor response rate and toxicity with induction therapy in patients treated on the afatinib dose determined in Phase I. Secondary Objectives The secondary objective of phase II is to estimate: 1) the overall response to entire treatment after completion of CRT, 2) progression-free survival (PFS) rate at 2 years, and 3) overall survival (OS) at 2 years.
This is a phase I/phase II prospective multicenter trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of afatinib with induction chemotherapy in primary unresected patients with HPV-negative locally advanced SCC stage III or IVa/b of oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx. The primary endpoint is overall response rate after the completion of induction chemotherapy. Eligible patients will begin with a 14 day lead-in period with afatinib alone. This will be followed immediately by 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy with carboplatin AUC 6 IV, paclitaxel 175mg/m2 day 1, and afatinib as a continuous daily dosing. Each cycle is repeated every 21 days. All patients will receive concurrent chemoradiotherapy beginning 2-3 weeks after the completion of the second cycle of induction chemotherapy (Refer to Study Schema in page 8 of the protocol). During the period of induction chemotherapy, a complete history and physical (including weight) and tumor assessment by physical examination on Day 1 of each cycle will be performed and documented. Complete blood count with differential and a comprehensive metabolic profile will be performed weekly. After completion of induction chemotherapy, reassessment with blood work, physical exam, CT/MRI of neck and nasopharyngolaryngoscopy will be performed. After the completion of CRT, the patient will have a MRI, CT, or FDG PET approximately 12 weeks after CRT. Follow-up will be standard of care from this point onwards. Physical exam, blood work and AE assessments will also be frequently performed during entire treatment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
9
Afatinib will be supplied as film-coated tablets. Available dosage strengths will be 20, 30, or 40 mg. Tablets will be supplied in HDPE, child-resistant, tamper-evident bottles.
Induction chemotherapy: 175 mg/m2 day 1 every 21 days for 2 cycles (IV infusion as per institutional standard).
Carboplatin is available as a sterile lyophilized powder in single-dose vials containing 50 mg, 150 mg, or 450 mg of carboplatin. Each vial contains equal parts by weight of carboplatin and mannitol. Commercial supplies of carboplatin will be used in this trial.
Concurrent chemotherapy: 40 mg/m2 once weekly for 7 cycles (IV infusion as per institutional standard).
Standard Fractionation 70 Gy /35 fractions at 2 Gy/day for 5 days per week.
Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center
Nashville, Tennessee, United States
Maximum Tolerated Dose (MTD) of Afatinib
The maximally tolerated dose (MTD) was defined as the dose of afatinib in which \<2 of 6 patients experience a DLT with the next higher dose having at least 2 of up to 6 patients experiencing a DLT. No dose escalations or de-escalations are permitted within each subject's treatment.
Time frame: 1 Year (Average)
Objective Tumor Response
Patients were accessed for response by CT/MRI and clinical exam. Partial response was defined as a greater than 30 % reduction in tumor size.
Time frame: After completion of 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy (at least 8 weeks)
Number of Participants With Dose Limiting Toxicities
Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia (ie. absolute neutrophil count \<1000 cells/mm\^3) that was associated with a fever\>38.5 degrees C or lasting longer than 5 days, grade 3 thrombocytopenia with bleeding or grade 4 thrombocytopenia, and any grade 3 or 4 non-hematologic toxicity per CTCAE criteria which were probably or definitely related to study therapy. During the chemoradiation, an event of stomatitis, pharyngitis, mucositis, or dermatitis was not considered to be a dose limiting toxicity unless it was a grade 4 that did resolve to \<grade 2 with a radiation treatment break (not to exceed 10 days) or with withholding chemotherapy (not to exceed 2 weekly doses).
Time frame: 1 year (average)
Overall Response After Chemoradiation
To estimate the overall response rate after completion of chemoradiation.
Time frame: 5 Years
2 Year Progression Free Survival (PFS)
To estimate the 2 year progression free survival.
Time frame: 2 Years
Median Overall Survival at 2 Years
To estimate the median overall survival.
Time frame: 2 Years
Biological Marker Activity of Afatinib
To estimate the biological marker activity of afatinib by serial sampling of tumor and blood samples from patients, and correlate with clinical and pathological response and outcomes. On- and off-target effects of afatinib will be assessed for the biological marker activity.
Time frame: 5 Years
Activity of Afatinib Based on Serial FLT-PET/CT and DW-MRI
To estimate the activity of afatinib by obtaining serial FLT-PET/CT and DW-MRI, And compare to standard of care CT images (which will be acquired at baseline and at the completion of treatment, and categorized per RECIST criteria) and correlated with response.
Time frame: 5 Years
Correlate Standard Imaging Pre and Post Treatment
To correlate the response with standard imaging CT/MRI and FDG PET pre and post treatment.
Time frame: 5 Years
Overall Response After Chemoradiation
To estimate the overall response rate after completion of chemoradiation
Time frame: 5 years
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.