A Phase II, Randomized, Open-Label, Single Center Study In Patients With Advanced Head And Neck Cancer To Investigate Efficacy And Safety Of Standard Chemoradiation And Add-On Concurrent Cetuximab ± Consolidation Cetuximab

This clinical study translates our preclinical findings that concurrent and consolidation cetuximab improves efficacy of RT into the clinic. It is a phase II, randomized, open-label, single center study in patients with locoregionally advanced stage III-IV and/or total gross tumor volume (tGTV) > 70cc head and neck cancer. This study population is at high risk for locoregional recurrence after chemoradiation alone. Tumor stages to be included are T3-4 Nx, Tx N2b-N3 (N2b only if ≥ 3 ipsilateral nodes involved) M0 and/or tGTV >70 cc (any T, any N, M0) squamous cell cancers of the head and neck (HNSCC). All patients will receive in, the so called 'Induction Phase' standard chemoradiation (RT up to 70 Gy in combination with weekly CDDP 40 mg/m2) and add-on concurrent cetuximab (loading Dose 400 mg/m2, concurrent dose 250 mg/m2 weekly). The patients are randomized to either add-on consolidation cetuximab (500 mg/m2 biweekly x 6 over 12 weeks) (Arm A) or no further treatment (Arm B). Randomization will take place after Induction Phase. The total number of patients to be included into the study is 60 (30 patients per arm). Up to 6 patients may be replaced in case of early drop out to reach that aim.

The sample size of 60 patients is considered to be sufficient to collect first information on clinical efficacy and the possible impact of various biomarkers on clinical endpoints. If the results of this study will demonstrate that the novel treatment regimen is safe and efficacious, a randomized multicenter phase III study will follow.