A Study of Amifostine (Ethyol) in Patients With Colorectal Cancer

Phase 2

Terminated

Brief Summary: The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of amifostine (ETHYOL) on decreasing the rate and severity of nerve dysfunction or neuropathy (numbness and tingling in hands and feet) associated with FOLFOX chemotherapy.

Detailed Description: In addition, this study will provide information on how subjects with colorectal cancer do while receiving amifostine in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. This study will also look at the frequency of complications associated with amifostine and chemotherapy.

The FOLFOX chemotherapy regimen consists of three drugs, 5-FU, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin, all given intravenously (into the vein) every 2 weeks with or without Avastin given in combination with chemotherapy. FOLFOX has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cancer of the colon or rectum.

Amifostine is not a chemotherapy drug. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent moderate or severe dryness of the mouth caused by radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, and to prevent kidney damage caused by cisplatin chemotherapy treatment for ovarian and non-small cell lung cancer. Amifostine is not FDA approved for use in this study and is therefore considered investigational.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

Histologically or cytologically-proven adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum
AJCC stage II, III or IV
Male of female aged greater than or equal to 18 years
ECOG Performance Status (PS): 0-2
Men or women of reproductive potential must have agreed to use an effective method of contraception while on treatment and for 6 months after study treatment
If female, not pregnant or lactating. Documentation of a negative serum HCG pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential is required within 7 days prior to be considered of non-childbearing potential
In the opinion of the investigator, patients must have a life expectancy of least 6 months
At the time of study enrollment, absolute granulocyte count (AGC) must be greater than or equal to 1500/mm3, platelet count must be greater than or equal to 100,000/mm3
There must be evidence of adequate hepatic and renal function. Bilirubin less than or equal to UNL, Alkaline phosphatase less than or equal to 2.5xULN, AST less than or equal to 1.5xULN, Creatine less than or equal to 1.5xULN
Signed written informed consent obtained prior to study-specific screening procedure

Exclusion Criteria

Any condition or past medical history that contra-indicate treatment with oxaliplatin and 5FU, as reported in the approval labeling information
Hypersensitivity to any of the study treatments (amifostine, oxaliplatin and 5FU) or ingredients
Received any investigational drug within 30 days before beginning treatment with study drug
Concomitant treatment with other investigational agents
Received prior oxaliplatin or cisplatin based chemotherapy
History of peripheral neuropathy
concomitant treatments with drugs/ingredients reported to have a potential activity in preventing peripheral sensory neuropathy: carbamazepine, gabapentin, phenytoin, gluthathione, alpha-lipoic acid, celecoxib, venlafaxine, vitamin B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), ginko biloba. Multivitamins and dietary supplements are allowed. Uncontrolled intercurrent illness: e.g. high blood pressure, unstable angina, symptomatic congestive hear failure (NY Heart Association Classification III or IV), serious cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes, or active infection
Concurrent active cancer originating from a primary site other than colon or rectum
Presence of any symptom suggesting brain/spinal cord metastasis

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Treatment Period	Amifostine	The chemotherapy regimen will be given for 2 consecutive days. On day #1, pt. will be premedicated with drugs to prevent nausea and vomiting in addition to intravenous fluids. Then they will receive amifostine intravenously followed by oxaliplatin, 5FU and leucovorin. This will be followed by an infusion of 5FU given in a pump over 22 hours. If the doctor decides on giving the pt. Avastin, this will be given on day #1. On day #2, they will receive the same treatment except for oxaliplatin.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Test Drug in 28 Patients and Assess PSN. If 5 or More Have Grade 3 & 4 PSN, Trial Will be Terminated.	2 years	There were only four participants in this study. None of which completed the questionnaires needed to assess this outcome. This study was closed by the sponsor on January 13, 2010 due to low enrollment.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Assess PSN in 69 Patients. If Total Number of Cumulative PSN is > or Equal to 14, Drug Will be Rejected.	1 year	There were only four participants in this study. None of which completed the questionnaires needed to assess this outcome. This study was closed by the sponsor on January 13, 2010 due to low enrollment.