Phase II trial tests induction chemo with carboplatin, paclitaxel, lapatinib before transoral surgery in SCCHN
This single-arm, non-randomized, two-stage phase II trial investigated a multimodality, risk-adapted treatment approach for previously untreated patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) arising in the oral cavity, oropharynx, or supraglottic larynx that was amenable to a transoral surgical approach. The study enrolled 40 patients. Treatment consisted of three parts: Part 1 was neoadjuvant induction with weekly carboplatin and paclitaxel in combination with daily lapatinib for 6 weeks. Part 2 was transoral surgery. Part 3 was postoperative treatment adapted to the patient's risk category following surgery. Low-risk patients received no further treatment or involved field radiation only. Medium-risk patients received ipsilateral radiation concurrent with weekly chemotherapy. High-risk patients received cisplatin every 3 weeks and daily lapatinib concurrent with bilateral radiation. The primary outcome measure was overall response rate. The study was conducted by the UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, started in June 2012, reached primary completion in November 2016, and results were posted on October 13, 2017. The abstract does not report specific efficacy results, safety data, or statistical outcomes for the primary or any secondary endpoints.