Research

Nasopharyngeal Cancer Treatment Study - Phase III

Radiation Therapy and Chemotherapy in Treating Young Patients With Newly Diagnosed Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Protocol Description

The purpose of this Children's Oncology Group Phase III study is to see if a combination of chemotherapy followed by chemoradiotherapy works better than the standard therapy in treating children with advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), a tumor in the upper part of the throat behind the nose. Secondarily, the study will evaluate how well the drug amifostine protects children against dry mouth when given daily before radiation therapy.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible candidates include patients under the age of 18 who have been newly diagnosed with a malignant nasopharygngeal carcinoma.
Boys: Under age 18
Girls: Under age 18

Requirements
Patients who take part in this study will be put into one of two courses of therapy. Participants with early stages of the disease will get radiation therapy with amifostine. Subjects with advanced disease will first get chemotherapy followed by a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Visits: Periodic as applicable
Duration: Depending on treatment group, up to 18 weeks. Participants’ condition will be monitored for 3 years following therapy.

Status: Open for Enrollment

Source of Support
Children’s Oncology Group (Study ARAR0331)
National Cancer Institute

Additional Resources
Children’s Oncology Group CureSearch
Study Description at the National Cancer Institute