Fenretinide in Treating Patients With Leukoplakia of the Mouth
Head and Neck Cancer
About this trial
This is an interventional prevention trial for Head and Neck Cancer focused on measuring lip and oral cavity cancer
Eligibility Criteria
DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically proven dysplastic leukoplakia greater than 1 cm in diameter PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: Not specified Hematopoietic: WBC at least 3,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 125,000/mm3 Hemoglobin at least 12.0 g/dL Hepatic: Bilirubin less than 1.5 mg/dL SGOT less than 2 times upper limit of normal (ULN) Renal: Creatinine less than 1.7 mg/dL Cardiovascular: No symptomatic coronary artery disease No uncontrolled hypertension No prior coronary artery bypass No acute myocardial infarction in the past year Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective barrier contraception for 1 month prior, during, and for 12 months after study Fasting serum triglyceride less than 2 times ULN Cholesterol less than 350 mg/dL No hypersensitivity to vitamin A or retinoids No active malignancy No concurrent acute or chronic medical or psychiatric condition that would preclude compliance or toxicity assessment No concurrent and severe night blindness PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Not specified Chemotherapy: Not specified Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: Not specified Surgery: Not specified Other: At least 3 months since prior chronic high dose (greater than 30,000 IU/day) vitamin A (retinol) At least 1 month since other prior retinoids
Sites / Locations
- University of Alabama Comprehensive Cancer Center
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
Experimental
Arm I
Arm II
Patients receive oral fenretinide daily (except days 1-3 each month) for 6 months. Patients then receive oral fenretinide daily (except days 1-3 each month) for 6 months. Patients are followed every 3 months.
Patients receive oral placebo daily (except days 1-3 each month) for 6 months. Patients then receive oral fenretinide daily (except days 1-3 each month) for 6 months. Patients are followed every 3 months.