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Effects of Avmacol® in the Oral Mucosa of Patients Following Curative Treatment for Tobacco-related Head and Neck Cancer

Primary Purpose

Head and Neck Cancer, Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), Head and Neck Carcinoma

Status
Completed
Phase
Not Applicable
Locations
United States
Study Type
Interventional
Intervention
Avmacol
Sponsored by
University of Pittsburgh
About
Eligibility
Locations
Arms
Outcomes
Full info

About this trial

This is an interventional basic science trial for Head and Neck Cancer focused on measuring prevention, dietary supplement, broccoli, avmacol

Eligibility Criteria

18 Years - undefined (Adult, Older Adult)All SexesDoes not accept healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Participants must have completed curative-intent therapy (including surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy) for a first tobacco-related oral premalignant lesion (OPL) or HNSCC of any stage (eligible lesions include high grade dysplasia; carcinoma in situ; or stage I-IVa HNSCC).
  2. Primary site may include oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx. Oropharynx primaries must be HPV (-) as defined by routine p16 IHC at the local site.
  3. Participants may be enrolled between 3 months and 5 years AFTER completion of curative-intent therapy (including surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy).
  4. Participants may have untreated OPLs (i.e., hyperplasia, dysplasia, carcinoma in situ) at the time of study entry, provided the index OPL or HNSCC was definitively treated.
  5. Participants must be at least 18 years old.
  6. Participants must have a Karnofsky Performance Status of 80% or higher or an ECOG of 0-1 (Appendix A).
  7. Current and former tobacco users are eligible. The tobacco use assessment form must be completed following consent, to assure eligibility (Appendix B). Patients must have ≥10 pack-year cumulative tobacco exposure or its equivalent to be eligible. This is defined as follows:

    1. Cigarette exposure: ≥10 pack-years OR
    2. Cigar exposure: ≥ 10 cigar-years, where 1 cigar year is defined as having smoked on average ≥ 1 cigar/day for a year OR
    3. Chewing tobacco: ≥10 snuff-years, where 1 snuff year is defined as using on average ≥ 1 pinch (dip) of chewing tobacco/day for a year.
  8. Able to perform written, informed consent.
  9. Women of childbearing potential (WCBP) must have a negative urine pregnancy test within 7 Days prior to the first study intervention.
  10. WCBP and men must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry and for the duration of study participation. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while she or her partner is participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately. Men treated or enrolled on this protocol must also agree to use adequate contraception prior to the study and for the duration of study participation.

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Participants have a history of another malignancy within 2 years prior to starting study treatment, except for excised and cured carcinoma-in-situ of breast or cervix; non-melanomatous skin cancer; T1-2, N0, M0 differentiated thyroid carcinoma either resected or under active surveillance; superficial bladder cancer; T1a or T1b prostate cancer comprising < 5% of resected tissue with normal prostate specific antigen (PSA) since resection, or status post external beam radiation or brachytherapy with normal PSA since radiation.
  2. Primary oropharyngeal HNSCC which is HPV (+) as defined by p16 IHC.
  3. Participants with acute intercurrent illness or those who had major surgery within the preceding 4 weeks unless they have fully recovered.
  4. Participants who have a positive pregnancy test, are pregnant, or breast feeding.
  5. Patients who are not practicing adequate contraception are ineligible if they are of child bearing potential.
  6. Patients currently using anti-neoplastic or anti-tumor agents, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal anticancer therapy.
  7. Chronic anticoagulation with warfarin. Patients on low molecular weight heparin or fondaparinux may be enrolled.
  8. Use of chronic prescribed medications which are potent inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 (Appendix C).
  9. Chronic use of steroids at immunosuppressive doses. (Note, physiologic replacement doses of glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid are acceptable, eg. prednisone 5-10 mg/day; fludrocortisone 0.1-0.2 mg/day.)
  10. History of severe food intolerance to broccoli.

Sites / Locations

  • UPMC Eye Center - Eye and Ear Institute
  • UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

Arms of the Study

Arm 1

Arm Type

Other

Arm Label

Avmacol

Arm Description

You will be given a higher dose of Avmacol® each month, taking 2 Avmacol® tablets per day the first month (Cycle 1), 4 Avmacol® tablets per day the second month (Cycle 2), and 8 Avmacol® tablets per day the third month (Cycle 3). Investigators will study how Avmacol® affects your body by collecting three different tissues: 1) your cheek cells (buccal cells); 2) your urine; and 3) your blood. After you have finished three months of Avmacol®, you will return one month later for an end-of-study visit.

Outcomes

Primary Outcome Measures

Change in NRF2 target gene expression
Quantitative changes in NRF2 target gene transcripts expression (i.e. NQO1 and GCLC) in oral mucosa (buccal cytobrush) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) according to a linear mixed model framework.

Secondary Outcome Measures

Change in NRF2 target proteins
Changes in NRF2 target proteins in buccal punch biopsies by immunoblotting.
Change in NRF2 target gene transcripts
Change in NRF2 target gene transcripts, between the two doses of Avmacol® by immunoblotting.
Change in NRF2-independent proteins
Change in NRF2 target gene transcripts, between the two doses of Avmacol® by immunoblotting.
Alterations of Avmacol® activity in PBMCs - NK cells
Changes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) gene expression and flow cytometry patterns in NK cells.
Alterations of Avmacol® activity in PBMCs - T cells
Changes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) gene expression and flow cytometry patterns in T cells.
Change in serum cytokine levels
Change in serum cytokine levels, as determined by multiplexed bead-based cytokine assays.
Measurement of serum albumin-bound SF
Measurement of urinary metabolites of SF using isotope dilution mass spectrometry.
Safety profile in accordance with NCI CTCAE v.4
Patients will receive a diary for daily logging of adverse events. This will tabulated by Avmacol dose and type and grade of adverse events. The mean frequency and grade of events will be calculated by dose, and between-dose differences compared by means
Proportion of patients primary tumors harboring genomic alteration of NRF2 related genes
Genomic alterations in primary tumors will be characterized and the proportion determined by number of patients with NRF2 related genes per the total number of patients studied.

Full Information

First Posted
July 10, 2017
Last Updated
April 5, 2023
Sponsor
University of Pittsburgh
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI), University of Arizona
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1. Study Identification

Unique Protocol Identification Number
NCT03268993
Brief Title
Effects of Avmacol® in the Oral Mucosa of Patients Following Curative Treatment for Tobacco-related Head and Neck Cancer
Official Title
A Phase 0 Study Evaluating the Systemic Bioavailability and Pharmacodynamic Effects of Avmacol® in the Oral Mucosa of Patients Following Curative Treatment for Tobacco-related Head and Neck Cancer
Study Type
Interventional

2. Study Status

Record Verification Date
April 2023
Overall Recruitment Status
Completed
Study Start Date
July 27, 2018 (Actual)
Primary Completion Date
July 22, 2019 (Actual)
Study Completion Date
July 22, 2019 (Actual)

3. Sponsor/Collaborators

Responsible Party, by Official Title
Principal Investigator
Name of the Sponsor
University of Pittsburgh
Collaborators
National Cancer Institute (NCI), University of Arizona

4. Oversight

Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Drug Product
No
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated Device Product
No
Data Monitoring Committee
Yes

5. Study Description

Brief Summary
Avmacol is an over-the-counter dietary supplement containing broccoli seed and sprout extracts in tablet form, hypothesized to activate protective cellular pathways including detoxication. In this study, participants who have been curatively treatment for head and neck cancer, will take Avmacol twice a day for 3 months.
Detailed Description
The broccoli seed preparation, Avmacol®, results in acute and/or sustained induction of NRF2 target gene transcripts in the oral mucosa of patients who have been curatively treated for a tobacco-related head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), including high grade dysplasia, carcinoma in situ, or invasive carcinoma. This study is not designed to examine the therapeutic or reparative effects of Avmacol® on premalignant lesions of the oral cavity. We will systematically assess the clinical chemopreventive potential of Avmacol® administration to patients with tobacco-related HNSCC at high risk for second primary tumor by: Conducting this phase 0 clinical study to evaluate the pharmacodynamic range of NRF2 pathway activation in the oral mucosa of HNSCC patients, in response to two tolerable and bioactive doses of Avmacol®; Determining whether the level of NRF2 pathway activation achieved in human oral epithelium is chemopreventive in the NQO1 murine model of environmental carcinogenesis; and Analyzing specimens from the Phase 0 trial to determine whether Avmacol® induces changes in alternative biomarkers of SF chemopreventive efficacy identified in the laboratory.

6. Conditions and Keywords

Primary Disease or Condition Being Studied in the Trial, or the Focus of the Study
Head and Neck Cancer, Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC), Head and Neck Carcinoma, Head and Neck, Tobacco-Related Carcinoma, Carcinoma in Situ, Dysplasia, Hyperplasia, Premalignant Lesion
Keywords
prevention, dietary supplement, broccoli, avmacol

7. Study Design

Primary Purpose
Basic Science
Study Phase
Not Applicable
Interventional Study Model
Single Group Assignment
Model Description
Thirty-six individuals who have previously been treated for tobacco-related, HPV-negative HNSCC will be recruited for this study. After being deemed eligible, subjects will be assigned a patient number and be registered into the CTMA database. At registration, they will be randomized to receive either 4 tablets/day in Cycle 1 or 8 tablets/day in Cycle 1 (and the other dose in Cycle 2). This randomization is not blinded. Randomization will be stratified by history of head and neck radiation therapy (yes or no).
Masking
None (Open Label)
Allocation
N/A
Enrollment
6 (Actual)

8. Arms, Groups, and Interventions

Arm Title
Avmacol
Arm Type
Other
Arm Description
You will be given a higher dose of Avmacol® each month, taking 2 Avmacol® tablets per day the first month (Cycle 1), 4 Avmacol® tablets per day the second month (Cycle 2), and 8 Avmacol® tablets per day the third month (Cycle 3). Investigators will study how Avmacol® affects your body by collecting three different tissues: 1) your cheek cells (buccal cells); 2) your urine; and 3) your blood. After you have finished three months of Avmacol®, you will return one month later for an end-of-study visit.
Intervention Type
Dietary Supplement
Intervention Name(s)
Avmacol
Other Intervention Name(s)
broccoli see extract
Intervention Description
Avmacol is a dietary supplement available over the counter
Primary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Change in NRF2 target gene expression
Description
Quantitative changes in NRF2 target gene transcripts expression (i.e. NQO1 and GCLC) in oral mucosa (buccal cytobrush) by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) according to a linear mixed model framework.
Time Frame
From baseline throughout treatment period, up to 4 months
Secondary Outcome Measure Information:
Title
Change in NRF2 target proteins
Description
Changes in NRF2 target proteins in buccal punch biopsies by immunoblotting.
Time Frame
From baseline throughout treatment period, up to 4 months
Title
Change in NRF2 target gene transcripts
Description
Change in NRF2 target gene transcripts, between the two doses of Avmacol® by immunoblotting.
Time Frame
From baseline throughout treatment period, up to 4 months
Title
Change in NRF2-independent proteins
Description
Change in NRF2 target gene transcripts, between the two doses of Avmacol® by immunoblotting.
Time Frame
From baseline throughout treatment period, up to 4 months
Title
Alterations of Avmacol® activity in PBMCs - NK cells
Description
Changes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) gene expression and flow cytometry patterns in NK cells.
Time Frame
From baseline throughout treatment period, up to 4 months
Title
Alterations of Avmacol® activity in PBMCs - T cells
Description
Changes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) gene expression and flow cytometry patterns in T cells.
Time Frame
From baseline throughout treatment period, up to 4 months
Title
Change in serum cytokine levels
Description
Change in serum cytokine levels, as determined by multiplexed bead-based cytokine assays.
Time Frame
From baseline throughout treatment period, up to 4 months
Title
Measurement of serum albumin-bound SF
Description
Measurement of urinary metabolites of SF using isotope dilution mass spectrometry.
Time Frame
From baseline throughout treatment period, up to 4 months
Title
Safety profile in accordance with NCI CTCAE v.4
Description
Patients will receive a diary for daily logging of adverse events. This will tabulated by Avmacol dose and type and grade of adverse events. The mean frequency and grade of events will be calculated by dose, and between-dose differences compared by means
Time Frame
Throughout treatment period, up to 4 months
Title
Proportion of patients primary tumors harboring genomic alteration of NRF2 related genes
Description
Genomic alterations in primary tumors will be characterized and the proportion determined by number of patients with NRF2 related genes per the total number of patients studied.
Time Frame
At baseline

10. Eligibility

Sex
All
Minimum Age & Unit of Time
18 Years
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Participants must have completed curative-intent therapy (including surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy) for a first tobacco-related oral premalignant lesion (OPL) or HNSCC of any stage (eligible lesions include high grade dysplasia; carcinoma in situ; or stage I-IVa HNSCC). Primary site may include oral cavity, pharynx, or larynx. Oropharynx primaries must be HPV (-) as defined by routine p16 IHC at the local site. Participants may be enrolled between 3 months and 5 years AFTER completion of curative-intent therapy (including surgery, radiotherapy, and/or chemotherapy). Participants may have untreated OPLs (i.e., hyperplasia, dysplasia, carcinoma in situ) at the time of study entry, provided the index OPL or HNSCC was definitively treated. Participants must be at least 18 years old. Participants must have a Karnofsky Performance Status of 80% or higher or an ECOG of 0-1 (Appendix A). Current and former tobacco users are eligible. The tobacco use assessment form must be completed following consent, to assure eligibility (Appendix B). Patients must have ≥10 pack-year cumulative tobacco exposure or its equivalent to be eligible. This is defined as follows: Cigarette exposure: ≥10 pack-years OR Cigar exposure: ≥ 10 cigar-years, where 1 cigar year is defined as having smoked on average ≥ 1 cigar/day for a year OR Chewing tobacco: ≥10 snuff-years, where 1 snuff year is defined as using on average ≥ 1 pinch (dip) of chewing tobacco/day for a year. Able to perform written, informed consent. Women of childbearing potential (WCBP) must have a negative urine pregnancy test within 7 Days prior to the first study intervention. WCBP and men must agree to use adequate contraception (hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry and for the duration of study participation. Should a woman become pregnant or suspect she is pregnant while she or her partner is participating in this study, she should inform her treating physician immediately. Men treated or enrolled on this protocol must also agree to use adequate contraception prior to the study and for the duration of study participation. Exclusion Criteria: Participants have a history of another malignancy within 2 years prior to starting study treatment, except for excised and cured carcinoma-in-situ of breast or cervix; non-melanomatous skin cancer; T1-2, N0, M0 differentiated thyroid carcinoma either resected or under active surveillance; superficial bladder cancer; T1a or T1b prostate cancer comprising < 5% of resected tissue with normal prostate specific antigen (PSA) since resection, or status post external beam radiation or brachytherapy with normal PSA since radiation. Primary oropharyngeal HNSCC which is HPV (+) as defined by p16 IHC. Participants with acute intercurrent illness or those who had major surgery within the preceding 4 weeks unless they have fully recovered. Participants who have a positive pregnancy test, are pregnant, or breast feeding. Patients who are not practicing adequate contraception are ineligible if they are of child bearing potential. Patients currently using anti-neoplastic or anti-tumor agents, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and hormonal anticancer therapy. Chronic anticoagulation with warfarin. Patients on low molecular weight heparin or fondaparinux may be enrolled. Use of chronic prescribed medications which are potent inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 (Appendix C). Chronic use of steroids at immunosuppressive doses. (Note, physiologic replacement doses of glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid are acceptable, eg. prednisone 5-10 mg/day; fludrocortisone 0.1-0.2 mg/day.) History of severe food intolerance to broccoli.
Overall Study Officials:
First Name & Middle Initial & Last Name & Degree
Dan P Zandberg, MD
Organizational Affiliation
University of Pittsburgh
Official's Role
Principal Investigator
Facility Information:
Facility Name
UPMC Eye Center - Eye and Ear Institute
City
Pittsburgh
State/Province
Pennsylvania
ZIP/Postal Code
15213
Country
United States
Facility Name
UPMC Hillman Cancer Center
City
Pittsburgh
State/Province
Pennsylvania
ZIP/Postal Code
15232
Country
United States

12. IPD Sharing Statement

Learn more about this trial

Effects of Avmacol® in the Oral Mucosa of Patients Following Curative Treatment for Tobacco-related Head and Neck Cancer

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