Gene Therapy in Treating Patients With Advanced Head and Neck Cancer
Head and Neck Cancer
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Head and Neck Cancer focused on measuring untreated metastatic squamous neck cancer with occult primary, recurrent metastatic squamous neck cancer with occult primary, metastatic squamous neck cancer with occult primary squamous cell carcinoma, stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the lip and oral cavity, recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the lip and oral cavity, stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx, recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx, stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx, recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the hypopharynx, stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx, stage IV squamous cell carcinoma of the paranasal sinus and nasal cavity, recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the paranasal sinus and nasal cavity
Eligibility Criteria
DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically confirmed advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck Primary or recurrent disease Not amenable to standard therapy (surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy) Second primary lesions allowed Brain metastases allowed after definitive radiotherapy PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 18 and over Performance status: ECOG 0-2 Life expectancy: At least 8 weeks Hematopoietic: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,500/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 Hepatic: Bilirubin no greater than 2.0 mg/dL SGOT no greater than 4 times normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 2 mg/dL Calcium no greater than 10.5 mg/dL Other: Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception (double-barrier method and oral contraception) prior to, during, and for at least 2 weeks after study PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: At least 4 weeks since prior biologic therapy Chemotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Not specified Radiotherapy: See Disease Characteristics At least 4 weeks since prior radiotherapy Surgery: See Disease Characteristics
Sites / Locations
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute