Active clinical trials for "Head and Neck Neoplasms"

The purpose of this research study is to determine the safest and most effective dose of 5-FU that can be given with docetaxel (Taxotere), Cisplatin and cetuximab to patients with newly diagnosed locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. We will also be studying the toxicity of this regimen of 4 drugs and the tumor response.

To determine a safe and effective doses of two biologic drugs, erlotinib and bevacizumab when used with chemotherapy and radiation therapy in advanced head and neck cancer

To estimate the effect of second-line panitumumab monotherapy on objective response in patients with metastatic or recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (SCCHN).

RATIONALE: Giving a nutritional supplement containing arginine, omega-3 fatty acids, and nucleotides to patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy may stimulate the immune system and help the body build a stronger immune response. PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well an arginine/omega-3 fatty acids/nucleotides nutritional supplement works in treating patients with stage III or stage IV head and neck cancer undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

RATIONALE: Pemetrexed may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as oxaliplatin, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Giving pemetrexed together with oxaliplatin may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well giving pemetrexed together with oxaliplatin works in treating patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer.

RATIONALE: The use of bipolar energy sealing system or ultrasonic coagulation for hemostasis during thyroidectomy may reduce blood loss and hypocalcemia and may be more cost-effective.

This phase II trial is studying the how well saracatinib works in treating patients with metastatic or recurrent head and neck cancer. Saracatinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth

The purpose of this study is to compare the use of the Dynasplint Trismus System to routine trismus treatment in improving the ability of opening the mouth in a randomized trial. This study will also determine what effects, good and/or bad, this procedure has on the participant. Participants will be randomly assigned to the Dynasplint Trismus System or to routine treatment with tongue depressors.

To evaluate the efficacy of the concomitant combination of radiotherapy and docetaxel with or without cisplatin in terms of objective response rates (WHO criteria).

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as docetaxel, cisplatin, fluorouracil, and carboplatin, work in different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy may kill more tumor cells. It is not yet known which regimen of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is most effective in treating head and neck cancer. PURPOSE: Randomized phase III trial to compare the effectiveness of two different regimens of chemotherapy and radiation therapy in treating patients who have stage III or stage IV head and neck cancer.