NCT06995508 · Roswell Park Cancer Institute
Olanzapine for Managing Anorexia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemoradiation, MACRO Trial
What this study is about
This phase II trial compares the effect of adding olanzapine to the usual treatment symptom management for nausea to the usual treatment alone in managing an abnormal loss of the appetite for food (anorexia) in patients treated with chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for head and neck cancer.
View original scientific description
This phase II trial compares the effect of adding olanzapine to standard of care symptom management for nausea to standard of care alone in managing an abnormal loss of the appetite for food (anorexia) in patients treated with chemoradiation therapy (CRT) for head and neck cancer. Patients undergoing CRT may experience treatment-related side effects, including pain, nausea, and a discomfort in the ability to speak, swallow and eat. These side effects have been shown to increase weight loss, opiate use and hospitalization. Olanzapine is a drug used to treat certain mental disorders. It is also being studied in the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by some cancer treatments. It is a type of anti-psychotic and a type of monoamine antagonist. Adding olanzapine to standard of care symptom management to limit nausea may be more effective than standard of care alone in managing anorexia in head and neck cancer patients during CRT.
Interventions
OTHER
Best Practice
Given standard of care symptom management
DRUG
Olanzapine
Given PO
OTHER
Questionnaire Administration
Ancillary studies
Primary outcome measures
Average change in weight
Time frame: From baseline to patient lowest weight during chemoradiation therapy (CRT) treatment, assessed up to 5 weeks after last dose of study treatment
Will be summarized by study arm using the mean and standard deviation. A two-sample t-test will be used. All test assumptions will be verified graphically, and transformations or non-parametric approaches will be considered, as appropriate.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Age ≥ 18 years old
- Have an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of ≤ 2
- Diagnosed with biopsy-proven, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, including squamous cell carcinoma of the neck with unknown primary site
- Eligible for curative-intent chemoradiation therapy of the head and neck
- Patients must be eligible for concurrent systemic therapy (preferably platinum based) as determined by the treating medical oncologist to undergo platinum-based chemotherapy
- Ability to swallow and retain oral medication
- Participants of child-bearing potential must agree to use adequate contraceptive methods (e.g., hormonal or barrier method of birth control; abstinence) prior to study entry. 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
- Participants must agree to avoid the following while taking Olanzapine while they are on study:
- Taking the drug Symbyax (which already contains olanzapine)
- Consuming alcohol
- Operating hazardous machinery, including automobiles, until you are reasonably certain that the study drug therapy does not have any bad effects on your mental and physical health
- Participant must understand the investigational nature of this study and sign an institutional review board approved written informed consent form prior to receiving any study related procedure
Exclusion criteria
- Eligible for palliative-intent radiation therapy only
- Patients with a feeding tube
- Regular systemic steroid use
- Atypical antipsychotic use
- Other dopamine receptor blockers routinely used as anti-emetics (eg. prochlorperazine/compazine and metoclopramide) are allowed to be prescribed as usual care on this study
- Uncontrolled intercurrent illness including, but not limited to, ongoing or active infection, symptomatic congestive heart failure, unstable angina pectoris, cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes or psychiatric illness/social situations that would limit compliance with study requirements
- Known hypersensitivity to olanzapine
- Pregnant or nursing female participants
- Known history of seizures
- Unwilling or unable to follow protocol requirements
- Any condition which in the investigator's opinion deems the participant an unsuitable candidate to receive study drug
Where
- Buffalo, New York
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Feb 17, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations