NCT06998069 · Brown University
Head and Neck Cancer Study Project in the Geriatric Population
What this study is about
This is a study conducted in patients with a diagnosis of stage IB-IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Patients will have a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) as part of standard assessments. The patients classified as frail, with a CGA score of 3-5, will then be treated with a novel reduced intensity regimen.
View original scientific description
This is a study conducted in patients with a diagnosis of stage IB-IVA squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Patients will have a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) as part of standard assessments. The patients classified as frail, with a CGA score of 3-5, will then be treated with a novel reduced intensity regimen. The regimen will be tailored based on the programmed cell death ligand 1 combined positive score (PD-L1 CPS) and will involve 4 cycles of systemic chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy followed by radiation treatment.
Interventions
DRUG
Arm I Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, Pembrolizumab
Carboplatin, AUC 5, day 1 of each cycle, each cycle every 21 days for 4 cycles Paclitaxel, 175 mg/m2, day 1 of each cycle, each cycle every 21 days for 4 cycles Pembrolizumab, 200 mg, day 1 of each cycle, each cycle every 21 days for 4 cycles Radiation Therapy 30Gy 1 week
DRUG
Arm II Carboplatin, Paclitaxel, Cetuximab
Carboplatin, AUC 5, day 1 of each cycle, each cycle every 21 days for 4 cycles Paclitaxel, 175 mg/m2, day 1 of each cycle, each cycle every 21 days for 4 cycles Cetuximab 400 mg/m2, day 1 of the first cycle and then 250 mg/m2 days 1, 8, 15 every 21 days for 4 cycles Radiation Therapy 30Gy 1 week
DRUG
Arm III Pembrolizumab
Pembrolizumab, 200 mg, day 1 of each cycle, each cycle every 21 days for 4 cycles Radiation Therapy 30Gy 1 week
Primary outcome measures
Treatment Completion
Time frame: Approximately 14 weeks
Number of participants who complete 4 cycles of systemic therapy followed by one week of radiation therapy within 14 weeks from start of therapy
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
- Patients must have the following
- Pathology confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (unknown primary is excluded).
- Confirmed stage of disease between IB and IVA, based on imaging studies.
- CGA score of 3-5
- Evaluation by medical oncology and radiation oncology.
- Patients in the experimental group must be eligible for systemic treatment with chemoimmunotherapy followed by radiation treatment as determined by the geriatric oncology team.
- Age ≥ 65 years.
- ECOG performance status ≤ 2
- Adequate organ and marrow function as defined below: Absolute neutrophil count ≥1.0 x 109/L Platelets \>100,000/mm3 Total bilirubin \<1.5 x ULN Aspartate aminotransferase (ast/sgot) \<3 x ULN Alanine aminotransferase (alt/sgpt) \<3 x ULN Creatinine clearance ≥ 40 mL/min as determined by Cockcroft Gault (using actual body weight) or \<1.5 x Upper limit of normal Males: CLcr (mL/min) = "\[140 - age (years)\] × weight (kg)" /"72 × serum creatinine (mg/dL)" Females: (CLcr (mL/min) = "\[140 - age (years)\] × weight (kg)" /"72 × serum creatinine (mg/dL)" × 0.85
- Patients receiving pembrolizumab must meet standard institutional criteria for immunotherapy including no history of severe autoimmune disease.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients on effective anti-retroviral therapy with undetectable viral load within 6 months are eligible for this trial.
- For patients with evidence of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the HBV viral load must be undetectable on suppressive therapy, if indicated.
- Patients with a history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection must have been treated and cured. For patients with HCV infection who are currently on treatment, they are eligible if they have an undetectable HCV viral load.
- Patients with metastases, including treated brain metastases, are not eligible for enrollment.
- Patients with a prior or concurrent malignancy whose natural history or treatment does not have the potential to interfere with the safety or efficacy assessment of the investigational regimen are eligible for this trial.
- Patients with known history or current symptoms of cardiac disease, or history of treatment with cardiotoxic agents, should have a clinical risk assessment of cardiac function using the New York Heart Association Functional Classification. To be eligible for this trial, patients should be class 2B or better.
- Ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document.
Exclusion criteria
- Patients who have previously received systemic chemoimmunotherapy for H/N cancer.
- Patients with uncontrolled intercurrent illness.
Where
- Providence, Rhode Island
Collaborators
The Miriam Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital
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 Dec 30, 2025 · Source of record for eligibility and locations