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A Phase II Study of Cetuximab in Patients With Unresectable or Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma


Phase 2
18 Years
N/A
Open (Enrolling)
Both
Hepatocellular Carcinoma

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Trial Information

A Phase II Study of Cetuximab in Patients With Unresectable or Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma


The first step in this study is to examine the tumor biopsy (previously collected) and
determine whether or not it is epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) positive or EGFR
negative. Both EGFR positive and EGFR negative patients can participate in this study
because at this time it is not known whether having a negative or positive receptor makes a
difference in how the study drug works on the tumor. By knowing if the tumor is EGFR
positive or negative, we will be able to see if there is a difference in the way the tumor
responds to cetuximab.

Patients will receive cetuximab intravenously once weekly for 6 weeks. Each 6-week period
is one cycle of treatment. The first dose of cetuximab is larger than the following doses.

For the first clinic visit the patient's blood pressure, temperature, breathing and heart
rate will be taken before, during, at the end, and one-hour after the cetuximab has been
administered. For each visit after that, blood pressure, temperature, breathing and heart
rate will be taken before and after cetuximab has been administered.

Before each administration of cetuximab, diphenhydramine will also be administered to
decrease the chances of an allergic or hypersensitivity reaction.

The following tests and procedures will be performed at weeks 1, 3 and 5 during each 6-week
cycle of treatments as well as at the end of study treatment: physical exam, vital signs,
medical history and blood work. At the end of each 6-week cycle a CT and/or MRI will be
performed to measure the tumor size.

Long-term follow-up will include physical exams and bloodwork every 6 months.

Patients will remain on cetuximab as long as there is no disease progression or intolerable
side effects.


Inclusion Criteria:



- Unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma

- Measurable tumor

- Adequate hepatic function: total bilirubin < 3.0mg/dl; AST < 7 x upper limit of
normal (ULN).

- Adequate renal function: serum creatinine < 2.0mg/dl

- Adequate bone marrow function: absolute neutrophil count (ANC) > 1,000/mm3; platelets
> 75,000/mm3.

- 0-2 prior systemic chemotherapy regimens for hepatocellular carcinoma

- 18 years of age and older

- ECOG performance status of 0-2

- Life expectancy > 12 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

- Surgery, excluding prior diagnostic biopsy or venous access device placement, within
28 days of study entry

- Uncontrolled serious medical or psychiatric illness

- Irradiation or chemotherapy for disease within 28 days of study entry

- Clinically apparent central nervous system metastases or carcinomatous meningitis

- Received an investigational agent within 30 days

- Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score > 3

- Acute hepatitis

- Active or uncontrolled infection

- Significant history of cardiac disease

- Prior cetuximab or other therapy which specifically and directly targets the EGFR
pathway

- Prior allergic reaction to chimerized or murine monoclonal antibody therapy

Type of Study:

Interventional

Study Design:

Allocation: Non-Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment

Outcome Measure:

To assess the progression free survival in patients with unresectable or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma

Outcome Time Frame:

TBD

Safety Issue:

No

Principal Investigator

Andrew X. Zhu, MD

Investigator Role:

Principal Investigator

Investigator Affiliation:

Massachusetts General Hospital

Authority:

United States: Institutional Review Board

Study ID:

04-347

NCT ID:

NCT00142428

Start Date:

January 2005

Completion Date:

Related Keywords:

  • Hepatocellular Carcinoma
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma
  • cetuximab
  • Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma
  • Carcinoma
  • Carcinoma, Hepatocellular

Name

Location

Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Boston, Massachusetts  02215
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Boston, Massachusetts  02115
Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, Massachusetts  02114-2617