Ongoing Clinical Trials for Laryngeal Cancer

Currently, there is 1 ongoing clinical trial focused on laryngeal cancer treatment. This trial investigates the preservation of voice box function in patients with advanced throat cancer using a combination of chemotherapy drugs followed by radiotherapy. The study is being conducted in France and aims to find the most effective treatment approach while maintaining patients’ ability to speak and swallow.

Clinical trial locations

• France
  • Study on Preserving the Voice Box in Patients with Advanced Laryngeal or Hypopharyngeal Cancer Using Cisplatin, Fluorouracil, and Docetaxel Therapy

Study on Preserving the Voice Box in Patients with Advanced Laryngeal or Hypopharyngeal Cancer Using Cisplatin, Fluorouracil, and Docetaxel Therapy

This clinical trial is designed for patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma affecting the larynx (voice box) or hypopharynx (lower part of the throat). The study compares two different treatment approaches to determine which is more effective at preserving the function of these critical structures while fighting cancer.

Main focus: The trial aims to preserve the voice box and throat function while treating advanced cancer. Researchers want to find out whether giving chemotherapy first, followed by radiotherapy, is better than giving chemotherapy and radiotherapy at the same time. The ultimate goal is to help patients survive without losing their ability to speak or swallow, and without needing major surgery to remove the larynx.

Investigational drugs: The study uses three chemotherapy medications:

• Cisplatin: A platinum-based drug that damages cancer cell DNA, preventing the cells from dividing and growing
• 5-Fluorouracil: An antimetabolite drug that interferes with the cancer cells’ ability to make DNA and RNA, which are essential for their growth
• Docetaxel: A taxane drug that disrupts structures inside cancer cells that help them divide, leading to cell death

All three medications are delivered directly into the bloodstream through a vein (intravenously). The study also includes radiotherapy, which uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells.

Who can participate: The trial is open to patients who meet the following criteria:

• Have squamous cell carcinoma in the larynx or hypopharynx confirmed by tissue examination under a microscope
• Have locally advanced cancer (spread in the area but not to distant body parts) classified as T2 or T3 stage
• Would normally require complete removal of the larynx, but the surgery would be possible without extensive throat removal
• Have not received any previous treatment for this cancer
• Are fully active or have some symptoms but can carry out daily activities without help (Performance Status 0 or 1)
• Have measurable tumors according to standard measurement criteria
• Have no evidence that cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, confirmed through chest CT scan, abdominal imaging, and bone scans if needed

Who cannot participate: Patients are excluded from the trial if they:

• Have other types of cancer besides the specific type being studied
• Have had previous treatments that might interfere with study results
• Have severe medical conditions that could make participation unsafe
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have allergies to the medications used in the study
• Are participating in another clinical trial at the same time
• Have a history of substance abuse or mental health conditions that might interfere with participation
• Cannot follow the study procedures for any reason

Treatment process: The study follows a structured approach with multiple phases:

1. Induction chemotherapy: Patients receive all three chemotherapy drugs (docetaxel, 5-fluorouracil, and cisplatin) intravenously. The specific dosages and frequency are determined based on individual needs.
2. Radiotherapy: After chemotherapy, patients receive radiotherapy targeting the cancer in the larynx or hypopharynx.
3. Combined treatment: Some patients receive cisplatin at the same time as radiotherapy to enhance treatment effectiveness.
4. Follow-up: Regular appointments are scheduled to monitor health status, assess treatment effectiveness through physical examinations and imaging tests, and ensure that voice box and throat function are preserved.

Throughout the study, participants are monitored for their response to treatment, any side effects they experience, and their overall health and quality of life. The trial takes place over several months and includes careful evaluation of overall survival rates and the preservation of patients’ ability to speak and swallow normally.

Summary

Currently, there is one active clinical trial for laryngeal cancer, conducted in France. This trial focuses specifically on preserving voice box function in patients with advanced disease, which represents an important quality-of-life consideration for patients facing this diagnosis. The study uses a combination of three established chemotherapy drugs—cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and docetaxel—along with radiotherapy, reflecting current medical interest in finding the optimal sequencing and combination of these treatments. The trial’s emphasis on laryngeal preservation rather than immediate surgical removal offers hope for maintaining patients’ ability to speak and swallow, which are crucial aspects of daily life and personal identity.