Clinical Research Directory

Cisplatin, Nab-Paclitaxel, and Cetuximab (CACTUX) in Patients With Incurable Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

The purpose of this research study is to look at the effect of a treatment regimen called CACTUX on head and neck cancer. The CACTUX regimen is a combination of three drugs called cisplatin, nab-paclitaxel, and cetuximab (although carboplatin may be given in place of cisplatin if participants have previously had problems receiving cisplatin). The use of nab-paclitaxel in this combination is different from routine care, in which a drug called 5FU is often given instead, but the investigators group has conducted previous research where the investigators incorporated nab-paclitaxel into routine treatment with cisplatin, 5FU, and cetuximab. The investigators are looking at the incidence of side effects with the CACTUX regimen as well as response of the disease and health status.

Phase Ib Trial of Multivalent Autophagosome Vaccine With or Without GITR Agonist, With Anti-PD-1 Immunotherapy in HNSCC

This is a phase Ib study with a safety lead-in (n = 6 per arm) evaluating combinatorial DPV-001 + sequenced PD-1 blockade, with or without GITR agonist, in recurrent or metastatic HNSCC.

Post-Operative Antibiotic Efficacy in Clean Contaminated Head and Neck Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

The "Post-Operative Antibiotic Efficacy in Clean Contaminated Head and Neck Surgery" (PEACH) trial is a study designed to assess the necessity of post-operative antibiotics for preventing surgical site infections (SSIs) in clean-contaminated head and neck surgeries. Recognizing the pivotal role antibiotics have played since their discovery in reducing postoperative infections, this trial aims to determine if a single perioperative antibiotic dose can effectively prevent SSIs, or if additional post-operative antibiotics are required. This study addresses a critical issue in the context of rising antibiotic resistance by potentially limiting unnecessary antibiotic use post-surgery while ensuring patient safety. Results could inform future guidelines, optimizing antibiotic use in surgical prophylaxis and contributing to global efforts against antibiotic resistance.

Testing Less Intensive Radiation With Chemotherapy to Treat Low-risk Patients With HPV-positive Oropharyngeal Cancer

This trial will explore giving standard dose chemotherapy and radiation therapy to sites of disease including all lymph nodes involved with HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer, but administer lower doses of radiation therapy to the lymph nodes that are not known to be involved with cancer. By doing so, it is hypothesized that there will be equally good long term loco-regional and distant disease control but will reduced long term treatment side effects and improved quality of life in persons living well beyond their cancer treatment.