Amifostine is designed to protect the cells in normal tissues against the toxicities of chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Before you can start treatment on this study, you will have "screening tests." These tests will help the doctor decide if you are eligible to take part in this study.
Blood (about 2 tablespoons) will be drawn for routine blood tests. Your complete medical history will be recorded. You will have a physical exam, including measurement of your vital signs (blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, and breathing rate), weight, and height. You will have a dental exam. You will complete a questionnaire that asks questions about dry mouth. In addition, you will be asked questions about your diet and eating habits. This should take no longer than 10 minutes. Also, saliva will be collected by a simple, in-office oral test that measures saliva flow rate over a 5 minute period. Women who are able to have children must have a negative blood (about 1-2 teaspoons) pregnancy test.
If you are found to be eligible to take part in this study, you will receive IMRT Monday -Friday over a 6-7 week period. In addition, 2-3 hours before IMRT, you will also take pre-medications by mouth to prevent potential nausea and skin reactions (anti-nausea \& antihistamine), including drinking water.You will receive daily IMRT therapy, excluding weekends and holidays. The radiation dose is designed to conform to the 3-dimensional shape of the tumor by controlling the intensity of the radiation beam to focus a higher radiation dose on the tumor (and not the surrounding normal tissue). Thirty (30) to 60 minutes before every IMRT treatment, you will receive study drug in two injections beneath the skin. IMRT will take about 30 minutes to complete.
Every day that you are receiving IMRT (Monday-Friday), you will be asked about any drugs you are taking and any side effects you are experiencing. Your vital signs will be recorded.
Every week (Weeks 2-7), you will have a complete oral and physical exam. You will complete the questionnaire that asks questions about dry mouth. You will be asked questions about your ability to perform daily activities (performance status evaluation). Your weight will also be measured. You will be asked to complete the symptom survey (the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory) that will ask you to rate your symptoms and how much the symptoms interfere in your daily activities.
On the last day you receive IMRT or amifostine (whichever is last), you will have a complete oral exam and you will complete the questionnaire about dry mouth.
Six (6) weeks after the end of therapy, you will have an end-of-therapy visit. At this visit, you will have a complete physical and oral exam with a saliva collection. You will complete the questionnaire about dry mouth. Your weight will be measured, and you will have a performance status evaluation. Blood (about (2) tablespoons) will be drawn for routine blood tests. You will be asked about any drugs you are taking and any side effects you are experiencing. In addition, you will be asked questions about your diet and eating habits.
You will be asked to complete the symptom survey (the M.D. Anderson Symptom Inventory) that will ask you to rate your symptoms and how much the symptoms interfere in your daily activities every week for 2 months after the end of radiation therapy. After this point, you will be asked to complete the symptom survey every month for 1 year.
You will have follow-up visits 4, 7, 10, and 12 months after the end of therapy. At these visits, you will have a complete oral exam and saliva collection. You will complete the dry mouth questionnaire. Your weight will be measured, and you will have a performance status evaluation and you will be asked questions about your diet and eating habits.
THIS IS AN INVESTIGATIONAL STUDY. Amifostine is FDA approved and commercially available. Amifostine is FDA approved to be given through a needle in your vein but not FDA approved to be given through a needle under the skin.
Up to 20 patients will take part in this study. All patients will be enrolled at M. D. Anderson.
