EGFR antisense DNA

The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) is highly expressed in SCCHN and its overexpression is associated with poor patient outcome. EGFR is a promising target of anticancer therapy. We have developed EGFR antisense DNA as a safe and potentially efficacious treatment for SCCHN as shown in a previous phase I study conducted at the University of Pittsburgh. Cetuximab (Erbitux or C225) is a chimerized EGFR monoclonal antibody that has produced positive results in a phase III trial in SCCHN when added to radiation therapy and was approved by the FDA for the treatment of locally advanced SCCHN. Radiation plus cetuximab is considered a standard treatment, especially for patients who are not good candidates for chemotherapy. In the current study, we plan to evaluate the addition of intratumoral EGFR antisense DNA (EGFR AS) to standard radiation with concurrent cetuximab in patients.

RATIONALE: Gene therapy may kill cancer cells by inhibiting a gene that promotes the development and growth of cancer.
PURPOSE: Phase I trial to study the effectiveness of gene therapy in treating patients who have advanced head and neck cancer.