Clinical Focus


  • Cancer > Head and Neck Cancer
  • Medical Oncology
  • Head and Neck Cancer
  • Oncology

Academic Appointments


Professional Education


  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology (1991)
  • Medical Education: Yale School Of Medicine (1983) CT
  • Fellowship: Stanford University School of Medicine (1991) CA
  • Residency: Massachusetts General Hospital Internal Medicine Residency (1986) MA
  • Internship: Massachusetts General Hospital (1984) MA
  • Board Certification: American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine (1986)

Current Research and Scholarly Interests


Clinical investigations focus on head and neck cancer with a particular interest in combined modality therapy. Through the Stanford University Head and Neck Tumor Board, clinical trials are conducted which involve all aspects of care for patients with head and neck cancer. The clinical research program includes translation of preclinical work performed in the Radiobiology Section at Stanford, new drug development, the development of novel combination therapy, chemoprevention, and the integration of biological response modifiers into combined modality treatment.

As a member of Stanford’s Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group trials effort, Dr. Pinto is involved in the implementation and development of a variety of clinical trials at Stanford and the Palo Alto Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Clinical Trials


  • Identification of Secreted Markers for Tumor Hypoxia in Patients With Head and Neck or Lung Cancers Recruiting

    The purpose of this study is to identify and confirm new blood and tissue markers for prognosis and tumor hypoxia. Tumor hypoxia, or the condition of low oxygen in the tumor, has been shown to increase the risk of tumor spread and enhance tumor resistance to the standard treatment of radiation and chemotherapy in head and neck and lung cancers. We have recently identified several proteins or markers in the blood and in tumors (including osteopontin, lysyl oxidase, macrophage inhibiting factor and proteomic technology) in the laboratory that may be able to identify tumors with low oxygen levels or more aggressive behaving tumors.

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  • A Longitudinal Study of Plasma EBV DNA in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma From Both Endemic and Non-Endemic Patient Populations Not Recruiting

    1. To determine the prognostic implication of plasma Epstein-Bar Virus (EBV) DNA concentrations, as measured by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). 2. To relate pretreatment plasma EBV DNA concentration to WHO classification of these tumors both in endemic and non-endemic areas. 3. To determine whether pretreatment plasma EBV DNA can serve as a prognostic factor for both endemic and non-endemic patient populations.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Quynh-Thu Le, 650-498-6184.

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  • A Phase 2 Clinical Trial of the Safety and Effects of IRX-2 in Treating Patients With Operable Head and Neck Cancer Not Recruiting

    This was a Phase 2a trial to investigate the safety and biological activity of the RIX-2 Regimen in patients with untreated, resectable squamous cell cancer of the head and neck (HNSCC).

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Ruth Lira, (650) 723 - 1367.

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  • A Study of Bevacizumab With Carboplatin and Paclitaxel Chemotherapy for the First-Line Treatment of Patients With Metastatic Melanoma Not Recruiting

    This Phase II, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed to estimate the efficacy and characterize the safety of bevacizumab when combined with carboplatin + paclitaxel chemotherapy compared with carboplatin + paclitaxel chemotherapy alone in patients with previously untreated metastatic melanoma.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Sunil Arani Reddy, (650) 736 - 1234.

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  • A Study of MEHD7945A Versus Cetuximab in Patients With Recurrent/Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma of The Head And Neck Not Recruiting

    This phase II, open-label, randomized study will evaluate the efficacy and safety of MEHD7945A versus cetuximab in patients with recurrent/metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who have progressed during or following platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients will be randomized to receive either MEHD7945A 1100 mg intravenously (iv) every 2 weeks or cetuximab 400 mg/m2 iv loading dose followed by 250 mg/m2 iv weekly. Patients treated with cetuximab (Arm B) may cross-over to MEHD7945A (Arm A) upon central confirmation of progressive disease and upon meeting eligibility criteria. Anticipated time on study treatment is until disease progression or intolerable toxicity occurs.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Ruth Lira, (650) 723 - 1367.

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  • Azacitidine With or Without Entinostat in Treating Patients With Myelodysplastic Syndromes, Chronic Myelomonocytic Leukemia, or Acute Myeloid Leukemia Not Recruiting

    This randomized phase II trial studies azacitidine with or without entinostat to see how well they work compared to azacitidine alone in treating patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, or acute myeloid leukemia. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as azacitidine, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Entinostat may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Giving azacitidine together with entinostat may work better in treating patients with myelodysplastic syndromes, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, or acute myeloid leukemia.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Mai Tran, (650) 723 - 8594.

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  • Bevacizumab and Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma or Natural Killer Cell Neoplasms Not Recruiting

    RATIONALE: Monoclonal antibodies, such as bevacizumab, can block cancer growth in different ways. Some block the ability of cancer cells to grow and spread. Others find cancer cells and help kill them or carry cancer-killing substances to them. Bevacizumab may also stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking blood flow to the cancer. Drugs used in chemotherapy work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Giving bevacizumab together with combination chemotherapy may kill more cancer cells. PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well giving bevacizumab together with several chemotherapy drugs (combination chemotherapy) works in treating patients with peripheral T-cell lymphoma or natural killer cell neoplasms.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Maria Ahern, (650) 725 - 6413.

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  • BIBW 2992 (Afatinib) in Head & Neck Cancer Not Recruiting

    The primary objective of this study is to explore the efficacy of BIBW 2992 compared with cetuximab (Erbitux) in patients with metastatic or recurrent head and neck cancer after failure of platinum-containing therapy. In addition, the trial aims to clarify the influence of EGFR genotype on tumor response to the treatment regimens.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Ruth Lira, (650) 723 - 1367.

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  • Bicalutamide With or Without Akt Inhibitor MK2206 in Treating Patients With Previously Treated Prostate Cancer Not Recruiting

    This phase II trial studies how well giving bicalutamide with or without Akt inhibitor MK2206 works in treating patients with previously treated prostate cancer. Androgens can cause the growth of prostate cancer cells. Antihormone therapy, such as bicalutamide, may lessen the amount of androgens made by the body. Akt inhibitor MK2206 may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. It is not yet known whether bicalutamide is more effective with or without Akt inhibitor MK2206 in treating prostate cancer.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Preeti Chavan, 650-725-0426.

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  • Biopsy of Human Tumors for Cancer Stem Cell Characterization: a Feasibility Study Not Recruiting

    To see if a limited sampling of tumor tissue from human subjects is a feasible way to gather adequate tissue for cancer stem cell quantification.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Ruth Lira, 650-723-1367.

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  • Carboplatin and Paclitaxel With or Without Sorafenib Tosylate in Treating Patients With Stage III or Stage IV Melanoma That Cannot Be Removed by Surgery Not Recruiting

    This randomized phase III trial studies carboplatin, paclitaxel, and sorafenib tosylate to see how well they work compared to carboplatin and paclitaxel in treating patients with stage III or stage IV melanoma that cannot be removed by surgery. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as carboplatin and paclitaxel, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Sorafenib tosylate may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth and by blocking blood flow to the tumor. It is not yet known whether giving carboplatin and paclitaxel together with sorafenib tosylate is more effective than carboplatin and paclitaxel in treating melanoma.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Sunil Reddy, (650) 736 - 1234.

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  • Chemotherapy and Radiation Therapy in Treating Patients With Stage III or Stage IV Larynx or Oropharynx Cancer Not Recruiting

    RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy use different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Combining chemotherapy with radiation therapy may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: Phase II trial to study the effectiveness of combination chemotherapy followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy in treating patients who have stage III or stage IV cancer of the larynx or stage III or stage IV cancer of the oropharynx.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Nancy Mori, (650) 724 - 0201.

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  • Chemotherapy With or Without Bevacizumab in Treating Patients With Recurrent or Metastatic Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Not Recruiting

    This randomized phase III trial studies chemotherapy to see how well it works with or without bevacizumab in treating patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma that has come back (recurrent) or that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic). Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as docetaxel, cisplatin, carboplatin, and fluorouracil, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Monoclonal antibodies, such as bevacizumab, may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Bevacizumab may also make tumor cells more sensitive to chemotherapy and stop the growth of head and neck cancer by blocking blood flow to the tumor. It is not yet known whether combination chemotherapy is more effective when given with or without bevacizumab in treating patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Jennifer Wong, 650-723-1002.

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  • Chemotherapy With or Without Bevacizumab in Treating Patients With Stage IB, Stage II, or Stage IIIA Non-small Cell Lung Cancer That Was Removed By Surgery Not Recruiting

    This randomized phase III trial studies chemotherapy and bevacizumab to see how well they work compared to chemotherapy alone in treating patients with stage IB, stage II, or stage IIIA non-small cell lung cancer that was removed by surgery. Drugs used in chemotherapy work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Giving more than one drug (combination chemotherapy) may kill more tumor cells. Monoclonal antibodies, such as bevacizumab, may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Bevacizumab also may stop the growth of non-small cell lung cancer by blocking the growth of new blood vessels necessary for tumor growth. It is not yet known whether chemotherapy is more effective with or without bevacizumab in treating non-small cell lung cancer.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Maria Pitsiouni, 650-721-6977.

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  • Cisplatin and ZD1839 + Re-Irradiation in Recurrent Squamous Cell Cancer of the Head and Neck Not Recruiting

    To determine safety profile of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antagonist, ZD1839 in combination with cisplatin and radiation therapy in patients with local-regional recurrent squamous cell cancer of the head and neck. To study the effects of ZD1839 combined with either cisplatin or radiotherapy on signal transduction pathway gene expression in tumor cells in patients with local-regional recurrent squamous cell cancer of the head and neck using micro array analysis from tumor samples taken at the time of relapse and during treatment.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Priscilla Wong, (650) 725 - 4777.

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  • Combination Chemotherapy and Rituximab in Treating Patients With Untreated Mantle Cell Lymphoma Not Recruiting

    This phase II trial is studying how well giving rituximab together with combination chemotherapy and bortezomib works in treating patients with untreated mantle cell lymphoma. Monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab, can block cancer growth in different ways. Some block the ability of cancer cells to grow and spread. Others find cancer cells and help kill them or carry cancer-killing substances to them. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and dexamethasone, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or stopping them from dividing. Bortezomib may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. Giving rituximab together with combination chemotherapy and bortezomib may kill more cancer cells. Treatment consists of six agents: bortezomib (Vc), rituximab (R), cyclophosphamide (C), vincristine (V), doxorubicin (A), and dexamethasone (D) (VcR-CVAD).

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Lauren Pernicka, (650) 721 - 6977.

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  • Compassionate Use Trial for Unresectable Melanoma With Ipilimumab Not Recruiting

    The primary objective of the study is to provide treatment with Ipilimumab to subjects who have serious or immediately life-threatening unresectable Stage III or Stage IV melanoma, who have no alternative treatment options, and whose physicians believe, based upon available data on benefit and risk, that it is appropriate to administer Ipilimumab at a dose of 3 mg/kg induction (with re-induction, if eligible), or for eligible subjects previously enrolled in Ipilimumab studies CA184-042, CA184-078, CA184-087, MDX010-16, or MDX010-20.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Sunil Arani Reddy, (650) 736 - 1234.

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  • Cyclosporine in Treating Patients With Recurrent or Refractory Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma Not Recruiting

    RATIONALE: Cyclosporine may help the immune system slow the growth of angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well cyclosporine works in treating patients with recurrent or refractory angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Cancer Clinical Trials Office, (650) 498 - 7061.

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  • Dasatinib in Treating Patients With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Mucosal Melanoma, Acral Melanoma, or Vulvovaginal Melanoma That Cannot Be Removed By Surgery Not Recruiting

    RATIONALE: Dasatinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth. PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well dasatinib works in treating patients with locally advanced or metastatic mucosal melanoma or acral melanoma.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Jennifer Wong, 650-723-1002.

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  • Docetaxel, Cisplatin, and Cetuximab (TPC) in Palliative Treatment of Patients With Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN) Not Recruiting

    Docetaxel and cetuximab are FDA-approved for the treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). Cisplatin and carboplatin, while not FDA-approved for SCCHN, have been used as standard of care in SCCHN patients in combination with other drugs. This study evaluates if weekly cisplatin and docetaxel, in combination with cetuximab, is effective in palliative treatment of patients with SCCHN. These drugs will be given intravenously weekly, repeated 3 of every 4 weeks until evidence of disease progression or unacceptable adverse events.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Risa Jiron, 650-736-1598.

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  • Doxorubicin Hydrochloride, Cyclophosphamide, and Paclitaxel With or Without Bevacizumab in Treating Patients With Lymph Node-Positive or High-Risk, Lymph Node-Negative Breast Cancer Not Recruiting

    This randomized phase III trial studies doxorubicin hydrochloride, cyclophosphamide, and paclitaxel to see how well they work with or without bevacizumab in treating patients with cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes (lymph node-positive) or cancer that has not spread to the lymph nodes but is at high risk for returning (high-risk, lymph node-negative breast cancer). Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as doxorubicin hydrochloride, cyclophosphamide, and paclitaxel, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Monoclonal antibodies, such as bevacizumab, may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Bevacizumab may also stop the growth of breast cancer by blocking blood flow to the tumor. Giving chemotherapy after surgery may kill any tumor cells that remain after surgery and help prevent the tumor from returning. It is not yet known whether doxorubicin hydrochloride, cyclophosphamide, and paclitaxel are more effective with or without bevacizumab.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Pei-Jen Chang, (650) 725 - 0866.

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  • Efficacy of XL184 (Cabozantinib) in Advanced Medullary Thyroid Cancer Not Recruiting

    The purpose of this research study is to evaluate the progression-free survival (PFS) with XL184 as compared with placebo (an inactive substance) in subjects with unresectable, locally advanced, or metastatic medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). Subjects will be randomized to receive XL184 or placebo in a 2:1 ratio. XL184 is an investigational drug that inhibits VEGFR2, MET and RET, kinases implicated in tumor formation, growth and migration. The Clinical Steering Committee for this study, comprised of study doctors who specialize in medullary thyroid cancer, has provided guidance regarding the design of the study. The committee includes: Douglas Ball, MD, Barry Nelkin, PhD, Martin Schlumberger, MD and Steven Sherman, MD.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Ruth Lira, (650) 723 - 1367.

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  • High-Dose Interferon Alfa in Treating Patients With Stage II or Stage III Melanoma Not Recruiting

    RATIONALE: Interferon alfa may interfere with the growth of cancer cells. It is not yet known whether treatment with interferon alfa is more effective than observation alone for stage II or stage III melanoma that has been completely removed surgically. PURPOSE: This randomized phase III trial is studying high dose interferon alfa to see how well it works compared to observation only in treating patients with stage II or stage III melanoma that has been completely removed by surgery.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Sunil Arani Reddy, (650) 736 - 1234.

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  • Induction Chemotherapy Followed By Cetuximab and Radiation in HPV-Associated Resectable Stage III/IV Oropharynx Cancer Not Recruiting

    RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel and cisplatin, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, can block tumor growth in different ways. Some block the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Others find tumor cells and help kill them or carry tumor-killing substances to them. Radiation therapy uses high energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. Giving paclitaxel, cisplatin, and cetuximab together with radiation therapy may kill more tumor cells. PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying paclitaxel, cisplatin, and cetuximab to see how well they work when followed by cetuximab and two different doses of intensity-modulated radiation therapy in treating patients with HPV-associated stage III or stage IV cancer of the oropharynx that can be removed by surgery.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Lauren Pernicka, (650) 721 - 6977.

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  • Ipilimumab or High-Dose Interferon Alfa-2b in Treating Patients With High-Risk Stage III-IV Melanoma That Has Been Removed by Surgery Not Recruiting

    This randomized phase III trial studies ipilimumab to see how well it works compared to high-dose interferon alfa-2b in treating patients with high-risk stage III-IV melanoma that has been removed by surgery. Immunotherapy with monoclonal antibodies, such as ipilimumab, may help the body's immune system attack the cancer, and may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Interferon alfa-2b may interfere with the growth of tumor cells and slow the growth of melanoma and other cancers. It is not yet known whether ipilimumab is more effective than interferon alfa-2b in treating patients with melanoma.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Preeti Chavan, 650-725-0426.

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  • Ipilimumab With or Without Sargramostim in Treating Patients With Stage III or Stage IV Melanoma That Cannot Be Removed by Surgery Not Recruiting

    This randomized phase II trial is studying how well giving ipilimumab with or without sargramostim (GM-CSF) works in treating patients with stage III or stage IV melanoma that cannot be removed by surgery (unresectable). Ipilimumab works by activating the patient's immune system to fight cancer. Colony-stimulating factors, such as sargramostim, may increase the number of immune cells found in bone marrow or peripheral blood and may help the immune system recover from the side effects of treatment. It is not yet known whether giving ipilimumab together with sargramostim is more effective than ipilimumab alone in treating melanoma.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Vani Jain, (650) 725 - 5459.

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  • Lapatinib and Radiation for Stage III-IV Head and Neck Cancer Patients Who Cannot Tolerate Concurrent Chemotherapy Not Recruiting

    We propose to combine lapatinib with RT alone in patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer who cannot tolerate chemotherapy. The main objective of the study is to determine the efficacy of combining concurrent radiation and lapatinib in terms of time-to-progression (TTP) in this group of patients. In addition, we will determine the 2-year locoregional control rate (LRC), progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in these patients. We will also evaluate the profile and frequency of late toxicity, specifically mucosal and dermatologic toxicity, of the combination of lapatinib and RT in patients with locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Brian Khong, (650) 725 - 4777.

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  • Nexavar® Versus Placebo in Locally Advanced/Metastatic RAI-Refractory Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Not Recruiting

    Trial of sorafenib versus placebo in the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer refractory to radioiodine

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Ruth Lira, (650) 723 - 1367.

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  • Oxaliplatin, Leucovorin Calcium, and Fluorouracil With or Without Bevacizumab in Treating Patients Who Have Undergone Surgery for Stage II Colon Cancer Not Recruiting

    This randomized phase III trial studies oxaliplatin, leucovorin calcium, fluorouracil, and bevacizumab to see how well they work compared to oxaliplatin, leucovorin calcium, and fluorouracil in treating patients who have undergone surgery for stage II colon cancer. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as oxaliplatin, leucovorin calcium, and fluorouracil, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells, by stopping them from dividing, or by stopping them from spreading. Monoclonal antibodies, such as bevacizumab, may interfere with the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. It is not yet known whether giving combination chemotherapy together with bevacizumab is more effective than combination chemotherapy alone in treating colon cancer.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Nancy Mori, (650) 724 - 0201.

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  • Palifermin for the Reduction of Oral Mucositis in Patients With Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Not Recruiting

    The purpose of this research study is to test the safety and effectiveness of palifermin to determine if weekly doses can be safely administered to reduce the incidence (occurrence of), duration (length of time) and severity (amount of pain) of oral mucositis (painful sores in the mouth). Mucositis is a common side effect for patients receiving chemotherapy (cancer-killing drug) and radiotherapy (cancer-killing x-rays) for the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC).

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Rachel Freiberg, (650) 725 - 4777.

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  • Phase 2 Study of GSK1363089 (Formerly XL880) in Adults With Squamous Cell Cancer of the Head and Neck Not Recruiting

    This study is being conducted to determine the best confirmed response rate, safety, and tolerability of GSK1363089 treatment in adult subjects with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). GSK1363089 is a new chemical entity that inhibits multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) with growth-promoting and angiogenic properties. The primary targets of GSK1363089 are the HGF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) RTK families (eg, MET, VEGFR2/kinase insert domain receptor [KDR]). Since MET overexpression has been associated with poorer prognosis and MET tyrosine kinase mutations have been reported in SCCHN, inhibition of MET receptor and VEGFR2/KDR activation by agents such as GSK1363089 may be of therapeutic benefit in this patient population.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Ruth Lira, (650) 723 - 1367.

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  • Phase III Trial Of Docetaxel Versus Docetaxel Plus ZD1839 In Head And Neck Cancer Not Recruiting

    Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as docetaxel, work in different ways to stop tumor cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Gefitinib may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking the enzymes necessary for their growth. Combining docetaxel with gefitinib may kill more tumor cells. It is not yet known whether docetaxel is more effective with or without gefitinib in treating head and neck cancer. This randomized phase III trial is studying docetaxel and gefitinib to see how well they work compared to docetaxel alone in treating patients with metastatic or locally recurrent head and neck cancer.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Dimitrios Colevas, (650) 724 - 9707.

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  • Radiation Therapy and Cisplatin With or Without Cetuximab in Treating Patients With Stage III or Stage IV Head and Neck Cancer Not Recruiting

    RATIONALE: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as cisplatin, work in different ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Cisplatin may also make tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy. Monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, can block tumor growth in different ways. Some block the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Others find tumor cells and help kill them or carry tumor-killing substances to them. Giving radiation therapy and cisplatin together with cetuximab may kill more tumor cells. It is not yet known whether radiation therapy and cisplatin are more effective with or without cetuximab in treating head and neck cancer. PURPOSE: This randomized phase III trial is studying radiation therapy, cisplatin, and cetuximab to see how well they work compared to radiation therapy and cisplatin in treating patients with stage III or stage IV head and neck cancer.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Trevor Elizabeth Krakow, (650) 725 - 4777.

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  • Radiation Therapy With or Without Cetuximab in Treating Patients Who Have Undergone Surgery for Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Not Recruiting

    RATIONALE: Giving radiation therapy that uses a 3-dimensional (3-D) image of the tumor to help focus thin beams of radiation directly on the tumor, and giving radiation therapy in higher doses over a shorter period of time, may kill more tumor cells and have fewer side effects. Monoclonal antibodies, such as cetuximab, can block tumor growth in different ways. Some block the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Others find tumor cells and help kill them or carry tumor-killing substances to them. It is not yet known whether radiation therapy is more effective when given alone or together with cetuximab in treating patients with head and neck cancer that has been removed by surgery. PURPOSE: This randomized phase III trial is studying radiation therapy to see how well it works compared with radiation therapy given together with cetuximab in treating patients who have undergone surgery for locally advanced head and neck cancer.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Alice Banh, 650-723-1423.

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  • Rituximab and Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma Not Recruiting

    RATIONALE: Monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab, can block cancer growth in different ways. Some find cancer cells and kill them or carry cancer-killing substances to them. Others interfere with the ability of cancer cells to grow and spread. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as methotrexate, leucovorin, vincristine, procarbazine, dexamethasone, and cytarabine, work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Giving rituximab together with combination chemotherapy may kill more cancer cells. PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well giving rituximab together with combination chemotherapy works in treating patients with primary central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Lauren Pernicka, (650) 721 - 6977.

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  • Rituximab and Combination Chemotherapy in Treating Patients With Stage II, Stage III, or Stage IV Diffuse Large B-Cell Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Not Recruiting

    RATIONALE: Monoclonal antibodies, such as rituximab, can block cancer growth in different ways. Some block the ability of cancer cells to grow and spread. Others find cancer cells and help kill them or carry cancer-killing substances to them. Drugs used in chemotherapy work in different ways to stop the growth of cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. Giving rituximab together with combination chemotherapy may kill more cancer cells. PURPOSE: This phase II trial is studying how well giving rituximab together with combination chemotherapy works in treating patients with stage II, stage III, or stage IV diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Lauren Pernicka, (650) 721 - 6977.

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  • Rituximab in Treating Patients With Low Tumor Burden Indolent Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Not Recruiting

    RATIONALE: Monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab can locate cancer cells and either kill them or deliver cancer-killing substances to them without harming normal cells. It is not yet known which rituximab regimen is more effective in treating indolent non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. PURPOSE: This randomized phase III trial is studying two different schedules of rituximab and comparing them to see how well they work in treating patients with low tumor burden indolent stage III non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or stage IV non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Cancer Clinical Trials Office, (650) 498 - 7061.

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  • Rituximab, Combination Chemotherapy, and 90-Yttrium Ibritumomab Tiuxetan for Patients With Stage I or II Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Not Recruiting

    This phase II trial is studying how well giving rituximab together with combination chemotherapy and 90-Yttrium ibritumomab tiuxetan works in treating patients with stage I or stage II lymphoma. Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as prednisone, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, and vincristine, work in different ways to stop cancer cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Monoclonal antibodies such as rituximab and yttrium 90-Yttrium ibritumomab tiuxetan can locate cancer cells and either kill them or deliver radioactive cancer-killing substances to them without harming normal cells. Combining a monoclonal antibody with combination chemotherapy and a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody may kill more cancer cells.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Cancer Clinical Trials Office, (650) 498 - 7061.

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  • S0016 Combination Chemotherapy With Monoclonal Antibody Therapy in Newly Diagnosed Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Not Recruiting

    RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy work in different ways to stop cancer cells from dividing so they stop growing or die. Monoclonal antibodies can locate tumor cells and either kill them or deliver radioactive tumor-killing substances to them without harming normal cells. It is not yet known which monoclonal antibody plus combination chemotherapy regimen is more effective in treating non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. PURPOSE: This randomized phase III trial is comparing 2 different monoclonal antibodies given together with combination chemotherapy to see how well they work in treating patients with newly-diagnosed non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Lauren Pernicka, (650) 721 - 6977.

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  • Selenium in Preventing Tumor Growth in Patients With Previously Resected Stage I Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Not Recruiting

    RATIONALE: Chemoprevention therapy is the use of certain drugs to try to prevent the development or recurrence of cancer. It is not yet known if selenium is effective in preventing the growth of new tumors in patients with previously resected non-small cell lung cancer. PURPOSE: This randomized phase III trial is studying selenium to see how well it works compared to a placebo in preventing the development of second primary lung tumors in patients who have undergone surgery to remove stage I non-small cell lung cancer.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Nancy Mori, (650) 724 - 0201.

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  • Sorafenib in Treating Patients With Refractory Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Not Recruiting

    RATIONALE: Preclinical studies indicate that sorafenib is a potent inhibitor of Raf kinase in vitro and in vivo, with significant dose-dependent, anti-tumor activity in four different human tumor types including colon, pancreatic, lung, and ovarian. This activity was cytostatic in nature and was maintained if dosing was continued. That is, tumor growth is suspended while the drug is administered but returns to baseline rates when the agent is withdrawn. Therefore, the optimal schedule will be an uninterrupted one. To assess the activity of sorafenib in a timely manner and with a meaningful interpretation, a randomized discontinuation design was adopted in the present trial, conducted in a population who were potentially sensitive to sorafenib. PURPOSE: This randomized phase II trial is studying sorafenib to see how well it works compared to placebo in treating patients with refractory non-small cell lung cancer.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Lisa Zhou, (650) 736 - 4112.

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  • Sorafenib Tosylate in Treating Patients With Recurrent Aggressive Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Not Recruiting

    This phase II trial is studying how well sorafenib works in treating patients with recurrent diffuse large B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Sorafenib may stop the growth of cancer cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth and by blocking blood flow to the tumor.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Sarah Daadi, (650) 725 - 6456.

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  • Sunitinib Malate or Sorafenib Tosylate in Treating Patients With Kidney Cancer That Was Removed By Surgery Not Recruiting

    This randomized phase III trial studies sunitinib malate to see how well it works compared to sorafenib tosylate or placebo in treating patients with kidney cancer that has been removed by surgery. Sunitinib malate and sorafenib tosylate may stop the growth of tumor cells by blocking some of the enzymes needed for cell growth and by blocking blood flow to the tumor. Giving sunitinib malate or sorafenib tosylate after surgery may kill any tumor cells that remain after surgery. It is not yet known whether sunitinib malate is more effective than sorafenib tosylate or placebo in treating kidney cancer.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Denise Haas, (650) 736 - 1252.

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  • Talactoferrin in Treating Patients With Relapsed or Refractory Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer or Squamous Cell Head and Neck Cancer Not Recruiting

    This phase I trial studies how well talactoferrin works in treating patients with relapsed or refractory non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) or squamous cell head and neck cancer. Biological therapies, such as talactoferrin, may stimulate the immune system in different ways and stop tumor cells from growing

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Melanie San Pedro-Salcedo, (650) 724 - 1388.

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  • Vaccine Therapy Using Melanoma Peptides for Cytotoxic T Cells and Helper T Cells in Treating Patients With Metastatic Melanoma Not Recruiting

    RATIONALE: Vaccines made from peptides may make the body build an immune response to kill tumor cells. PURPOSE: This randomized phase II trial is studying four different vaccines using melanoma peptides from cytotoxic T cells and helper T cells to see how well they work in treating patients with metastatic melanoma.

    Stanford is currently not accepting patients for this trial. For more information, please contact Sunil Arani Reddy, (650) 736 - 1234.

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2023-24 Courses


All Publications


  • Recurrent bilateral cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma arising within pretibial hypertrophic lichen planus with metastasis while on cemiplimab Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology Case Reports Leeolou, M., Burgren, N., Lee, C., Momeni, A., Pinto, H., Johannet, P., Nord, K., Chang, A. S. 2022
  • Head and Neck Cancers, Version 1.2015. Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Pfister, D. G., Spencer, S., Brizel, D. M., Burtness, B., Busse, P. M., Caudell, J. J., Cmelak, A. J., Colevas, A. D., Dunphy, F., Eisele, D. W., Foote, R. L., Gilbert, J., Gillison, M. L., Haddad, R. I., Haughey, B. H., Hicks, W. L., Hitchcock, Y. J., Jimeno, A., Kies, M. S., Lydiatt, W. M., Maghami, E., McCaffrey, T., Mell, L. K., Mittal, B. B., Pinto, H. A., Ridge, J. A., Rodriguez, C. P., Samant, S., Shah, J. P., Weber, R. S., Wolf, G. T., Worden, F., Yom, S. S., McMillian, N., Hughes, M. 2015; 13 (7): 847-856

    Abstract

    These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on recent updates to the 2015 NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck (H&N) Cancers. These Insights describe the different types of particle therapy that may be used to treat H&N cancers, in contrast to traditional radiation therapy (RT) with photons (x-ray). Research is ongoing regarding the different types of particle therapy, including protons and carbon ions, with the goals of reducing the long-term side effects from RT and improving the therapeutic index. For the 2015 update, the NCCN H&N Cancers Panel agreed to delete recommendations for neutron therapy for salivary gland cancers, because of its limited availability, which has decreased over the past 2 decades; the small number of patients in the United States who currently receive this treatment; and concerns that the toxicity of neutron therapy may offset potential disease control advantages.

    View details for PubMedID 26150579

  • Head and Neck Cancers, Version 1.2015 Featured Updates to the NCCN Guidelines JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER NETWORK Pfister, D. G., Spencer, S., Brizel, D. M., Burtness, B., Busse, P. M., Caudell, J. J., Cmelak, A. J., Colevas, A. D., Dunphy, F., Eisele, D. W., Foote, R. L., Gilbert, J., Gillison, M. L., Haddad, R. I., Haughey, B. H., Hicks, W. L., Hitchcock, Y. J., Jimeno, A., Kies, M. S., Lydiatt, W. M., Maghami, E., McCaffrey, T., Mell, L. K., Mittal, B. B., Pinto, H. A., Ridge, J. A., Rodriguez, C. R., Samant, S., Shah, J. R., Weber, R. S., Wolf, G. T., Worden, F., Yom, S. S., McMillian, N., Hughes, M. 2015; 13 (7): 847-856

    Abstract

    These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on recent updates to the 2015 NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck (H&N) Cancers. These Insights describe the different types of particle therapy that may be used to treat H&N cancers, in contrast to traditional radiation therapy (RT) with photons (x-ray). Research is ongoing regarding the different types of particle therapy, including protons and carbon ions, with the goals of reducing the long-term side effects from RT and improving the therapeutic index. For the 2015 update, the NCCN H&N Cancers Panel agreed to delete recommendations for neutron therapy for salivary gland cancers, because of its limited availability, which has decreased over the past 2 decades; the small number of patients in the United States who currently receive this treatment; and concerns that the toxicity of neutron therapy may offset potential disease control advantages.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000357901600005

  • Concurrent cetuximab versus platinum-based chemoradiation for the definitive treatment of locoregionally advanced head and neck cancer. Head & neck Tang, C., Chan, C., Jiang, W., Murphy, J. D., von Eyben, R., Colevas, A. D., Pinto, H., Lee-Enriquez, N., Kong, C., Le, Q. 2015; 37 (3): 386-392

    Abstract

    The purpose of this study was to present our experience utilizing cetuximab and platinum-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy for the definitive treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).Patients (n = 177) who received definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy for HNSCC were stratified into 3 groups: receiving cetuximab monotherapy (n = 24), cetuximab and chemotherapy combination (n = 33), or platinum-based chemotherapy without cetuximab (n = 120). Primary endpoints were freedom from relapse, event-free survival, and overall survival (OS).Patients receiving cetuximab monotherapy were older with lower Karnofsky performance status (KPS) and higher Charlson comorbidity scores compared with those treated with combination cetuximab and chemotherapy or platinum-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Patients treated with platinum-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy exhibited significantly better freedom from relapse, event-free survival, and OS compared with those receiving cetuximab monotherapy or cetuximab and chemotherapy combination therapies (all p < .05). Differences between patients receiving cetuximab monotherapy and platinum-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy held on multivariate Cox regression.This study suggests that platinum-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy is superior to cetuximab-based monotherapy for the definitive treatment of HNSCC. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 386-392, 2015.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/hed.23609

    View details for PubMedID 24431011

  • Head and Neck Cancers, Version 2.2014 JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER NETWORK Pfister, D. G., Spencer, S., Brizel, D. M., Burtness, B., Busse, P. M., Caudell, J. J., Cmelak, A. J., Colevas, A. D., Dunphy, F., Eisele, D. W., Gilbert, J., Gillison, M. L., Haddad, R. I., Haughey, B. H., Hicks, W. L., Hitchcock, Y. J., Jimeno, A., Kies, M. S., Lydiatt, W. M., Maghami, E., Martins, R., McCaffrey, T., Mell, L. K., Mittal, B. B., Pinto, H. A., Ridge, J. A., Rodriguez, C. P., Samant, S., Schuller, D. E., Shah, J. P., Weber, R. S., Wolf, G. T., Worden, F., Yom, S. S., McMillian, N. R., Hughes, M. 2014; 12 (10): 1454-1487

    Abstract

    This selection from the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Head and Neck Cancers focuses on glottic laryngeal cancer, which is the most common type of laryngeal cancer and has an excellent cure rate. The lymphatic drainage of the glottis is sparse, and early stage primaries rarely spread to regional nodes. Because hoarseness is an early symptom, most glottic laryngeal cancer is early stage at diagnosis. Updates to these guidelines for 2014 include revisions to "Principles of Radiation Therapy" for each site and "Principles of Surgery," and the addition of a new section on "Principles of Dental Evaluation and Management."

    View details for Web of Science ID 000343275600010

  • Head and Neck Cancers, Version 2.2013 Featured Updates to the NCCN Guidelines JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER NETWORK Pfister, D. G., Ang, K., Brizel, D. M., Burtness, B. A., Busse, P. M., Caudell, J. J., Cmelak, A. J., Colevas, A. D., Dunphy, F., Eisele, D. W., Gilbert, J., Gillison, M. L., Haddad, R. I., Haughey, B. H., Hicks, W. L., Hitchcock, Y. J., Kies, M. S., Lydiatt, W. M., Maghami, E., Martins, R., McCaffrey, T., Mittal, B. B., Pinto, H. A., Ridge, J. A., Samant, S., Schuller, D. E., Shah, J. P., Spencer, S., Weber, R. S., Wolf, G. T., Worden, F., Yom, S. S., McMillian, N. R., Hughes, M. 2013; 11 (8): 917-923

    Abstract

    These NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on nutrition and supportive care for patients with head and neck cancers. This topic was a recent addition to the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines) for Head and Neck Cancers. The NCCN Guidelines Insights focus on major updates to the NCCN Guidelines and discuss the new updates in greater detail. The complete version of the NCCN Guidelines for Head and Neck Cancers is available on the NCCN Web site (NCCN.org).

    View details for Web of Science ID 000323156900003

  • Impact of positron emission tomography/computed tomography surveillance at 12 and 24 months for detecting head and neck cancer recurrence. Cancer Ho, A. S., Tsao, G. J., Chen, F. W., Shen, T., Kaplan, M. J., Colevas, A. D., Fischbein, N. J., Quon, A., Le, Q., Pinto, H. A., Fee, W. E., Sunwoo, J. B., Sirjani, D., Hara, W., Yao, M. 2013; 119 (7): 1349-1356

    Abstract

    In head and neck cancer (HNC), 3-month post-treatment positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) reliably identifies persistent/recurrent disease. However, further PET/CT surveillance has unclear benefit. The impact of post-treatment PET/CT surveillance on outcomes is assessed at 12 and 24 months.A 10-year retrospective analysis of HNC patients was carried out with long-term serial imaging. Imaging at 3 months included either PET/CT or magnetic resonance imaging, with all subsequent imaging comprised of PET/CT. PET/CT scans at 12 and 24 months were evaluated only if preceding interval scans were negative. Of 1114 identified patients, 284 had 3-month scans, 175 had 3- and 12-month scans, and 77 had 3-, 12-, and 24-month scans.PET/CT detection rates in clinically occult patients were 9% (15 of 175) at 12 months, and 4% (3 of 77) at 24 months. No difference in outcomes was identified between PET/CT-detected and clinically detected recurrences, with similar 3-year disease-free survival (41% vs 46%, P = .91) and 3-year overall survival (60% vs 54%, P = .70) rates. Compared with 3-month PET/CT, 12-month PET/CT demonstrated fewer equivocal reads (26% vs 10%, P < .001). Of scans deemed equivocal, 6% (5 of 89) were ultimately found to be positive.HNC patients with negative 3-month imaging appear to derive limited benefit from subsequent PET/CT surveillance. No survival differences were observed between PET/CT-detected and clinically detected recurrences, although larger prospective studies are needed for further investigation.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/cncr.27892

    View details for PubMedID 23225544

  • A Planned Neck Dissection Is Not Necessary in All Patients With N2-3 Head-and-Neck Cancer After Sequential Chemoradiotherapy INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RADIATION ONCOLOGY BIOLOGY PHYSICS Soltys, S. G., Choi, C. Y., Fee, W. E., Pinto, H. A., Le, Q. 2012; 83 (3): 994-999

    Abstract

    To assess the role of a planned neck dissection (PND) after sequential chemoradiotherapy for patients with head-and-neck cancer with N2-N3 nodal disease.We reviewed 90 patients with N2-N3 head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma treated between 1991 and 2001 on two sequential chemoradiotherapy protocols. All patients received induction and concurrent chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorocuracil, with or without tirapazamine. Patients with less than a clinical complete response (cCR) in the neck proceeded to a PND after chemoradiation. The primary endpoint was nodal response. Clinical outcomes and patterns of failure were analyzed.The median follow-up durations for living and all patients were 8.3 years (range, 1.5-16.3 year) and 5.4 years (range, 0.6-16.3 years), respectively. Of the 48 patients with nodal cCR whose necks were observed, 5 patients had neck failures as a component of their recurrence [neck and primary (n = 2); neck, primary, and distant (n = 1); neck only (n = 1); neck and distant (n = 1)]. Therefore, PND may have benefited only 2 patients (4%) [neck only failure (n = 1); neck and distant failure (n = 1)]. The pathologic complete response (pCR) rate for those with a clinical partial response (cPR) undergoing PND (n = 30) was 53%. The 5-year neck control rates after cCR, cPR→pCR, and cPR→pPR were 90%, 93%, and 78%, respectively (p = 0.36). The 5-year disease-free survival rates for the cCR, cPR→pCR, and cPR→pPR groups were 53%, 75%, and 42%, respectively (p = 0.04).In our series, patients with N2-N3 neck disease achieving a cCR in the neck, PND would have benefited only 4% and, therefore, is not recommended. Patients with a cPR should be treated with PND. Residual tumor in the PND specimens was associated with poor outcomes; therefore, aggressive therapy is recommended. Studies using novel imaging modalities are needed to better assess treatment response.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2011.07.042

    View details for Web of Science ID 000305256000055

    View details for PubMedID 22137026

  • Phase I evaluation of TNFerade biologic plus chemoradiotherapy before esophagectomy for locally advanced resectable esophageal cancer GASTROINTESTINAL ENDOSCOPY Chang, K. J., Reid, T., Senzer, N., Swisher, S., Pinto, H., Hanna, N., Chak, A., Soetikno, R. 2012; 75 (6): 1139-?

    Abstract

    Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by surgery is the primary treatment option for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. This multicenter phase I trial examined intratumoral injection of TNFerade biologic, an adenoviral vector that expresses the human tumor necrosis factor-α gene, with chemoradiotherapy in locally advanced esophageal cancer.To assess pathologic complete response (pCR), time to disease progression, progression-free survival, survival, and safety and tolerance in patients treated with preoperative chemoradiation combined with endoscopy or EUS-guided intratumoral injection of TNFerade biologic.Five weekly injections of TNFerade biologic, dose-escalated logarithmically from 4 × 10(8) to 4 × 10(11) particle units (PU), were given in combination with cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) and intravenous 5-fluorouracil 1000 mg/m(2)/d for 96 hours on days 1 and 29, and concurrent radiation therapy to 45 Gy. Surgery was performed 9 to 15 weeks after treatment.U.S. multicenter study.Patients with stage II and III esophageal cancer were enrolled.Primary outcome measures were safety, feasibility, tolerability, and rate of pCR. Secondary outcome measures were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival.Twenty-four patients with a median age of 61 years were enrolled; 88% of the patients were men, 21% were stage II, and 79% were stage III. Six (29%) had a pCR, observed among 21 patients (20 who underwent esophagectomy and 1 at autopsy). Dose-limiting toxicities were not observed. The most frequent potentially related adverse events were fatigue (54%), fever (38%), nausea (29%), vomiting (21%), esophagitis (21%), and chills (21%). At the top dose of 4 × 10(11) PU, thromboembolic events developed in 5 of 8 patients. The median OS was 47.8 months. The 3- and 5-year OS rates and disease-free survival rates were 54% and 41% and 38% and 38%, respectively.We included primarily adenocarcinoma.Preoperative TNFerade, in combination with chemoradiotherapy, is active and safe at doses up to 4 × 10(10) PU and is associated with long survival. This regimen warrants additional studies.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.gie.2012.01.042

    View details for Web of Science ID 000305453700003

    View details for PubMedID 22520270

  • Head and Neck Cancers JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL COMPREHENSIVE CANCER NETWORK Pfister, D. G., Ang, K., Brizel, D. M., Burtness, B. A., Cmelak, A. J., Colevas, D., Dunphy, F., Eisele, D. W., Gilbert, J., Gillison, M. L., Haddad, R. I., Haughey, B. H., Hicks, W. L., Hitchcock, Y. J., Kies, M. S., Lydiatt, W. M., Maghami, E., Martins, R., McCaffrey, T., Mittal, B. B., Pinto, H. A., Ridge, J. A., Samant, S., Sanguineti, G., Schuller, D. E., Shah, J. P., Spencer, S., Trotti, A., Weber, R. S., Wolf, G. T., Worden, F. 2011; 9 (6): 596-649

    View details for Web of Science ID 000291282100002

    View details for PubMedID 21636536

  • INTENSITY-MODULATED RADIOTHERAPY FOR LOCALLY ADVANCED CANCERS OF THE LARYNX AND HYPOPHARYNX HEAD AND NECK-JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES AND SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK Daly, M. E., Le, Q., Jain, A. K., Maxim, P. G., Hsu, A., Loo, B. W., Kaplan, M. J., Fischbein, N. J., Colevas, A. D., Pinto, H., Chang, D. T. 2011; 33 (1): 103-111

    Abstract

    Limited data evaluate intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for cancers of the hypopharynx and larynx. We report clinical outcomes and failure patterns for these patients.Between September 2001 and December 2007, 42 patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the hypopharynx (n = 23) and larynx (n = 19) underwent IMRT, 11 postoperatively and 31 definitively. Thirty-six received systemic therapy. Median follow-up was 30 months among surviving patients.Three local failures occurred within the high-dose region and 3 occurred in regional nodes. Seven patients developed distant metastasis as the initial failure. Three-year actuarial estimates of locoregional control, freedom from distant metastasis, and overall survival rates were, respectively, 80%, 72%, and 46%.IMRT provides good locoregional control for SCC of the hypopharynx and larynx compared with historical controls. Locoregional relapses occurred in the high-dose volumes, suggesting adequate target volume delineation. Hypopharyngeal tumors, which fare worse than laryngeal tumors, warrant investigation of more aggressive treatment.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/hed.21406

    View details for PubMedID 20848427

  • INTENSITY-MODULATED RADIOTHERAPY IN THE TREATMENT OF OROPHARYNGEAL CANCER: CLINICAL OUTCOMES AND PATTERNS OF FAILURE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RADIATION ONCOLOGY BIOLOGY PHYSICS Daly, M. E., Le, Q., Maxim, P. G., Loo, B. W., Kaplan, M. J., Fischbein, N. J., Pinto, H., Chang, D. T. 2010; 76 (5): 1339-1346

    Abstract

    To report outcomes, failures, and toxicities in patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx.Between Aug 2001 and Oct 2007, 107 patients were treated with IMRT with curative intent at Stanford University. Twenty-two patients were treated postoperatively, and 85 were treated definitively. Concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy was administered to 86 patients (80%) and cetuximab to 8 patients (7%). The prescribed dose was 66 Gy at 2.2 Gy/fraction for definitively treated cases and 60 Gy at 2 Gy/fraction for postoperative cases. Median follow-up was 29 months among surviving patients (range, 4-105 months).Eight patients had persistent disease or local-regional failure at a median of 6.5 months (range, 0-9.9 months). Six local failures occurred entirely within the high-risk clinical target volume (CTV) (one with simultaneous distant metastasis). One patient relapsed within the high- and intermediate-risk CTV. One patient had a recurrence at the junction between the IMRT and low-neck fields. Seven patients developed distant metastasis as the first site of failure. The 3-year local-regional control (LRC), freedom from distant metastasis, overall survival, and disease-free survival rates were 92%, 92%, 83%, and 81%, respectively. T stage (T4 vs. T1-T3) was predictive of poorer LRC (p = 0.001), overall survival (p = 0.001), and disease-free survival (p < 0.001) rates. Acute toxicity consisted of 58% grade 3 mucosal and 5% grade 3 skin reactions. Six patients (6%) developed grade >or=3 late complications.IMRT provides excellent LRC for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Distant metastases are a major failure pattern. No marginal failures were observed.

    View details for DOI 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2009.04.006

    View details for PubMedID 19540068

  • Improved survival of patients with human papillomavirus-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma in a prospective clinical trial JOURNAL OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE Fakhry, C., Westra, W. H., Cmelak, S. L., Ridge, J. A., Pinto, H., Forastiere, A., Gillison, M. L. 2008; 100 (4): 261-269

    Abstract

    The improved prognosis for patients with human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) relative to HPV-negative HNSCC observed in retrospective analyses remains to be confirmed in a prospective clinical trial.We prospectively evaluated the association of tumor HPV status with therapeutic response and survival among 96 patients with stage III or IV HNSCC of the oropharynx or larynx who participated in an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) phase II trial and who received two cycles of induction chemotherapy with intravenous paclitaxel and carboplatin followed by concomitant weekly intravenous paclitaxel and standard fractionation radiation therapy. The presence or absence of HPV oncogenic types in tumors was determined by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and in situ hybridization. Two-year overall and progression-free survival for HPV-positive and HPV-negative patients were estimated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. The relative hazard of mortality and progression for HPV-positive vs HPV-negative patients after adjustment for age, ECOG performance status, stage, and other covariables was estimated by use of a multivariable Cox proportional hazards model. All statistical tests were two-sided.Genomic DNA of oncogenic HPV types 16, 33, or 35 was located within tumor cell nuclei of 40% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 30% to 50%) of patients with HNSCC of the oropharynx or larynx by in situ hybridization and PCR. Compared with patients with HPV-negative tumors, patients with HPV-positive tumors had higher response rates after induction chemotherapy (82% vs 55%, difference = 27%, 95% CI = 9.3% to 44.7%, P = .01) and after chemoradiation treatment (84% vs 57%, difference = 27%, 95% CI = 9.7% to 44.3%, P = .007). After a median follow-up of 39.1 months, patients with HPV-positive tumors had improved overall survival (2-year overall survival = 95% [95% CI = 87% to 100%] vs 62% [95% CI = 49% to 74%], difference = 33%, 95% CI = 18.6% to 47.4%, P = .005, log-rank test) and, after adjustment for age, tumor stage, and ECOG performance status, lower risks of progression (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.27, 95% CI = 0.10 to 0.75), and death from any cause (HR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.15 to 0.85) than those with HPV-negative tumors.For patients with HNSCC of the oropharynx, tumor HPV status is strongly associated with therapeutic response and survival.

    View details for DOI 10.1093/jnci/djn011

    View details for Web of Science ID 000253796600009

    View details for PubMedID 18270337

  • Phase II trial of chemoradiation for organ preservation in resectable stage III or IV squamous cell carcinomas of the larynx or oropharynx: Results of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group study E2399 42nd Annual Meeting of the American-Society-of-Clinical-Oncology Cmelak, A. J., Li, S., Goldwasser, M. A., Murphy, B., Cannon, M., Pinto, H., Rosenthal, D. I., Gillison, M., Forastiere, A. A. AMER SOC CLINICAL ONCOLOGY. 2007: 3971–77

    Abstract

    Taxane-based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCR) for head and neck cancers has proven to have a favorable toxicity profile compared with cisplatin and radiation. This phase II multi-institutional trial evaluates taxane-based induction chemotherapy followed by CCR for organ preservation in resectable stage III/IVA and IVB larynx and oropharynx (OP) cancer patients.Eligibility required resectable stage T2N+, or T3-T4N0-3M0 biopsy-proven squamous carcinoma, age at least 18 years, PS 0 to 2, good organ function, and no prior chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment was induction paclitaxel 175 mg/m(2) and carboplatin area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) 6 for two cycles every 21 days followed by concurrent paclitaxel 30 mg/m(2) every 7 days with 70 Gy if no evidence of tumor progression. Weekly erythropoietin alpha 40 kU was used for suboptimal hemoglobin (< 14 gm/dL men, < 13 gm/dL women). The primary end point was organ preservation (freedom from primary site salvage surgery or primary tumor recurrence).One hundred five of 111 patients (36 larynx, 69 OP) were eligible. Median follow-up was 36.7 months. Ninety-four percent received full-dose radiotherapy and 91% received at least five cycles of concurrent paclitaxel. No patient progressed while receiving chemotherapy. Organ preservation was 81% at 2 years after completion of therapy (larynx 74%, OP 84%). Thirteen patients required primary-site salvage surgery (seven larynx, six OP), and six of these have progressed and died (three larynx, three OP). Thirteen patients developed distant metastases (seven larynx, six OP; P = .02) and 10 of 36 larynx and 11 of 69 OP patients have died as a result of their disease. Two-year survival is 76% (63% larynx v 83% OP).A high organ preservation rate was obtained with this regimen for OP but not for larynx patients. Toxicity was low, and induction chemotherapy did not preclude delivery of concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

    View details for DOI 10.1200/JCO.2007.10.8951

    View details for Web of Science ID 000249416000029

    View details for PubMedID 17761982

  • Clinical role of F-18-FDG PET/CT in the management of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and thyroid carcinoma JOURNAL OF NUCLEAR MEDICINE Quon, A., Fischbein, N. J., McDougall, I. R., Le, Q., Loo, B. W., Pinto, H., Kaplan, M. J. 2007; 48: 58S-67S

    Abstract

    18F-FDG PET/CT has rapidly become a widely used imaging modality for evaluating a variety of malignancies, including squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and thyroid cancer. Using both published data and the multidisciplinary experience at our institution, we provide a practical set of guidelines and algorithms for the use of 18F-FDG PET/CT in the evaluation and management of head and neck cancer and thyroid cancer.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000243420900008

    View details for PubMedID 17204721

  • Mature results from a randomized phase II trial of cisplatin plus 5-fluorouracil and radiotherapy with or without tirapazamine in patients with resectable stage IV head and neck squamous cell carcinomas CANCER Le, Q. T., Taira, A. I., Budenz, S., Dorie, M. J., Goffinet, D. R., Fee, W. E., Goode, R., Bloch, D., Koong, A., Brown, J. M., Pinto, H. A. 2006; 106 (9): 1940-1949

    Abstract

    The objective of this article was to report the results from a randomized trial that evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of adding tirapazamine (TPZ) to chemoradiotherapy in the treatment of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC).Sixty-two patients with lymph node-positive, resectable, TNM Stage IV HNSCC were randomized to receive either 2 cycles of induction chemotherapy (TPZ, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil [5-FU]) followed by simultaneous chemoradiotherapy (TPZ, cisplatin, and 5-FU) or to receive the same regimen without TPZ. Patients who did not achieve a complete response at 50 Grays underwent surgical treatment. Stratification factors for randomization included tumor site, TNM stage, and median tumor oxygen tension. The primary endpoint was complete lymph node response.The addition of TPZ resulted in increased hematologic toxicity. There was 1 treatment-related death from induction chemotherapy. The complete clinical and pathologic response rate in the lymph nodes was 90% and 74% for the standard treatment arm and the TPZ arm, respectively (P = .08) and 89% and 90% at the primary site in the respective treatment arms (P = .71). The 5-year overall survival rate was 59%, the cause-specific survival rate was 68%, the rate of freedom from recurrence was 69%, and the locoregional control rate was 77% for the entire group. There was no difference with regard to any of the outcome parameters between the 2 treatment arms. The significant long-term toxicity rate also was found to be similar between the 2 arms.The addition of TPZ increased hematologic toxicity but did not improve outcomes in patients with resectable, Stage IV HNSCC using the protocol administered this small randomized study. The combination of induction and simultaneous chemoradiotherapy resulted in excellent survival in these patients.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/cncr.21785

    View details for Web of Science ID 000237187400010

    View details for PubMedID 16532436

  • Phase II trial of taxol in salivary gland malignancies (E1394): A trial of the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group HEAD AND NECK-JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES AND SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK Gilbert, J., Li, Y., Pinto, H. A., JENNINGS, T., Kies, M. S., Silverman, P., Forastiere, A. A. 2006; 28 (3): 197-204

    Abstract

    Malignant tumors of the salivary glands make up approximately 5% of head and neck cancers. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) initiated a phase II evaluation of paclitaxel in patients with locally recurrent or metastatic salivary gland malignancies.Chemo-naive patients with histologically confirmed recurrent or metastatic carcinoma of salivary gland origin (mucoepidermoid, adenocarcinoma, or adenoid cystic) were eligible. Patients were treated with paclitaxel, 200 mg/m(2) IV, every 21 days for a minimum of four cycles.Forty-five patients were treated. Eight partial responses were seen among the 31 patients with mucoepidermoid or adenocarcinoma histologic findings for a response rate of 26%. No responses were seen in the adenoid cystic carcinoma group. No significant difference in overall survival was found among these three histologic subgroups.Paclitaxel demonstrates moderate activity in salivary gland tumors of mucoepidermoid and adenocarcinoma histology. The poor response rate in adenoid cystic carcinoma is consistent with prior reports in this chemoresistant histologic subtype.

    View details for DOI 10.1002/hed.20327

    View details for Web of Science ID 000235599600002

    View details for PubMedID 16470745

  • Positron-emission tomography for surveillance of head and neck cancer LARYNGOSCOPE Ryan, W. R., Fee, W. E., Le, Q. T., Pinto, H. A. 2005; 115 (4): 645-650

    Abstract

    To determine the diagnostic accuracy and the ideal timing of fluoro-fluorodeoxyglucose positron-emission tomography (PET) in the posttreatment surveillance of head and neck mucosal squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC).Retrospective chart review.Our sample includes 103 adult patients with 118 posttreatment PET scans who had undergone treatment for HNSCC. We correlated PET results with surgical pathology and clinical outcome in the subsequent 6 months.For the detection of locoregional persistent or recurrent HNSCC, PET scans had a sensitivity of 82%, specificity of 92%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 64%, negative predictive value (NPV) of 97%, and overall accuracy of 90%. For the detection of distant metastases, PET scans had a sensitivity of 89%, specificity of 97%, PPV of 85%, NPV of 98%, and overall accuracy of 96%. PET scans of the head and neck region performed greater than 1 month after the completion of radiation compared with scans performed within 1 month had a significantly higher sensitivity of 95% versus 55% (P < .01) and NPV of 99% versus 90% (P < .01).PET is effective in detecting distant metastases in the posttreatment surveillance for HNSCC patients. A negative PET is highly reliable for all sites. However, a positive PET in the head and neck region is unreliable because of a high false-positivity rate. PET of the head and neck region has a statistically significant risk of a false-negative reading when performed within 1 month of radiation.

    View details for DOI 10.1097/01.mlg.0000161345.23128.d4

    View details for Web of Science ID 000228280300016

    View details for PubMedID 15805874

  • Long-term results of 100 consecutive comprehensive neck dissections - Implications for selective neck dissections ARCHIVES OF OTOLARYNGOLOGY-HEAD & NECK SURGERY Sivanandan, R., Kaplan, M. J., Lee, K. J., Lebl, D., PINTO, H., Le, Q. T., Goffinet, D. R., Fee, W. E. 2004; 130 (12): 1369-1373

    Abstract

    The optimal surgical procedure for the neck in patients with squamous head and neck cancers is controversial. Selective neck dissections have replaced modified radical neck dissections as the procedure of choice for the clinically negative (N0) neck and are now being considered for patients with early-stage neck disease. We report the long-term local recurrence rates in 100 consecutive patients undergoing a radical or modified radical neck dissection for clinically positive (N+) and N0 neck disease and review comprehensively the literature reporting and comparing regional control rates for both neck dissection types.The clinical records of 100 consecutive patients who underwent a comprehensive neck dissection (levels I-V) for squamous head and neck cancers with a minimum of a 2-year follow-up were retrospectively reviewed for primary site of disease, clinical and pathologic neck status, histopathologic grade, neck dissection type, and the site and time of recurrence.Complete data were available for 97 patients on whom 99 neck dissections were performed. Three patients died from unknown causes. Seventy-six patients with N+ disease underwent a therapeutic neck dissection, while 24 patients with clinically N0 disease underwent an elective dissection. The overall neck recurrence rate in patients with controlled primary disease was 7%. The neck or regional failure rate for patients completing the recommended adjuvant radiotherapy was 4%. Six (25%) of 24 patients with clinically N0 disease had occult metastases. The recurrence rate for this group was 4%.Further study is needed to determine the optimal surgical management of the N0 and limited N+ neck.

    View details for PubMedID 15611394

  • Identification of osteopontin as a prognostic plasma marker for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH Le, Q. T., Sutphin, P. D., Raychaudhuri, S., Yu, S. C., Terris, D. J., Lin, H. S., Lum, B., Pinto, H. A., Koong, A. C., Giaccia, A. J. 2003; 9 (1): 59-67

    Abstract

    Tumor hypoxia modifies treatment efficacy and promotes tumor progression. Here, we investigated the relationship between osteopontin (OPN), tumor pO(2), and prognosis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC).We performed linear discriminant analysis, a machine learning algorithm, on the NCI-60 cancer cell line microarray expression database to identify a gene profile that best distinguish cell lines with high Von-Hippel Lindau (VHL) gene expression, an important regulator of hypoxia-related genes, from those with low expression. Plasma OPN levels in 15 volunteers, 31 VHL patients, and 54 HNSCC patients were quantitatively measured by ELISA. The relationships between plasma OPN levels, tumor pO(2) as measured by the Eppendorf microelectrode, freedom from relapse (FFR), and survival in HNSCC patients were evaluated.Microarray analysis indicated that OPN gene expression inversely correlated with that of VHL. These findings were confirmed by Northern blot analysis. ELISA studies and Western blot in a HNSCC cell line demonstrated that hypoxia exposure resulted in increased OPN secretion. Patients with VHL syndrome had significantly higher plasma OPN levels than healthy volunteers. Plasma OPN level inversely correlated with tumor pO(2) (P = 0.003, r = -0.42). OPN levels correlated with clinical outcomes. The 1-year FFR and survival rates were 80 and 100%, respectively, for patients with OPN levels 450 ng/ml (P = 0.002 and 0.0005). Multivariate analysis revealed that OPN was an independent predictor for FFR and survival.Plasma OPN levels appeared to correlate with tumor hypoxia in HNSCC patients and may serve as noninvasive tests to identify patients at high risk for tumor recurrence.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000180430600008

    View details for PubMedID 12538452

  • Physician perspectives on increasing minorities in cancer clinical trials: An Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) initiative Workshop on Participation of Minorities and Women in Clinical Cancer Research Pinto, H. A., McCaskill-Stevens, W., Wolfe, P., Marcus, A. C. ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. 2000: S78–S84

    Abstract

    This paper describes the ECOG-NMA Minority Accrual Initiative to assure minority participation in cancer clinical trials.Focus groups were held to identify physician-reported barriers to the enrollment of minority patients in Cleveland, OH, Indianapolis, IN, Santa Clara County, CA, and Philadelphia, PA. Community physicians affiliated with the National Medical Association (NMA), and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) investigators participated in the focus groups. A four-step process consisting of focus group workshops were conducted to (i) identify barriers, (ii) develop potential solutions to the barriers, (iii) define solutions to barriers involving specific clinical trials, and (iv) implement the solutions.Focus group participants identified physician lack of information, patient fears and suspicion, the fear of losing patients, and distrust of the health care system as the major barriers to enrollment of African Americans. We found significant differences between community physicians and cancer program physicians in several areas. Community physicians emphasized personal contacts to address the lack of information and to overcome patient fears and suspicions, while the cancer program physicians emphasized printed materials. There was no difference by region in the barriers identified in the focus group workshops; however, the proposed solutions to overcoming the barriers were specific to each site.The four-step process developed by the ECOG and the NMA used the focus group methodology to identify and overcome barriers to participation of African Americans in cancer clinical trials. Outreach efforts to educate patients, their families, and community physicians about cancer clinical trials should be directed at overcoming patient suspicions and providing practical information to physicians about specific trials and how to enroll patients.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000165950000010

    View details for PubMedID 11189096

  • In vivo H-1 MR spectroscopy of human head and neck lymph node metastasis and comparison with oxygen tension measurements AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEURORADIOLOGY Star-Lack, J. M., Adalsteinsson, E., Adam, M. F., Terris, D. J., Pinto, H. A., Brown, J. M., Spielman, D. M. 2000; 21 (1): 183-193

    Abstract

    Current diagnostic methods for head and neck metastasis are limited for monitoring recurrence and assessing oxygenation. 1H MR spectroscopy (1H MRS) provides a noninvasive means of determining the chemical composition of tissue and thus has a unique potential as a method for localizing and characterizing cancer. The purposes of this investigation were to measure 1H spectral intensities of total choline (Cho), creatine (Cr), and lactate (Lac) in vivo in human lymph node metastases of head and neck cancer for comparison with normal muscle tissue and to examine relationships between metabolite signal intensities and tissue oxygenation status.Volume-localized Lac-edited MRS at 1.5 T was performed in vivo on the lymph node metastases of 14 patients whose conditions were untreated and who had primary occurrences of squamous cell carcinoma. MRS measurements were acquired also from the neck muscle tissue of six healthy volunteers and a subset of the patients. Peak areas of Cho, Cr, and Lac were calculated. Tissue oxygenation (pO2) within the abnormal lymph nodes was measured independently using an Eppendorf polarographic oxygen electrode.Cho:Cr ratios were significantly higher in the nodes than in muscle tissue (node Cho:Cr = 2.9 +/- 1.6, muscle Cho:Cr = 0.55 +/- 0.21, P = .0006). Lac was significantly higher in cancer tissue than in muscle (P = .01) and, in the nodes, showed a moderately negative correlation with median pO2 (r = -.76) over a range of approximately 0 to 30 mm Hg. Nodes with oxygenation values less than 10 mm Hg had approximately twice the Lac signal intensity as did nodes with oxygenation values greater than 10 mm Hg (P = .01). Cho signal intensity was not well correlated with pO2 (r = -.46) but seemed to decrease at higher oxygenation levels (>20 mm Hg).1H MRS may be useful for differentiating metastatic head and neck cancer from normal muscular tissue and may allow for the possibility of assessing oxygenation. Potential clinical applications include the staging and monitoring of treatment.

    View details for PubMedID 10669248

  • DNA damage measured by the comet assay in head and neck cancer patients treated with tirapazamine. Neoplasia Dorie, M. J., Kovacs, M. S., Gabalski, E. C., Adam, M., Le, Q. T., Bloch, D. A., Pinto, H. A., Terris, D. J., Brown, J. M. 1999; 1 (5): 461-467

    Abstract

    Tirapazamine (TPZ) [3-amino-1,2,4-benzotriazine 1,4-dioxide, SR4233, WIN 59075, and Tirazone] is a novel anticancer drug that is selectively activated by the low oxygen environment in solid tumors. By killing the radioresistant hypoxic cells, TPZ potentiates the antitumor efficacy of fractionated irradiation of transplanted tumors in mice. As this cell kill is closely correlated with TPZ-induced DNA damage, we investigated whether human head and neck cancers would show DNA damage similar to that seen in mouse tumors following TPZ administration. TPZ-induced DNA damage in both transplanted tumors in mice and in neck nodes of 13 patients with head and neck cancer was assessed using the alkaline comet assay on cells obtained from fine-needle aspirates. The oxygen levels of the patients' tumors were also measured using a polarographic oxygen electrode. Cells from the patients' tumors showed DNA damage immediately following TPZ administration that was comparable to, or greater than, that seen with transplanted mouse tumors. The heterogeneity of DNA damage in the patients' tumors was greater than that of individual mouse tumors and correlated with tumor hypoxia. The similarity of TPZ-induced DNA damage in human and rodent tumors suggests that tirapazamine should be effective when added to radiotherapy or to cisplatin-based chemotherapy in head and neck cancers.

    View details for PubMedID 10933062

  • Tissue oxygen distribution in head and neck cancer patients HEAD AND NECK-JOURNAL FOR THE SCIENCES AND SPECIALTIES OF THE HEAD AND NECK Adam, M. F., Gabalski, E. C., Bloch, D. A., Oehlert, J. W., Brown, J. M., Elsaid, A. A., Pinto, H. A., Terris, D. J. 1999; 21 (2): 146-153

    Abstract

    The importance of hypoxia in limiting the sensitivity of tumor cells to ionizing radiation has long been known.We evaluated the tissue oxygenation status with a polarographic needle electrode system in 37 patients with malignancies of the head and neck and correlated the pO2 of 25 patients with treatment outcome.Sixteen tumors contained areas of severe hypoxia, defined by pO2 values below 2.5 mm Hg. Tumor oxygenation parameters were not correlated with hemoglobin, age, and history of tobacco use. There were no subcutaneous PO2 values below 10 mm Hg (ie, no areas of moderate or severe hypoxia), whereas this degree of hypoxia was commonly found in the tumors. Though not statistically significant, hypoxic tumors showed trends for poorer treatment outcome.Our data demonstrate a great interindividual variability in the oxygenation of head and neck cancers and appears unassociated with clinical parameters. The method is capable of identifying patients with poorly oxygenated tumors, thereby providing important information for selecting patients who might need customized therapy designed to kill hypoxic tumor cells. Hypoxic tumors show a consistent trend for poor treatment outcome.

    View details for PubMedID 10091983

  • Recruiting minority cancer patients into cancer clinical trials: A pilot project involving the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group and the National Medical Association JOURNAL OF CLINICAL ONCOLOGY McCaskill-Stevens, W., PINTO, H., Marcus, A. C., Comis, R., Morgan, R., Plomer, K., Schoentgen, S. 1999; 17 (3): 1029-1039

    Abstract

    Minority accrual onto clinical trials is of significant interest to cooperative oncology study groups. The Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) conducted a study to identify barriers and solutions to African American accrual onto clinical trials.We hypothesize that the National Medical Association (NMA) might provide insight into ways to increase minority participation and that ECOG might facilitate that participation. Four sites were selected in which NMA chapters existed and ECOG main institutions with less than half of the corresponding percentage of minorities in their communities entered trials for 1992. Fifteen workshops were conducted using discussions and open-ended, self-administered questionnaires.Seventy percent of NMA physicians cited mistrust of the research centers, fear of losing patients, and a lack of respect from ECOG institutions as the most important barriers to minority cancer patient referrals, compared with 30% for ECOG physicians. Sixty-nine percent of NMA and 43% of ECOG physicians cited a lack of information about specific trials. Nearly half of NMA physicians (47%) cited a lack of minority investigators as a barrier, compared with 4% of ECOG physicians. Solutions by both groups were improved communication (73%) and culturally relevant educational materials (40%). ECOG physicians cited more minority outreach staff as a potential solution (22% v 6%). NMA physicians cited increased involvement of referring physicians (44% v4%).NMA physicians who serve a significant sector of the African American population demonstrated a willingness to participate and work with a cooperative group effort to increase participation of minority patients and investigators.

    View details for Web of Science ID 000078972800039

    View details for PubMedID 10071298

  • Pretreatment and midtreatment measurement of oxygen tension levels in head and neck cancers LARYNGOSCOPE Gabalski, E. C., Adam, M., PINTO, H., Brown, J. M., Bloch, D. A., Terris, D. J. 1998; 108 (12): 1856-1860

    Abstract

    Considerable evidence exists to suggest that tumor hypoxia results in radioresistance. Historically, it has been difficult to assess tumor oxygen tension levels reliably. These levels can now be assessed in head and neck malignancies using the Eppendorf pO2 histograph, which uses a fine-needle electrode and a computerized micromanipulator. This technology was used to compare the pretreatment tumor oxygen tension level in lymph node metastases of patients with head and neck cancer to measurements taken during nonsurgical treatment after a partial response had been achieved.Prospective study.Oxygen tension levels were measured in the cervical lymph nodes of 10 patients with biopsy-proven head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and cervical metastases who were being treated with nonsurgical management. These levels were obtained using the Eppendorf pO2 histograph system. Measurements were taken before the start of treatment and were repeated when the size of the cervical metastatic node had decreased by 50%. Normal subcutaneous tissue was measured during the same session. The mean and median pO2 levels, as well as the percentage of measurements with pO2 less than 5 mm Hg were determined.A mean of 72.6 measurements per session was taken from each lymph node. The median tumor pO2 measurement fell from a mean (+/-SD) of 13.9+/-8.0 mm Hg to 7.3+/-9.9 mm Hg. Even more dramatic, however, was the substantial increase in the percentage of values less than 5 mm Hg, a rise from 29% to 52%.While there is variability both in the pretreatment oxygenation of head and neck cervical metastases and in the change in tumor oxygen tension during treatment, there appears to be a decrease in the overall oxygenation of the tumors. The dramatic increase in very low oxygen measurements may reflect selective survival of radioresistant or chemoresistant hypoxic tumor cells. Cells at the very low level would be expected to be radiobiologically hypoxic (resistant to radiation-induced cell kill).

    View details for PubMedID 9851504

  • Adjuvant and neoadjuvant treatment of head and neck cancers: The next chapter SEMINARS IN ONCOLOGY Jacobs, C., PINTO, H. 1995; 22 (6): 540-552

    View details for Web of Science ID A1995TL81500005

    View details for PubMedID 8539631

  • Distant metastases from head and neck squamous cancer: the role of adjuvant chemotherapy. Cancer treatment and research Pinto, H. A., Jacobs, C. 1995; 74: 243-262

    View details for PubMedID 7779619

  • Head and neck cancers. Macdonald JS, Haller DG, Mayer RJ (eds), Manual of Oncologic Therapeutics Third Edition. J.B. Lippincott, Philadelphia Jacobs C, Pinto HA. 1995: 162-169.
  • Head and neck cancer - combined modality therapy and chemotherapy. : Brian MC and Carbone PP (eds), Current Therapy in Hematology-Oncology. Mosby, St. Louis Pinto HA, Jacobs C. 1995
  • CHEMOTHERAPY FOR RECURRENT AND METASTATIC HEAD AND NECK-CANCER HEMATOLOGY-ONCOLOGY CLINICS OF NORTH AMERICA Pinto, H. A., Jacobs, C. 1991; 5 (4): 667-686

    Abstract

    At the present time, the treatment of recurrent and metastatic head and neck squamous and salivary gland cancers with chemotherapy is palliative. Pain relief, improvement in functional parameters, and improved survival are important goals. Although survival benefits are small, palliation can be significant. For squamous cancers, the median duration of response to chemotherapy is 2 to 4 months, and overall survival is about 6 months. Responses can be achieved with acceptable toxicity for good palliation in approximately 30% of patients treated with the standard regimens. Although more intensive chemotherapy regimens often result in higher response rates in pilot trials, they do not offer significant gains in effectiveness or survival. In salivary gland malignancies, results are substantially better, but this may only reflect the different natural history of this heterogeneous group of tumors. A small number of patients will have excellent and very durable responses to chemotherapy. Unfortunately, at this time we are unable to select these patients or determine which regimen will produce this desired result. The optimal use of currently available drugs is in the process of refinement. The timing of palliative chemotherapy represents a major challenge to oncologists and patients. Chemotherapy may in the future have a role in the cure of patients with recurrent disease, but innovative therapy, combined modality approaches, and new drug development will all need to be investigated. We look forward toward a new understanding of tumor biology and the development of agents that may substantially improve the control of these tumors.

    View details for Web of Science ID A1991FY45400006

    View details for PubMedID 1890059