Valproic Acid and Platinum-based Chemoradiation in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients worldwide. Most patients with HNSCC are diagnosed with locally advanced disease, and treated with cisplatin-based chemoradiation, but long-term disease control is still a challenge. The incorporation of epigenetic regulation into standard treatment could improve results of definitive platinum-based chemoradiation in such patients. Valproic acid is a known histone deacetylase inhibitor. In addition to activating apoptosis pathways, cell differentiation and downregulating expression of growth factors, it also promotes radiosensitization. The purpose of this study is to evaluate if the addition of valproic acid to standard platinum-based chemoradiation as definitive treatment of locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma can improve treatment outcomes, such as response rate.Correlative biomarker analysis and a pre-planned analysis in those patients with HPV-related SCCs will be conducted. (AU)