A Phase II Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Itraconazole on Pathologic Complete Response Rates in Resectable Esophageal Cancer
VA Office of Research and Development
Summary
Esophageal cancer, which has a low 5-year overall survival rate (\<20%) is increasing in incidence. Previous studies have shown that Hedgehog, AKT, and angiogenic signaling pathways are activated in a significant number of esophageal cancers. Itraconazole, a widely used anti-fungal medication, effectively inhibits these pathways. In this multi-site phase II trial, the investigators will evaluate the effect of itraconazole as a neoadjuvant therapy added to standard of care chemoradiation and surgery in the the treatment of locoregional esophageal and gastroesophageal junction cancers.
Description
Esophageal cancer has a high incidence rate in the United States, and novel approaches to improve its treatment are being studied. Itraconazole, an antifungal agent approved by the FDA in 1992, has been shown to inhibit the Hedgehog (Hh), AKT, and VEGFR2 signaling pathways which are upregulated in esophageal cancer and promote tumor growth. This study will evaluate whether the use of itraconazole leads to increased rates of pathologic complete response (pathCR) by at least 15% compared to propensity-score matched control patients with esophageal or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancer. The i…