FOLFOX-Cetuximab-radiotherapy for the Treatment of Esophageal Cancer

Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody which can block the ability of tumor cells to grow and spread Cetuximab may also make tumor cells more sensitive to radiation therapy. Drug used in chemotherapy such as oxaliplatin leucovorin and Fluorouracil work in different way to stop the growth of tumor cells either by killing the cells or by stopping them form dividing. Radiation therapy uses high energy X rays to kill tumor cells. Giving cetuximab could improve the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation therapy and may make the tumor smaller This phase II trial is studying the effects of oxaliplatin, leucovorin and fluorouracil-when given together with Cetuximab and radiation therapy and radiation therapy to see how they work in treating patients with stage III esophageal cancer.

Inclusion criteria

• Histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus stage III (according to UICC classification)
• Measurable disease according to the RECIST criteria
• WHO performance status of 0 or 1
• Age 18-80 years old
• Reference imaging within the 2 weeks prior to the treatment
• Hematological and biochemical assessment within the 2 weeks prior to the treatment
• Neutrophils >1.5 10 9/L, platelets >150.10 9/L, Haemoglobin ≥10g/dL, Bilirubin ≤ 1.25 ULN, Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) and Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≤ 3 ULN Woman of childbearing potential must use effective contraception methods Written informed consent obtained No prior chemotherapy or radiation therapy for esophageal cancer

Exclusion criteria

• Stage I, II or IV (according to UICC classification)
• Esophageal carcinoma with small cells or endocrine cells or esophageal stromal tumor
• visceral metastasis
• orotracheal fistula weight loss >15% within the previous 6 months Pregnancy or breast feeding Contra indication to the study treatment History of coronary heart disease uncontrolled, or myocardial necrosis within the previous 6 months
• Peripheral Neuropathy NCI >1
• Liver Failure
• Prior thoracic radiation therapy
• history of cancer within the previous 5 years (except removed skin carcinoma, removed local melanoma located, and carcinoma cervix of uterus Esophageal Endoprosthesis