Gabapentin & Ketamine for Prevention/Treatment of Acute/Chronic Pain in Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer

Purpose

This is a study to establish a safe and feasible dose for prophylactic use of a combination of gabapentin and ketamine in head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation.

Conditions

  • Head and Neck Cancer
  • Locally Advanced Head and Neck Carcinoma

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 21 Years
Eligible Genders
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No

Inclusion Criteria

  • Histologically proven cancer of the head and neck cancer - Locally advanced non-metastatic disease (T3N0M0, T4N0M0, T1-4N1-3M0) - Planned primary or adjuvant radiation or chemoradiation therapy - Willing and able to provide informed consent - ECOG PS 0-2 - Age ≥ 21 years - English speaking

Exclusion Criteria

  • Currently on gabapentin or ketamine - Prior non-tolerance of gabapentin or ketamine - Unable to administer ketamine intranasally due to anatomical restrictions - History of seizure disorder - History of schizophrenia - History of increased intracranial pressure - Glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2

Study Design

Phase
Phase 1/Phase 2
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
N/A
Intervention Model
Single Group Assignment
Primary Purpose
Treatment
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
Experimental
Gabapentin plus Ketamine
Gabapentin and Ketamine will be taken 3 times per day.
  • Drug: Gabapentin
    Taken by mouth 3 times per day
    Other names:
    • Neurontin
  • Drug: Ketamine
    Administered intranasally 3 times per day
    Other names:
    • Ketalar

Recruiting Locations

Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center
Nashville, Tennessee 37232
Contact:
Vanderbilt-Ingram Service for Timely Access
800-811-8480
cip@vumc.org

More Details

Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Natalie Lockney

Study Contact

Vanderbilt-Ingram Service for Timely Access
800-811-8480
cip@vumc.org

Detailed Description

Objectives: - To establish the maximum tolerated dose of ketamine in combination with gabapentin up to a maximum planned dose of 40 mg three times a day. - To evaluate feasibility and tolerability Exploratory: - To assess pain, symptom burden, functionality, and quality of life