Study of Amifostine and IMRT for Protecting Salivary Glands in Head and Neck Cancer

Inclusion Criteria:

• Pathologically confirmed squamous cell cancer of the head and neck
• Eligible sites: oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx.
• Patients requiring postoperative IMRT.
• KPS > 70%.
• Patient has signed specific protocol consent prior to registration.
• Calcium test within normal limits.
• No previous malignancy except for non-melanoma skin cancer or cancer not of head and neck and controlled for at least 5 years.
• Labs completed with 30 days of registration (CBC & platelet, Ca++, Alk phos, SGOT, Bili, albumin) CXR and CT simulation.
• Liver CT if alk phos, SGOT, or bili elevated.
• Bone scan if elevated alk phos

Exclusion Criteria:

• Metastatic disease.
• Patient using Salagen or concurrent chemotherapy.
• Previous XRT for head and neck tumors.
• Active untreated infection.