A Study of Amifostine (Ethyol) in Patients With Colorectal Cancer

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of amifostine (ETHYOL) on decreasing the rate and severity of nerve dysfunction or neuropathy (numbness and tingling in hands and feet) associated with FOLFOX chemotherapy.

In addition, this study will provide information on how subjects with colorectal cancer do while receiving amifostine in combination with other chemotherapy drugs. This study will also look at the frequency of complications associated with amifostine and chemotherapy.

The FOLFOX chemotherapy regimen consists of three drugs, 5-FU, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin, all given intravenously (into the vein) every 2 weeks with or without Avastin given in combination with chemotherapy. FOLFOX has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cancer of the colon or rectum.

Amifostine is not a chemotherapy drug. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to prevent moderate or severe dryness of the mouth caused by radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, and to prevent kidney damage caused by cisplatin chemotherapy treatment for ovarian and non-small cell lung cancer. Amifostine is not FDA approved for use in this study and is therefore considered investigational.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histologically or cytologically-proven adenocarcinoma of the colon or rectum
* AJCC stage II, III or IV
* Male of female aged greater than or equal to 18 years
* ECOG Performance Status (PS): 0-2
* Men or women of reproductive potential must have agreed to use an effective method of contraception while on treatment and for 6 months after study treatment
* If female, not pregnant or lactating. Documentation of a negative serum HCG pregnancy test for women of childbearing potential is required within 7 days prior to be considered of non-childbearing potential
* In the opinion of the investigator, patients must have a life expectancy of least 6 months
* At the time of study enrollment, absolute granulocyte count (AGC) must be greater than or equal to 1500/mm3, platelet count must be greater than or equal to 100,000/mm3
* There must be evidence of adequate hepatic and renal function. Bilirubin less than or equal to UNL, Alkaline phosphatase less than or equal to 2.5xULN, AST less than or equal to 1.5xULN, Creatine less than or equal to 1.5xULN
* Signed written informed consent obtained prior to study-specific screening procedure

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any condition or past medical history that contra-indicate treatment with oxaliplatin and 5FU, as reported in the approval labeling information
* Hypersensitivity to any of the study treatments (amifostine, oxaliplatin and 5FU) or ingredients
* Received any investigational drug within 30 days before beginning treatment with study drug
* Concomitant treatment with other investigational agents
* Received prior oxaliplatin or cisplatin based chemotherapy
* History of peripheral neuropathy
* concomitant treatments with drugs/ingredients reported to have a potential activity in preventing peripheral sensory neuropathy: carbamazepine, gabapentin, phenytoin, gluthathione, alpha-lipoic acid, celecoxib, venlafaxine, vitamin B1 (thiamine), B6 (pyridoxine), ginko biloba. Multivitamins and dietary supplements are allowed. Uncontrolled intercurrent illness: e.g. high blood pressure, unstable angina, symptomatic congestive hear failure (NY Heart Association Classification III or IV), serious cardiac arrhythmia, diabetes, or active infection
* Concurrent active cancer originating from a primary site other than colon or rectum
* Presence of any symptom suggesting brain/spinal cord metastasis