A Phase III Trial Evaluating the Addition of Cetuximab to Paclitaxel, Cisplatin, and Radiation for Patients With Esophageal Cancer Who Are Treated Without Surgery

RATIONALE: Drugs used in chemotherapy, such as paclitaxel and cisplatin, work in different
ways to stop the growth of tumor cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from
dividing. Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to kill tumor cells. Monoclonal
antibodies, such as cetuximab, can block tumor growth in different ways. Some block the
ability of tumor cells to grow and spread. Others find tumor cells and help kill them or
carry tumor-killing substances to them. Cetuximab may stop the growth of esophageal cancer by
blocking blood flow to the tumor. It is not yet known whether giving paclitaxel and cisplatin
together with radiation therapy is more effective with or without cetuximab in treating
esophageal cancer.

PURPOSE: This randomized phase III trial is comparing how well giving paclitaxel and
cisplatin together with radiation therapy works with or without cetuximab in treating
patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer.