South Plains Oncology Consortium – Neuroblastoma

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<p>Currently there is no known effective treatment for <strong>recurrent/resistant neuroblastoma</strong>. <strong>Fenretinide</strong> is an anticancer agent that may work differently than standard chemotherapy medicines. It may cause the buildup of wax-like substances in neuroblastoma cancer cells, called “ceramides” or other chemicals, called ‘reactive oxygen species’.</p>
<p>In laboratory studies it was found that if too much ceramide or reactive oxygen species build up in neuroblastoma cells, they may die. In addition, researchers are testing to see if a drug called <strong>ketoconazole</strong>, commonly used to treat fungus infections, can increase fenretinide levels in the body by interfering with the body’s ability to break down fenretinide.</p>
<p><strong>This study is being done:</strong></p>
<p>1) to allow patients with recurrent/refractory neuroblastoma patients who would otherwise not be able to access fenretinide/LXS oral powder for treatment to do so;</p>
<p>2) to further describe the side effects of fenretinide and ketoconazole when given by mouth for seven days every three weeks;</p>
<p>3) to determine if a patient’s tumor gets smaller after treatment with fenretinide oral powder plus ketoconazole or fenretinide oral powder alone.</p>

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