I have been asked to participate in a Phase III Randomized Study at MD Anderson which is for the prevention of recurrence of primary tumors and development of secondary primary tumors for Stage III and IV head and neck patients. One half of the group will receive treatment and the other half will only be observed.

The treatment will consist of:
1.CRA, also known as accutane
2.Vitamin E
3.Interferon injections

I remember being told by one of my buddies with Hepatitis C that interferon can be pretty strong stuff. The study nurse told me that there are side effects like fatigue and flu like symptoms.

Here I am still not back to normal from my radiation and chemo that ended in early September, being asked to inject something that will cause more fatigue and uncomfortable symptoms. The nurse tries to sell the protocol by telling me that I will be closely observed, whether or not I am in the half that receives the drugs and that the first 3 years are the time of most common recurrence. She said that the Phase II study had " good activity " meaning that 89 to 90% had no recurrences during the observation period.

I am still not able to swallow solid foods or pills, which means that I would likely have to dissolve the vitamin E and CRA ( whatever that is),in order to swallow it, and as I said, receive the interferon in shots. I am trying to get back to work and , I hope, back to a normal life once I can eat and get off this PEG tube. I am not sure that I want to take something that makes me feel bad and sets back my progress, taking away my energy. Furthermore, I would likely be pissed if I am one of the ones that the computer chooses for observation only.

I would appreciate any input that any of you can provide me about this decision.Thank you.

Danny G.