Neoadjuvant chemotherapy for advanced vulvar cancer

Treatment of Locally Advanced VULvar CArcinoma in a Neoadjuvant Setting With Carboplatin and Paclitaxel Chemotherapy (VULCANize)

PHASE2 · The Netherlands Cancer Institute · NCT04192253

This study tests if giving chemotherapy before surgery can help women with advanced vulvar cancer shrink their tumors and have easier surgeries.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment51 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexFemale
SponsorThe Netherlands Cancer Institute (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Amsterdam)
Trial IDNCT04192253 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy with Carboplatin and Paclitaxel in women with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the vulva. The goal is to shrink the tumor before surgery, potentially allowing for less extensive surgical intervention and reducing postoperative complications. Participants must have histologically confirmed vulvar cancer and meet specific health criteria. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this chemotherapy regimen in improving surgical outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are women aged 18 and older with histologically confirmed squamous cell vulvar carcinoma and specific health criteria.

Not a fit: Patients with vulvar cancer types other than squamous cell carcinoma or those who can be primarily operated on with curative intent may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to reduced surgical morbidity and improved quality of life for patients with advanced vulvar cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise with neoadjuvant chemotherapy approaches in similar malignancies, suggesting potential for success in this context.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Woman k 18 years
* Signed and written informed consent.
* Histologically confirmed squamous cell vulvar carcinoma
* World Health Organization performance status of 0-2
* Adequate hematological function
* Adequate hepatic function
* Adequate renal function
* Negative pregnancy test for woman of childbearing potential
* measurable disease by physical examination
* TNM stage T2, any N, MO

Exclusion Criteria:

* Vulvar cancer other than squamous cell carcinoma at biopsy
* Previous radiotherapy of the vulva, groins or pelvis
* Patients with metastasis limited to the pelvic lymph nodes, who can be primarily operated with curative intent
* Other diagnosis of malignancy or evidence of other malignancy for 5 years before screening for this study

Where this trial is running

Amsterdam

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Locally Advanced, Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Vulva

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.