Could a cheap altitude pill boost lung cancer treatment?

NCT ID NCT03467360

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Centre Antoine Lacassagne Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early-phase trial tests whether adding acetazolamide (a drug used for altitude sickness) to standard chemoradiation or radioimmunotherapy can help treat small cell lung cancer. About 27 adults with either localized or extensive small cell lung cancer will receive the combination to find the safest dose and check for early signs of benefit. The idea is that acetazolamide may reduce tumor acidity, potentially making radiation and immunotherapy work better.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: acetazolamide (a drug that blocks carbonic anhydrase enzymes, often used for altitude sickness or glaucoma)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to make standard cancer treatments more effective for small cell lung cancer by targeting tumor acidity.
What could go wrong: This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 27 participants, so it is primarily testing safety and dosing. The drug may not improve outcomes or could add side effects without benefit.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

small cell lung carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

SMALL CELL LUNG CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Centre Antoine Lacassagne
RECRUITING

Nice, 06189, France
Centre Hospitalier Princesse grace
TERMINATED

Monte Carlo, Monaco

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