Could a cheap altitude pill boost lung cancer treatment?

NCT ID NCT03467360

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Centre Antoine Lacassagne

    RECRUITING

    Nice, 06189, France

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

  • Centre Hospitalier Princesse grace

    TERMINATED

    Monte Carlo, Monaco