Could a malaria drug help fight recurrent bone cancer?

NCT ID NCT03598595

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether adding hydroxychloroquine (a malaria drug) to two chemotherapy drugs (gemcitabine and docetaxel) can help control osteosarcoma that has returned or stopped responding to treatment. About 31 participants will receive the combination to find the safest dose and see if it stops tumor growth. The goal is disease control, not a cure.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Hydroxychloroquine combined with gemcitabine and docetaxel

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new treatment option for patients whose osteosarcoma has returned or stopped responding to standard therapy.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial with only 31 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The combination may cause significant side effects or fail to control the cancer.

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.

osteosarcoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • M D Anderson Cancer Center

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States