Could a malaria drug help fight recurrent bone cancer?

NCT ID NCT03598595

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

osteosarcoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

RECURRENT OSTEOSARCOMA REFRACTORY OSTEOSARCOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

M D Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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