Could a simple mask help cancer patients avoid a breathing tube?

NCT ID NCT02464696

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

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether a non-invasive ventilation mask (NIPPV) can reduce the need for intubation in cancer patients with respiratory failure. Researchers will compare NIPPV plus standard oxygen therapy to standard oxygen therapy alone in 256 participants. The goal is to see if the mask improves oxygen levels and reduces shortness of breath, potentially avoiding the risks of a breathing tube.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Methylprednisolone (a steroid) and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) via a mask
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a less invasive way to support breathing in cancer patients with respiratory failure, potentially avoiding the need for a breathing tube.
What could go wrong: This is an early-stage trial with 256 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The intervention may not reduce intubation rates and carries risks like mask discomfort or lung injury.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HEMATOPOIETIC AND LYMPHOID CELL NEOPLASM are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

cancer hematopoietic and lymphoid cell neoplasm hematopoietic and lymphoid system neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEMATOPOIETIC AND LYMPHOID CELL NEOPLASM MALIGNANT SOLID NEOPLASM

Contacts and locations

Locations

M D Anderson Cancer Center
RECRUITING

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.