Could a common chemo drug boost the benefits of palliative radiation for advanced cancer?
NCT ID NCT03637335
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This phase 3 trial tests whether adding the chemotherapy drug carboplatin to standard palliative radiotherapy helps control tumor growth and reduce pain better than radiotherapy alone. The study includes adults with advanced lung or head and neck cancer who need palliative radiation. Participants receive either radiotherapy plus carboplatin or radiotherapy plus a placebo, and researchers track how long the treated tumors stay under control, pain levels, and quality of life.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
carboplatin
What this could lead to
If it works, this approach could improve pain control and quality of life for people with advanced cancer, and possibly extend survival.
What could go wrong
This is a small early-phase trial, so results may not be conclusive. Adding chemotherapy to radiotherapy can increase side effects like low blood counts and fatigue.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Fabrice Denis
Le Mans, 72000, France
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Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest
Nantes, France