Can an old malaria drug boost Radiation's power against pancreatic cancer?
NCT ID NCT01494155
First seen Aug 05, 2026 · Last updated Aug 06, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase 2 trial is testing whether adding hydroxychloroquine to standard radiation and chemotherapy before surgery can better control pancreatic cancer. About 50 people with resectable pancreatic cancer will receive either proton or photon radiation along with capecitabine and hydroxychloroquine. The study aims to see if this combination improves progression-free survival and increases the chance of a complete response at surgery.
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 capecitabine and proton or photon radiation therapy
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this combination could improve control of pancreatic cancer before surgery, potentially extending the time without the disease progressing.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early-phase trial with a small number of participants, so results may not apply broadly. The added drug may increase side effects without improving outcomes.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States
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