New drug combo targets Hard-to-Treat nasopharyngeal cancer

NCT ID NCT04825990

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing whether combining pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy) with olaparib (a PARP inhibitor) can shrink tumors in people with nasopharyngeal cancer that has become resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy. The study plans to enroll 30 adults whose cancer has progressed within 6 months of platinum treatment. Participants receive both drugs until the cancer worsens, side effects become too severe, or up to 2 years of treatment.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

pembrolizumab and olaparib

What this could lead to

If it works, this combination could offer a new treatment option for people with nasopharyngeal cancer that has stopped responding to platinum-based chemotherapy.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 30 participants. The combination may not improve outcomes and could cause significant side effects from the immune system and DNA repair inhibition.

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.

nasopharyngeal carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Asst Degli Spedali Civili Di Brescia

    Brescia, Brescia, 25123, Italy