New radiation combo for nasal cancer: proton vs. photon in major trial

NCT ID NCT06846450

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Lin Kong, MD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This phase 3 trial is testing whether proton radiation therapy plus carbon ion therapy works as well as standard photon radiation plus carbon ion for newly diagnosed nasopharyngeal carcinoma. About 470 participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two radiation types. The study aims to see if the newer proton approach can match the standard in controlling cancer while possibly causing fewer side effects.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: radiation therapy (proton or photon) plus carbon ion radiation therapy
What this could lead to: If successful, this could show that proton radiation plus carbon ion therapy is as effective as standard photon therapy but with fewer side effects for people with nasopharyngeal cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a non-inferiority trial, so it may only confirm that proton therapy is not worse than photon therapy, not necessarily better. Side effects from radiation, including carbon ion therapy, can still be significant.

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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.

NASOPHARYNGEAL CANCINOMA (NPC)

Contacts and locations

Locations

Shanghai Proton and Heavy Ion Center
RECRUITING

Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, 201321, China

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