Could less radiation be better for nasopharyngeal cancer patients?
NCT ID NCT04384627
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase 3 trial tests whether using smaller radiation targets after initial chemotherapy can control advanced nasopharyngeal cancer just as well as standard larger targets, while reducing side effects. About 445 patients with stage III-IVa disease are enrolled. The study compares relapse-free survival and quality of life between the two approaches.
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 with reduced target volume
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could allow doctors to use smaller radiation fields after chemotherapy, reducing long-term side effects while still controlling the cancer.
- What could go wrong
- This is a non-inferiority trial, so the smaller volume might prove slightly less effective at preventing recurrence. Long-term results are still being collected.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Phase 3
Large-scale testing in a bigger group. Usually the last step before a treatment can be approved.
- Participants
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445 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Dec 2019
- Expected to finish
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Oct 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
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Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 to 70 years
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
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Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * histologic confirmation of nonkeratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma; no previous treatment for cancer; nondistant metastatic, newly diagnosed stage III to IVa disease that was staged according to the American Joint Committee on Cancer-Union for International Cancer Control 8th edition stage-classification system; a Karnofsky performance-status score of at least 70 (on a scale from 0 to 100, with lower scores indicating greater disability); planned to receive 3 cycles of Induction Chemotherapy (regimens included docetaxel and cisplatin; docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil; and gemcitabine and cisplatin); and adequate hematologic, renal, and hepatic function. Exclusion Criteria: * younger than 18 years or elder than 70 years; receipt of treatment with palliative intent; a history of cancer; receipt of previous treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or surgery \[except diagnostic procedures\]) to the nasopharynx or neck; lactation or pregnancy; or severe coexisting illness; had disease progress after IC
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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
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First People's Hospital of Foshan, Foshan
Foshan, China
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People's Hospital of Zhongshan City
Zhongshan, China
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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