Investigating the effects of itraconazole on esophageal cancer treatment outcomes.
Official title: A Phase II Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Itraconazole on Pathologic Complete Response Rates in Resectable Esophageal Cancer
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11073022 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the antifungal medicine itraconazole might help veterans with localized esophageal cancer who are getting chemotherapy and surgery, by potentially improving their chances of a complete response to treatment and better survival.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002349-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073022 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans diagnosed with resectable esophageal cancer who are scheduled to undergo chemoradiation and surgery.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with metastatic esophageal cancer or those not eligible for surgery may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on patients with localized esophageal cancer, particularly veterans, who are undergoing chemoradiation and surgery. It aims to evaluate the impact of itraconazole, an antifungal medication, on improving the rates of pathologic complete response, which is a significant indicator of better survival outcomes. Patients will receive itraconazole for eight weeks during their treatment regimen, with the goal of inhibiting specific signaling pathways that may contribute to treatment resistance. The study builds on previous findings that suggest itraconazole can effectively target these pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve survival rates for patients with localized esophageal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with itraconazole in inhibiting cancer cell growth, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, David H — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Wang, David H
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.