Comparing two versus three cycles of chemotherapy for advanced nasopharyngeal cancer

Two Cycles VS Three Cycles Induction Chemotherapy Plus Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy in T1-4N2-3 Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

PHASE3 · First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University · NCT05860868

This study is testing whether two cycles of chemotherapy before radiation is just as effective as three cycles for people with advanced nasopharyngeal cancer.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE3
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment474 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorFirst Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Other (Non U.s.))
Trial IDNCT05860868 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This multi-center phase III clinical trial aims to determine if two cycles of induction chemotherapy combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy is as effective as three cycles in treating patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The study will enroll patients aged 18-65 with pathologically confirmed non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma, specifically those at stage T3-4N0-1 without distant metastasis. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either two or three cycles of chemotherapy before concurrent treatment. The goal is to assess the efficacy and safety of the shorter treatment regimen.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-65 with confirmed non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma at stage T3-4N0-1.

Not a fit: Patients seeking palliative treatment or those with other concurrent malignancies will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a less intensive chemotherapy regimen that maintains effectiveness while reducing treatment burden for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored induction chemotherapy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma, but this specific comparison of two versus three cycles is novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18-65 years old;
2. Pathologically confirmed non-keratinizing nasopharyngeal carcinoma;
3. Stage T3-4N0-1 (according to the UICC/AJCC 8th);
4. No distant metastasis;
5. Have not received anti-cancer treatment in the past;
6. ECOG (Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group of the United States): 0-1;
7. Adequate hematologic, hepatic and renal function.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. The purpose of treatment is palliative;
2. Diagnosed with other malignant tumors at the same time;
3. Malignant tumor history;
4. Pregnancy or breastfeeding, or expect to become pregnant during the clinical trial period;
5. Combined serious illness.

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Other (Non U.s.)

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.