Using HCQ before treatment for advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Pretreatment With HCQ Before Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy in Advanced NPC Patients

Not applicable Interventional Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University · NCT06389201

This study is testing if giving hydroxychloroquine to patients with advanced nasopharyngeal cancer before their treatment can help prevent cancer from coming back.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorAffiliated Hospital of Nantong University Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Nantong, Jiangsu)
Trial IDNCT06389201 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of pretreating advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) before they undergo radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The focus is on understanding how HCQ can inhibit the formation of dormant polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs), which are linked to cancer recurrence and metastasis. By analyzing the biological properties of PGCCs and their response to treatment, the study aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce the risk of cancer returning after initial therapy. The research utilizes a clinical model to assess the impact of HCQ on PGCC formation and overall survival rates in NPC patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients clinically diagnosed with nasopharyngeal carcinoma who have not yet received any cancer therapies.

Not a fit: Patients with metastatic disease prior to the first treatment will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the risk of cancer recurrence and improve survival rates for patients with advanced NPC.

How similar studies have performed: While the concept of targeting dormant cancer cells is gaining traction, this specific approach using HCQ in NPC is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Clinical diagnosis of NPC.
* Have not received any cancer therapies
* Must provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* With metastasis before the first treatment.

Where this trial is running

Nantong, Jiangsu

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.
Conditions Nasopharyngeal Carcinomaautophagytumor dormancynasopharyngeal carcinomarecurrencemetastasis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.