Using Tranilast to Enhance Radiation Treatment for Recurrent Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma

Application of Tranilast as a Radiosensitizer in the Treatment of Radiotherapy Resistant Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: a Phase II Clinical Study

PHASE2 · Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University · NCT05626829

This study is testing if adding the allergy medication Tranilast can make radiation treatment work better for people with recurrent nasopharyngeal cancer.

Quick facts

PhasePHASE2
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment18 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorNanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT05626829 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the use of Tranilast, an anti-allergic medication, as a radiosensitizer to improve the effectiveness of radiotherapy in patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The study aims to enroll patients who have previously undergone standard radical radiotherapy and chemotherapy but are experiencing recurrence. By inhibiting tumor-related fibroblasts, Tranilast may reduce resistance to radiation therapy, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes. The trial will assess the safety and efficacy of Tranilast in this specific patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma who have previously received standard treatment and are not candidates for surgery.

Not a fit: Patients who are unable to take oral medication or have known allergies to Tranilast may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve survival rates for patients with recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promising results using radiosensitizers in cancer treatment, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Sign informed consent
2. At least 18 years old on the date of signing the informed consent
3. Previously received standard radical radiotherapy and chemotherapy
4. Recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma in situ or cervical lymph nodes confirmed by pathological biopsy and imaging examination
5. After multidisciplinary consultation, there was a clear indication for surgery, and the patient was informed and refused to accept surgical treatment 6)ECOG PS:0/1

7) Laboratory examination confirmed good organ function, which should be carried out within 10 days before the first treatment.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. After evaluation, it does not meet the indications of re-radiotherapy
2. unable to take oral medication
3. Pregnancy or lactation
4. Known allergy to Tranilast
5. Patients who are judged by the researcher as unsuitable to participate in this trial

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

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: Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Recurrent Cancer

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.