Recruiting

Testing a new medication combined with radiation for small cell lung cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT03467360 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated January 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a medication called acetazolamide combined with radiation therapy and chemotherapy to treat small cell lung cancer. Acetazolamide is a drug that has been used safely for other medical conditions, but has never been tested in cancer patients before. Researchers believe it may help stop cancer cells from growing and surviving by interfering with how they use energy.

Cancer cells use energy very differently from healthy cells, and this medication targets that difference. Early lab studies suggest this treatment could work better than radiation and chemotherapy alone, but this is the first time researchers are testing it in people with lung cancer.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years or older
you have been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer that has not spread to other parts of your body, or it has spread but you have already completed initial chemotherapy and immunotherapy
you are healthy enough to receive radiation therapy, as determined by your medical team
you are willing and able to give written consent to participate
you have health insurance coverage

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had previous radiation to your chest
you have severe heart or lung problems that would make radiation unsafe
you are allergic to acetazolamide or sulfonamide drugs
you have severe liver or kidney disease
you have a history of another cancer in the past 5 years (except skin cancers)

What participation looks like

If you qualify for the trial, you would receive acetazolamide (a pill) along with standard radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The trial has two groups depending on your cancer stage: one for localized cancer and one for cancer that has spread. You would be closely monitored for safety throughout your treatment, with regular checkups and scans to see how you're responding. The exact duration depends on your treatment plan, but you would be followed for at least several months.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 6, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(2 sites)

France

Centre Antoine Lacassagne, Nice

Monaco

Centre Hospitalier Princesse grace, Monte Carlo