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A Phase III, randomised trial of adding nitroglycerin to first line chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer

A Phase III, randomised trial of adding nitroglycerin to first line chemotherapy to improve progression free survival in advanced non-small cell lung cancer

Status
Completed
Phases
Phase 3
Study type
Interventional
Source
ANZCTR
Registry ID
ACTRN12608000588392
Acronym
NITRO
Enrollment
372
Registered
2008-11-21
Start date
2009-05-15
Completion date
2014-04-14
Last updated
2023-06-26

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

None listed

Brief summary

This study will evaluate the efficacy of adding the drug, nitroglycerin, to first line chemotherapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer. Who is it for? You may be eligible to join this study if you are 18 years or above and have a confirmed diagnosis of stage III or IV non-small cell lung cancer. Radiotherapy should have been completed at least one week before commencing treatment in this study. Trial details Participants in this trial will be randomly (by chance) allocated to one of two groups. Both groups undergo 6 x 3 week treatment cycles of standard chemotherapy determined by their doctor. In addition, participants in group one will receive nitroglycerin administered as a 25mg patch for 12 hours each day for 2 days before, the day of, and for two days after each chemotherapy injection. Participants will undergo regular visits to the hospital and undergo CT scans prior to treatment, every six weeks during chemotherapy, and every two months after chemotherapy until the lung cancer has progressed. This will help determine which treatment is more effective in terms of progression-free survival and overall survival.

Interventions

The addition of topical Nitroglycerin (patch) to standard chemotherapy (standard chemotherapy involves a combination of cisplatin or carboplatin with one of the following drugs - vinorelbine, paclitaxel, pemetrexed or gemcitabine). Each patient's specific treatment regime will be determined by the participant's doctor. Nitroglycerin is administered as a 25mg patch for 12 hours each day for 2 days before, the day of, and for two days after each chemotherapy injection. Treatment with the chemother

The addition of topical Nitroglycerin (patch) to standard chemotherapy (standard chemotherapy involves a combination of cisplatin or carboplatin with one of the following drugs - vinorelbine, paclitaxel, pemetrexed or gemcitabine). Each patient's specific treatment regime will be determined by the participant's doctor. Nitroglycerin is administered as a 25mg patch for 12 hours each day for 2 days before, the day of, and for two days after each chemotherapy injection. Treatment with the chemotherapy and Nitroglycerin will last for 6 treatment cycles (each cycle lasts for 3 weeks)

Sponsors

University of Sydney
Lead SponsorUniversity

Study design

Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Treatment
Masking
Open (masking not used)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

Confirmed diagnosis of stage III or IV non-small cell lung cancer Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of 0, 1 or 2 Adequate bone marrow, kidney and liver function Radiotherapy completed at least 1 week before randomisation Patient is willing and able to comply with protocol requirements Patient has completed quality of life questionnaires or is unable to complete due to illiteracy, language or limited vision Female patients of childbearing potential must be willing to use adequate contraception Plan to start chemotherapy within 8 days of randomisation

Exclusion criteria

Untreated brain or meningeal metastases Life expectancy less than 3 months Any prior systemic therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer History of previous or concomitant malignancies at other sites within the last 5 years On nitrates, dihydroergotamine or phosphodiesterase inhibitors History of allergic disease or reactions likely to be exacerbated by nitroglycerin Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease Other concomitant medical problems which would limit compliance with the study procedures or expose the patient to unacceptable risk Active and uncontrolled infections

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ANZCTR · Data processed: Mar 15, 2026