💬In plain words
What the trial is, and whether it could suit you
This phase III trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of induction chemotherapy combined with serplulimab (induction/maintenance therapy) with omission of concurrent chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC).
Sign in to get the eligibility rules as simple questions to take to your doctor.
📋 Eligibility rules (as published)
Inclusion Criteria:
1. Age at diagnosis: 18-65 years;
2. Pathologically confirmed treatment-naïve nasopharyngeal carcinoma of "non-keratinizing type (WHO classification)";
3. Locoregionally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma staged per the 9th edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system: Stage II (T1-3N2), Stage III(T1-4N3 or T4N1-2);
4. ECOG performance status: 0-1;
5. Post-induction therapy requirements:
Radiological assessment showing ≥50% tumor regression (RECIST 1.1) Undetectable plasma EBV DNA levels;
6. Adequate bone marrow function:
White blood cell count \>4×10⁹/L Hemoglobin \>90 g/L Platelet count \>100×10⁹/L;
7. Normal hepatic/renal function:
Total bilirubin ≤1.5×upper limit of normal (ULN) AST/ALT ≤2.5×ULN Alkaline phosphatase ≤2.5×ULN Creatinine clearance ≥60 mL/min;
8. Normal results for:
Thyroid function tests Amylase and lipase Pituitary function Inflammatory/infection markers Cardiac enzymes Electrocardiogram
Additional requirements:
Pulmonary function tests for smokers \>50 years Cardiac ultrasound + myocardial function tests for patients with ECG abnormalities or cardiovascular history (unless meeting exclusion criterion (8));
9. Signed informed consent with willingness/compliance to follow study schedules for treatment, follow-up, and laboratory tests;
10. For women of childbearing potential: Agreement to use reliable contraception (e.g., condoms, prescribed oral contraceptives) from screening until 1 year post-treatment.
Exclusion Criteria:
1. Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Infection:
HBsAg-positive with HBV DNA \>1×10³ copies/mL (patients with controlled viremia \[\<1×10³ copies/mL\] after antiviral therapy are eligible).
2. Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Infection: Anti-HCV antibody-positive.
3. HIV/AIDS: Anti-HIV antibody-positive or diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).
4. Active Tuberculosis (TB): History of active TB within the past year (regardless of treatment status). Exception: Patients with adequately treated past TB (confirmed by standard anti-TB therapy) may be enrolled if \>1 year since completion of treatment.
5. Active Autoimmune Diseases:Known or suspected autoimmune disorders (e.g., uveitis, colitis, hepatitis, hypophysitis, nephritis, vasculitis, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or asthma requiring bronchodilators).
Exceptions:
Type 1 diabetes mellitus Hypothyroidism managed with hormone replacement Skin conditions not requiring systemic therapy (e.g., vitiligo, psoriasis, alopecia).
6. Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD):
History of ILD or pneumonitis requiring oral/IV steroids within the past year.
7. Immunosuppressive Therapy:
Chronic systemic corticosteroids (≥10 mg prednisone equivalent/day) or other immunosuppressants within 4 weeks prior to enrollment. Inhaled/topical steroids are permitted.
8. Uncontrolled Cardiac Disease: Heart failure (NYHA class ≥2), Unstable angina, Myocardial infarction within the past year, Clinically significant arrhythmias requiring treatment.
9. Pregnancy/Lactation: Pregnant or breastfeeding women (urine/blood pregnancy test required for women of childbearing potential).
10. Concurrent Malignancies:
History of other malignancies except:
Adequately treated non-melanoma skin cancer, Carcinoma in situ of the cervix, Papillary thyroid carcinoma.
11. Hypersensitivity: Known allergy to any component of the study drugs or excipients.
12. Active Infections:
Systemic infections requiring treatment within 1 week prior to enrollment.
Live Vaccines:
13. Administration of live vaccines within 30 days before the first immunotherapy dose.
14. Organ Transplantation: History of allogeneic organ transplantation.
15. Other High-Risk Conditions:
Any condition that may compromise patient safety or compliance per investigator assessment (e.g., severe psychiatric disorders, life-threatening comorbidities, or social/familial risk factors).