Testing pentoxifylline and vitamin E to prevent lung injury from chemoradiation in lung cancer
Tests pentoxifylline with vitamin E to prevent lung injury in adults with lung cancer.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Pneumonitis Prevention Protocol Using Pentoxifylline and α-tocopherol In Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemoradiation
Key facts
- Where
- Toronto, CanadaSee the site
- Phase
- Phase 2
Where in Canada
- University Health Network - Princess Margaret Cancer CentreToronto, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University Health Network, Toronto
- Trial code
- NCT06634056
- Record updated
- 6 August 2026
- Original description
Currently, the standard of care treatment for newly diagnosed, inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancer is radiotherapy (RT) with concurrent chemotherapy, followed by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). RT is a highly effect local treatment. However, high doses of radiation used in curative settings can cause adverse side effects. The most common RT side effect in lung cancer is Radiation Induced Lung Injury (RILI), which can manifest as pneumonitis and/or pulmonary fibrosis. Lung injury can negatively impact patients' well-being and quality of life, and may lead to increased mortality. Risk of lung injury is particularly increased when patients are treated with a combination of treatments (i.e., RT, chemotherapy, and ICI). The drug Pentoxifylline (in combination with α-Tocopherol (Vitamin E)) has been shown to prevent/alter the progression of lung injury and there is a growing body of evidence to support the safety and efficacy of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in cancer treatment. The proposed study aims to determine if the addition of Pentoxifylline, given in combination with α-Tocopherol (Vitamin E), to standard of care treatment will reduce side effects related to lung injury and improve quality of life in this study population.Read full original descriptionShow less
Pneumonitis Prevention Protocol Using Pentoxifylline and α-tocopherol in Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemoradiation
Currently, the standard of care treatment for newly diagnosed, inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancer is radiotherapy (RT) with concurrent chemotherapy, followed by immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). RT is a highly effect local treatment. However, high doses of radiation used in curative settings can cause adverse side effects. The most common RT side effect in lung cancer is Radiation Induced Lung Injury (RILI), which can manifest as pneumonitis and/or pulmonary fibrosis. Lung injury can negatively impact patients' well-being and quality of life, and may lead to increased mortality. Risk of lung injury is particularly increased when patients are treated with a combination of treatments (i.e., RT, chemotherapy, and ICI). The drug Pentoxifylline (in combination with α-Tocopherol (Vitamin E)) has been shown to prevent/alter the progression of lung injury and there is a growing body of evidence to support the safety and efficacy of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in cancer treatment. The proposed study aims to determine if the addition of Pentoxifylline, given in combination with α-Tocopherol (Vitamin E), to standard of care treatment will reduce side effects related to lung injury and improve quality of life in this study population.
Inclusion: Female and/or male aged ≥ 18 years; Histologically confirmed diagnosis of stage III NSCLC, planned for treatment with concurrent chemoradiation and consolidation immune checkpoint inhibitor as per standard of care with no medical contraindications to therapy; Patients with ECOG performance status 0-2 within 4 weeks of randomization; Adequate liver function (no evidence of Child-Pugh class C disease or cirrhosis) as per blood work done within 30 days of registration; Adequate kidney function (Creatinine clearance > 50 mL/min) as per blood work done within 30 days of registration.
Exclusion: Participation in another clinical study with an investigational product during the last 6 months prior to registration; Patients who will have surgery as part of curative treatment; Previous radiotherapy to intended treatment volumes in the thorax; Hypersensitivity to Pentoxifylline or other xanthines such as caffeine, theophylline and theobromine or tocopherol (vitamin E); Participant has a history of acute (within 3 months) myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, or cardiac arrhythmias; Ongoing hemorrhage or major bleeding risk. Patients on antiplatelets agents and anticoagulants (Aspirin, Clopidogrel, Ticlopidine, Cilostazol, Dipyridamole, Heparin, Dalteparin, Enoxaparin and Warfarin) can be enrolled, but major bleeding events will be captured. Patients on Warfarin will need frequent monitoring of their coagulation time to adjust Warfarin dosage; Active pregnancy; Life expectancy of less than 12 months.