Can a malaria drug help wipe out breast Cancer's hidden seeds?
NCT ID NCT04523857
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This phase II trial tests whether two oral drugs, abemaciclib (a targeted cancer therapy) and hydroxychloroquine (an older malaria drug), can eliminate leftover cancer cells hiding in the bone marrow of breast cancer patients. About 44 people with a history of breast cancer and detectable residual cells will take one or both pills twice daily for six cycles. The goal is to see if the combination is safe and can clear these cells, which may lower the chance of the cancer returning.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- abemaciclib (Verzenio) and hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil)
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could show a way to clear leftover cancer cells in the bone marrow, potentially reducing the risk of breast cancer recurrence.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-phase trial with only 44 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The combination of drugs may cause side effects, and it's not yet known if clearing these cells will actually prevent cancer from coming back.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Study contacts
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Contact
Email: •••••@•••••
Locations
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Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania
RECRUITINGPhiladelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
Contact Email: •••••@•••••
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