Can two existing drugs keep eye cancer from spreading?

NCT ID NCT02068586

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether sunitinib or valproic acid can prevent uveal melanoma, a rare eye cancer, from spreading to other parts of the body in high-risk patients. 210 participants who have already had their primary tumor treated are randomly assigned to receive one of the drugs or a combination. The study tracks how long they live without the cancer returning or spreading.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

sunitinib and valproic acid

What this could lead to

If successful, this could show that taking sunitinib or valproic acid after initial treatment helps prevent uveal melanoma from spreading to other organs, potentially improving survival.

What could go wrong

This is a phase 2 trial, so results are still preliminary. The drugs may not work better than no treatment, and side effects like fatigue, nausea, or liver problems could occur.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

iris melanoma medium/large size posterior uveal melanoma small size posterior uveal melanoma uveal cancer uveal melanoma

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19107, United States