Old arthritis drug paired with immune suppressant shows promise against tough lung cancers

NCT ID NCT01737502

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tested two drugs—auranofin (originally for arthritis) and sirolimus (an immune suppressant)—in 29 people with advanced or recurrent lung cancer who had no standard options left. The goal was to find the safest dose and see if the combination could slow cancer growth. The trial is now complete, but results are not yet widely available.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
auranofin and sirolimus
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for advanced lung cancer patients who have run out of standard therapies.
What could go wrong
This was a small, early-phase trial with only 29 participants, so results may not apply to all patients. The combination may cause significant side effects and may not effectively control the cancer.

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

Locations

  • Mayo Clinic

    Jacksonville, Florida, 32224, United States

  • Mayo Clinic in Arizona

    Scottsdale, Arizona, 85259, United States

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