New drug targets DNA repair to fight Hard-to-Treat blood cancers

NCT ID NCT03770429

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-phase trial is testing a drug called AZD6738 in 52 people with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) whose disease got worse after standard therapy. The drug works by blocking a DNA repair pathway that cancer cells rely on, causing them to die while sparing healthy cells. The main goal is to check safety and find the right dose, with a secondary look at whether it can shrink or control the cancer.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

AZD6738 (a drug that blocks a DNA repair pathway to kill cancer cells)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for people with MDS or CMML whose disease has stopped responding to standard therapy.

What could go wrong

This is a very early (Phase 1) trial with only 52 participants, so it's mainly checking safety. It may not prove effective, and side effects are unknown.

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.

chronic myelomonocytic leukemia leukemia myelodysplastic syndrome Myelodysplastic Syndromes

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • BIDMC

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

  • Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

  • Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center

    Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States

  • Washington University

    St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States