Cancer drug shows promise for treating lewy body dementia

NCT ID NCT03888222

First seen Jul 10, 2026 · Last updated Jul 10, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether bosutinib, a drug currently used for leukemia, can safely treat dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB). The trial involves 30 adults aged 25–90 with DLB, who will take either bosutinib or a placebo daily for three months. Researchers will monitor side effects and measure changes in brain and spinal fluid proteins linked to the disease. The goal is to see if bosutinib can slow or modify the course of DLB, a condition with no approved treatments.

What this could mean

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

Active substance
bosutinib (a cancer drug that blocks certain proteins)
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a new treatment for dementia with Lewy bodies, a condition with no approved therapies.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial testing safety and biological effects, not yet proven to help symptoms or slow the disease. Bosutinib has known side effects including bone marrow suppression and liver issues.

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.

Lewy body dementia Lewy Body Disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

    Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20007, United States

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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.