Can a cancer drug help kidney patients get transplants faster?

NCT ID NCT05017545

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

Summary

Some people waiting for a kidney transplant have immune systems that reject most donors, leading to years of waiting. This study tests whether two drugs—carfilzomib (used for multiple myeloma) and belatacept (an immune-suppressing drug)—can reduce that sensitivity. About 21 participants will receive the drugs and be monitored for safety and whether they become eligible for a transplant sooner.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

carfilzomib and belatacept

What this could lead to

If successful, this approach could help highly sensitized patients receive a kidney transplant sooner by lowering their immune barriers.

What could go wrong

This is an early-phase trial with only 21 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drugs also carry risks of serious infections and infusion reactions.

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.

end stage renal failure

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Duke Transplant Center, Duke University Medical Center

    Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States