New cocktail of old drugs shows promise for tough blood cancers

NCT ID NCT01515527

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This Phase 2 trial tests whether combining cladribine, low-dose cytarabine, and decitabine can help control acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). About 160 older adults (60+) who haven't had prior intensive treatment will receive the drugs in cycles. The main goal is to see how long patients stay free of disease progression.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: cladribine, cytarabine, and decitabine
What this could lead to: If this works, it could offer a new combination therapy to help control acute myeloid leukemia or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome, potentially improving disease-free survival.
What could go wrong: This is a Phase 2 study with only 160 participants, so results are preliminary. The drugs have known side effects, and the combination may not work better than existing treatments.

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.

acute myeloid leukemia leukemia myelodysplastic syndrome Myelodysplastic Syndromes

As listed by the trial registrant

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

LEUKEMIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center
RECRUITING

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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