New combo offers hope for patients with inoperable abdominal cancers

This study tested a combination of two drugs—nilotinib pills and paclitaxel given through a vein and directly into the abdomen—in 21 adults with cancers that had spread to the lining of the belly and could not be surgically removed. The goal was to shrink the tumors enough to allow surgery. Participants received treatment in 3-week cycles for up to 6 cycles, with the option to continue some drugs for a year. The study measured how many people became eligible for surgery after treatment.