Can a common steroid ease cancer symptoms? new trial investigates

NCT ID NCT00489307

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether dexamethasone, a steroid, can help control fatigue, pain, nausea, and other symptoms in 132 adults with advanced solid tumors. Participants take the drug or a placebo by mouth twice daily for 14 days. The main goal is to see if symptoms improve, measured by a fatigue questionnaire.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Dexamethasone (a steroid drug)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide a short-term option to reduce common symptoms like fatigue and pain in people with advanced cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 132 participants. Results may not apply to all cancer types, and dexamethasone can have side effects like increased appetite or mood changes.

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.

Anorexia cancer Fatigue Nausea Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

SOLID TUMORS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Lyndon Baines Johnson Hospital

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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