Can a common steroid ease cancer symptoms? new trial investigates

NCT ID NCT00489307

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.

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for SOLID TUMORS are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

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.

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