Could a common sedative boost survival after cancer surgery in seniors?

NCT ID NCT03012971

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Peking University First Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 3 times

Summary

This study looked at whether adding dexmedetomidine to standard morphine pain relief after cancer surgery helps elderly patients (65-90 years) live longer. 1,500 participants were randomly assigned to receive either morphine alone or morphine plus dexmedetomidine for three days after surgery. The goal was to see if the combination improves overall survival and reduces cancer recurrence by easing stress and inflammation.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: dexmedetomidine
What this could lead to: If it works, this could improve survival and reduce cancer recurrence in elderly patients after surgery.
What could go wrong: This is a completed trial, but results may not show a clear benefit. The effect on survival is uncertain and may not apply to all cancer types.

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.

agnosia cancer pain agnosia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANALGESIA DEXMEDETOMIDINE ELDERLY LONG-TERM OUTCOME SURGERY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University

Baoding, Hebei, 050031, China
Chongqing University Fuling Hospital

Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality, 408099, China
Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital , China, Contact:

Guiyang, Guizhou, 550002, China
Peking University First Hospital

Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100034, China
Peking University International Hospital , , China, Contact:

Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 102206, China
Qingdao Municipal Hospital , , China, Contact:

Qingdao, Shandong, 266011, China
Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital , China, Contact:

Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030013, China
The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University

Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
The Third Central Hospital of Tianjin

Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality, 300170, China
The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University

Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China
Tianjin Hospital of ITCWM-Nankai Hospital

Tianjin, Tianjin Municipality, 300100, China
Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences

Beijing, Beijing Municipality, 100091, China

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