Could a common sedative boost survival after cancer surgery in seniors?
NCT ID NCT03012971
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
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.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
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.
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 SURGERY are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
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