Could an antidepressant help fight colorectal cancer? early trial launches

NCT ID NCT06225011

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This phase 1 trial is testing whether fluoxetine (Prozac), a common antidepressant, can change the immune cells inside colorectal tumors. Ten patients with untreated colorectal cancer will take fluoxetine before surgery. Researchers will compare tumor samples taken before and after treatment to see if the drug alters the immune environment. This is an early, small study focused on safety and biological changes, not yet on curing the disease.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: fluoxetine (Prozac)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to use an existing antidepressant to help the immune system fight colorectal cancer.
What could go wrong: This is a very early phase 1 trial with only 10 participants. It is designed to test safety and immune changes, not whether fluoxetine actually shrinks tumors or improves survival.

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.

colorectal adenocarcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

COLORECTAL ADENOCARCINOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

UCLA / Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center
RECRUITING

Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States

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