Cancer drug may tame sickle cell pain, early study hints
NCT ID NCT03997903
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This small pilot study tested whether imatinib, a drug used for certain cancers, could reduce painful blockages in blood vessels (vaso-occlusive crises) in people with sickle cell anemia. Seven participants aged 18–25 took the drug for 6 months while researchers measured changes in red blood cell health and pain episodes. The study was terminated early, so results are limited.
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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
Locations
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Cincinnati Children's Hospital
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States
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Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
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