Could a cancer drug tame sickle cell pain?

NCT ID NCT03997903

First seen Feb 01, 2026 · Last updated May 16, 2026 · Updated 16 times

Summary

This early-phase study tested the drug imatinib in 7 people with sickle cell anemia who have frequent pain crises. The goal was to see if imatinib could reduce harmful changes in red blood cells and lower the number of severe pain episodes. The study was stopped early, so results are limited, but it aimed to find a new way to manage sickle cell pain without a cure.

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Cincinnati Children's Hospital

    Cincinnati, Ohio, 45229, United States

  • Riley Hospital for Children at IU Health

    Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States

Conditions

Explore the condition pages connected to this study.