Could a common arthritis drug hold off a rare blood cancer?

NCT ID NCT05014646

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing whether leflunomide, a drug used for arthritis, can delay the onset of multiple myeloma in 27 people with high-risk smoldering multiple myeloma. The study includes both African-American and European-American participants to see if the drug works differently across these groups. Researchers are tracking how many patients progress to active myeloma and any side effects.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Leflunomide

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a way to delay or prevent the progression of smoldering multiple myeloma to active disease.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 27 participants, so results may not apply widely. Leflunomide also has known side effects like liver issues and immune suppression.

Disclaimer Read more

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 SMOLDERING PLASMA CELL MYELOMA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Smoldering Multiple Myeloma smoldering plasma cell myeloma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Atrium Health University City/LCI-University

    Charlotte, North Carolina, 28204, United States

  • City of Hope Medical Center

    Duarte, California, 91010, United States

  • Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

    New York, New York, 10065, United States

  • Wayne State University/Karmanos Cancer Institute

    Detroit, Michigan, 48201, United States