Could a constipation drug help fight colorectal cancer?
NCT ID NCT03796884
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 2 times
Summary
This Phase 2 trial is testing whether linaclotide, a drug currently used for constipation, can slow or prevent colorectal cancer growth. About 150 people with colorectal polyps or early-stage cancer will take the drug or a placebo before surgery. Researchers will measure changes in cell signals and tumor markers to see if the drug has a biological effect.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- linaclotide
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a new way to slow or prevent colorectal cancer growth using a drug already approved for other conditions.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early Phase 2 trial with only 150 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drug may not show enough effect on tumor markers to justify larger studies.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Fox Chase Cancer Center
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19111, United States
-
Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19126, United States
-
VA Puget Sound Health Care Sysem
Seattle, Washington, 98108, United States
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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- Can a new blood test spot colorectal cancer return earlier?
- A simple blood draw could spot colorectal cancer early
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- Can a new access tool make polyp removal faster and safer?