New hope for agitated cancer patients: drug combo tested to ease delirium

NCT ID NCT05431595

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests four treatments—haloperidol, chlorpromazine, valproic acid, and a placebo—given through an IV to help calm agitated delirium in hospitalized cancer patients. The goal is to find which option works best to reduce distress and improve comfort. About 42 adults with advanced cancer and delirium will take part.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Haloperidol, chlorpromazine, valproic acid, or placebo given intravenously
What this could lead to: If successful, this could provide better options to calm agitation and relieve suffering in cancer patients with delirium.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 42 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The drugs can have side effects like drowsiness or movement problems.

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.

cancer delirium epilepsy

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DELIRIUM EPILEPTICS NEUROLEPTICS

Contacts and locations

Locations

MD Anderson Cancer Center
RECRUITING

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States

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