Old drugs, new hope? early trial combines metformin, digoxin, and simvastatin for advanced cancers
NCT ID NCT03889795
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-stage trial is testing whether a combination of three widely used drugs—metformin (for diabetes), digoxin (for heart conditions), and simvastatin (for cholesterol)—can be safely given to people with advanced pancreatic cancer or other solid tumors that have stopped responding to standard treatments. The main goal is to find the safest dose and watch for side effects. Only 15 participants are enrolled, so this is a first step to see if further study is warranted.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Metformin, digoxin, and simvastatin (oral pills)
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new, low-cost combination approach for advanced cancers that have stopped responding to standard treatments.
What could go wrong
This is a very early (Phase 1) trial with only 15 people, so it is mainly checking safety and dosing. It is not designed to prove the drugs shrink tumors or extend life, and side effects are possible.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
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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.
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.
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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
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Locations
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University of Toledo, Eleanor N. Dana Cancer Center
Toledo, Ohio, 43614, United States