Painkiller methadone joins chemo in fight against hard-to-treat colon cancer

NCT ID NCT05212012

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-phase trial tests whether adding the painkiller D,L-methadone to standard chemotherapy (mFOLFOX6) can help control advanced colorectal cancer that has stopped responding to other treatments. The study has two parts: first, finding a safe dose of methadone; second, comparing disease control at 12 weeks between the combination and chemo alone. Only 11 participants are enrolled, so results are very preliminary.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

D,L-methadone (a painkiller) plus mFOLFOX6 (a chemotherapy combination)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a new treatment option for people with advanced colorectal cancer that has stopped responding to standard therapies.

What could go wrong

This is a very early, small trial (only 11 participants) testing safety and dosing. It may not show meaningful benefit, and methadone has risks like addiction and breathing problems.

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

colorectal carcinoma colorectal neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Stauferklinikum Schwäbisch Gmünd

    Mutlangen, 73557, Germany

  • Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf - II. Med.

    Hamburg, 20246, Germany

  • Universitätsklinikum Ulm - Innere Med. I

    Ulm, 89081, Germany