Cancer drug shows promise for Parkinson's in small trial
NCT ID NCT02954978
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This Phase 2 study tested whether low doses of nilotinib, a drug already approved for leukemia, are safe and affect brain markers in 75 people with Parkinson's disease. Participants took either a placebo or one of two low doses of nilotinib daily for 12 months. The goal was to see if the drug could help clear harmful proteins linked to Parkinson's, but the study focused on safety and biological changes, not on improving symptoms.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
Nilotinib (Tasigna), a cancer drug used at low doses
What this could lead to
If successful, this could point toward a new way to slow Parkinson's progression by clearing toxic proteins in the brain.
What could go wrong
This is an early Phase 2 trial with only 75 people, focused on safety and biomarkers, not on curing symptoms. Nilotinib has known side effects, and low doses may not work as hoped.
Disclaimer
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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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MedStar Georgetown University Hospital
Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20007, United States