Cancer drug shows promise for Parkinson's in small trial

NCT ID NCT02954978

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Georgetown University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

Parkinson disease

As listed by the trial registrant

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

PARKINSON DISEASE PARKINSONS DISEASE WITH DEMENTIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

MedStar Georgetown University Hospital

Washington D.C., District of Columbia, 20007, United States

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