Could a viagra drug help fight liver cancer? new trial tests unlikely combo
NCT ID NCT03785210
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This phase 2 trial tested a combination of three drugs—nivolumab (an immunotherapy), tadalafil (commonly used for erectile dysfunction), and vancomycin (an antibiotic)—in adults with liver cancer or liver metastases from colorectal or pancreatic cancers that had not responded to standard treatments. The goal was to see if the combination could shrink tumors. The study was terminated early after enrolling 22 participants, so the full results are not available.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- nivolumab (Opdivo), tadalafil (Cialis), and oral vancomycin (Vancocin)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this combination could shrink liver tumors in patients who have not responded to standard treatments.
- What could go wrong
- This early-phase trial was terminated early with only 22 participants, so results are limited. The combination may cause serious side effects and may not work for everyone.
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.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
National Institutes of Health Clinical Center
Bethesda, Maryland, 20892, United States
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