New drug combo tested for tough childhood leukemia

NCT ID NCT04996160

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

Summary

This early-phase study tested whether adding the targeted drug palbociclib to standard chemotherapy is safe for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia that has returned or not responded to treatment. Only 2 children took part, and the main goal was to find the highest tolerable dose and understand side effects. The study is now complete, but results are not yet widely available.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Palbociclib (a targeted cancer drug) combined with chemotherapy drugs (dexamethasone, bortezomib, doxorubicin)

What this could lead to

If this works, it could point toward a new treatment option for children with leukemia that has come back or not responded to standard therapy.

What could go wrong

This was a very early, tiny study (only 2 participants) focused on safety, not effectiveness. The combination may cause significant side effects, and results may not apply to other patients.

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for REFRACTORY ACUTE LYMPHOBLASTIC LEUKEMIA are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

acute lymphoblastic leukemia childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma refractory precursor T-lymphoblastic lymphoma/leukemia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford

    Stanford, California, 94304, United States