Can a common muscle relaxant make radiation deadlier for rectal cancer?
NCT ID NCT06834126
First seen Jul 22, 2026 · Last updated Jul 23, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This early-stage trial tests whether adding the drug papaverine to standard radiation therapy can safely improve treatment for locally advanced rectal cancer. Papaverine may help by reducing oxygen starvation inside tumors, which often makes radiation less effective. The study enrolls about 36 adults with stage II or III rectal cancer to find the best dose and check for side effects.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- papaverine combined with radiation therapy
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could point toward a way to boost radiation's ability to kill rectal cancer cells, potentially improving outcomes without more aggressive surgery or chemotherapy.
- What could go wrong
- This is an early phase 1 trial with only 36 participants, focused on safety and dosing. It is too small to prove effectiveness, and papaverine may cause side effects or fail to improve radiation response.
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
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Locations
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City of Hope Medical Center
RECRUITINGDuarte, California, 91010, United States
Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••
Contact
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