Could a muscle relaxant help fight lung cancer? scientists test papaverine with standard therapy

NCT ID NCT05136846

First seen Jun 30, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial investigates whether adding papaverine—a drug traditionally used as a muscle relaxant—to standard chemoradiation can improve treatment for people with stage II to III non-small cell lung cancer. Papaverine targets the energy factories inside cancer cells (mitochondria) to slow their growth. The study aims to find the safest dose and check for early signs of tumor control.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

papaverine

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new way to treat lung cancer by targeting cancer cell energy production.

What could go wrong

This is an early phase 1 trial with only 28 participants, so it is primarily testing safety and dosing. The combination may not improve outcomes or could cause unexpected side effects.

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.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

lung cancer lung neoplasm non-small cell lung carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • City of Hope

    RECRUITING

    Duarte, California, 91010, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact

  • Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

    RECRUITING

    Columbus, Ohio, 43210, United States

    Contact

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••