Could a depression drug fight prostate cancer?
NCT ID NCT02217709
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This phase 2 trial tested phenelzine sulfate (Nardil), an antidepressant, in 26 men with prostate cancer that returned after initial treatment but hadn't spread. The goal was to see if the drug could lower PSA levels, a marker of cancer activity. Researchers measured how many patients had a 50% or 30% drop in PSA after 12 weeks of treatment.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
phenelzine sulfate (Nardil), an antidepressant drug
What this could lead to
If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for men with recurrent prostate cancer that hasn't spread.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-phase trial with only 26 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The drug is an antidepressant, and its cancer-fighting effects are uncertain.
Disclaimer
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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.
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.
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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Keck Medical Center of USC Pasadena
Pasadena, California, 91105, United States
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Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center
Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States
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USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center
Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States
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USC Norris Westside Cancer Center
Beverly Hills, California, 90211, United States