Could a depression drug fight prostate cancer?

NCT ID NCT02217709

Completed Disease control Sponsor: University of Southern California Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

prostate adenocarcinoma prostate cancer

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ADENOCARCINOMA OF THE PROSTATE RECURRENT PROSTATE CANCER STAGE I PROSTATE CANCER STAGE IIA PROSTATE CANCER STAGE IIB PROSTATE CANCER STAGE III PROSTATE CANCER

Contacts and locations

Locations

Keck Medical Center of USC Pasadena

Pasadena, California, 91105, United States
Los Angeles County-USC Medical Center

Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center

Los Angeles, California, 90033, United States
USC Norris Westside Cancer Center

Beverly Hills, California, 90211, United States

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