Diabetes drug plus chemo shows promise in early cancer trial

NCT ID NCT02133625

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-phase trial tested the safety of combining pioglitazone (a diabetes drug) with carboplatin (a chemotherapy) in 14 people with advanced solid tumors that could not be cured with standard treatments. The goal was to find the best dose and see if the combination is safe. Researchers also looked for early signs of anti-tumor activity.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: pioglitazone and carboplatin
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a new combination treatment for advanced solid tumors that are not curable with standard therapies.
What could go wrong: This is a very early phase 1 trial with only 14 participants, focused on safety and dosing. It is too small to prove effectiveness, and the combination may not work or may cause unexpected side effects.

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.

metastatic malignant neoplasm neoplasm Neoplasm Metastasis

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ADVANCED SOLID TUMOR METASTATIC SOLID TUMOR

Contacts and locations

Locations

Brigham and Women's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

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