Cholesterol drug shows promise in early leukemia trial

NCT ID NCT04512105

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

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This early-phase trial tested adding the cholesterol drug pitavastatin to the standard leukemia medicine venetoclax in 6 people with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The main goal was to find a safe dose and check for side effects. Researchers also looked at how many patients achieved complete remission.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: pitavastatin and venetoclax
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new combination treatment for certain leukemias.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small phase 1 trial with only 6 participants. It primarily tests safety and dosing, not effectiveness. The combination may not work or could 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.

acute myeloid leukemia B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia Recurrence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ACUTE MYELOID LEUKEMIA AML, ADULT CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA CLL CLL, REFRACTORY CLL, RELAPSED

Contacts and locations

Locations

Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine

Orange, California, 92868, United States

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