Could a common antifungal pill fight brain tumors?

NCT ID NCT04825275

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early-phase trial tested whether posaconazole, a drug used for fungal infections, can reach brain tumors in high enough amounts to stop cancer cells from dividing. Seven adults with glioblastoma took the drug before surgery, and researchers measured drug levels in their spinal fluid and tumor tissue. The study was terminated early, so its findings are limited, but it aimed to see if further research into posaconazole as a brain cancer treatment is worthwhile.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

posaconazole (Noxafil), an antifungal drug

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward repurposing posaconazole as a treatment for glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer with few options.

What could go wrong

This was a very early (phase 0) and small trial (7 people) that was terminated, so results are limited. It only tested whether the drug reaches the tumor, not if it actually helps patients.

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.

adult glioblastoma brain cancer brain glioblastoma glioblastoma glioma susceptibility 1

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Penn State Milton S Hershey Medical Center

    Hershey, Pennsylvania, 17033, United States