Could a $4 heart pill beat a cancer? new trial tests propranolol for kaposi sarcoma

NCT ID NCT06445166

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: Washington University School of Medicine Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This phase II trial tests whether propranolol, a cheap and widely available blood pressure medicine, can shrink Kaposi sarcoma tumors in adults. The study enrolls 25 people with measurable lesions, including those with HIV. Researchers hope for a 45% response rate with fewer side effects than standard treatments.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: propranolol (a blood pressure medicine)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a safe, affordable oral treatment for Kaposi sarcoma, especially in areas with limited access to other therapies.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial with only 25 participants. Propranolol may not shrink tumors effectively, and side effects like low blood pressure or fatigue could occur.

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.

Kaposi's sarcoma sarcoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

KAPOSI SARCOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Washington University School of Medicine
RECRUITING

St Louis, Missouri, 63110, United States

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