Could hormone drugs replace hernia surgery?

NCT ID NCT07604272

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-stage trial tests whether anti-estrogen drugs (fulvestrant or anastrozole) can shrink inguinal hernias in men aged 50 and older. Thirty men with a symptomatic hernia will receive one of the drugs for 6 months. The main goal is to check safety and see if the hernia gets smaller on ultrasound.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Fulvestrant and anastrozole (anti-estrogen drugs)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a non-surgical way to treat inguinal hernias in older men.

What could go wrong

This is a very early Phase 1 trial with only 30 men, so it may not show any benefit. The drugs can cause side effects like bone loss or hormone changes.

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.

Fibrosis Gangrene Hernia hernia, double inguinal Hernia, Inguinal

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Northwestern Memorial Hospital

    RECRUITING

    Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••