New drug cocktail shows promise in Hard-to-Treat biliary cancers

NCT ID NCT02151084

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

Summary

This phase II trial tests whether adding the targeted drug selumetinib to standard chemotherapy (cisplatin and gemcitabine) works better than chemotherapy alone for advanced biliary tract or gallbladder cancer. The study enrolls 57 adults who have not had prior treatment. Researchers are measuring tumor shrinkage, survival, and side effects.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Selumetinib (a targeted cancer drug) combined with cisplatin and gemcitabine (standard chemotherapy)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could lead to a new treatment option that slows tumor growth and improves survival for people with advanced biliary cancer.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial (Phase II) with only 57 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Adding selumetinib may also increase side effects like fatigue or liver issues.

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.

bile duct carcinoma biliary tract cancer gallbladder cancer gallbladder carcinoma gallbladder neoplasm Recurrence

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

    Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2M9, Canada