Herbal hope: new capsule aims to ease Opioid-Induced constipation in cancer patients

NCT ID NCT07534995

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

Summary

This study tests a traditional Chinese medicine capsule, Shouhui Tongbian, to see if it can relieve constipation caused by opioid painkillers in cancer patients. About 270 adults with stable cancer and opioid-induced constipation will take either the capsule or a standard laxative (lactulose) for several weeks. The goal is to improve bowel movement frequency and quality of life, while also checking safety and exploring how the capsule affects gut bacteria.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Shouhui Tongbian Capsule (a traditional Chinese medicine)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could provide a new option to relieve constipation caused by opioid painkillers in cancer patients, improving their comfort and daily life.

What could go wrong

This is an early-stage Phase 3 trial with only 270 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The capsule is a traditional Chinese medicine, and its effectiveness and safety compared to standard treatments like lactulose are not yet proven.

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.

opioid-induced constipation

As listed by the trial registrant

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

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.