Could a mood stabilizer help fight colorectal cancer?

NCT ID NCT05694936

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial is testing whether adding the drug sodium valproate (commonly used for seizures and mood disorders) to standard targeted therapy (panitumumab or cetuximab) can help control metastatic colorectal cancer longer. The study involves 38 adults with a specific genetic type (RAS wild type) whose cancer has spread and cannot be cured by surgery. Researchers are measuring how long the cancer stays under control and overall survival.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

sodium valproate combined with panitumumab or cetuximab

What this could lead to

If successful, this combination could extend the time patients with metastatic colorectal cancer live without their disease worsening.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 38 participants, so results may not apply broadly. The added drug, valproate, can cause side effects like drowsiness and 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.

colorectal cancer colorectal neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Austin Health

    Melbourne, Victoria, 3084, Australia

  • Eastern Health

    Box Hill, Victoria, 3128, Australia

  • Grampians Health

    Ballarat Central, Victoria, 3350, Australia

  • Peninsula Health

    Frankston, Victoria, 3199, Australia

  • Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute

    Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, Australia

  • Queen Elizabeth Hospital

    Adelaide, South Australia, 5000, Australia

  • Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital

    Herston, Queensland, 4029, Australia

  • Royal North Shore Hospital

    Saint Leonards, New South Wales, 2065, Australia

  • South West Healthcare

    Warrnambool, Victoria, 3280, Australia

  • Southern Adelaide Local Health Network Incorporated

    Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia

  • St Vincent's Hospital Sydney

    Sydney, New South Wales, 2010, Australia

  • Western Sydney Local Health District

    Westmead, New South Wales, 2145, Australia