Could a mood stabilizer help fight colorectal cancer?

NCT ID NCT05694936

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Australasian Gastro-Intestinal Trials Group Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

colorectal cancer colorectal neoplasm

As listed by the trial registrant

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

METASTATIC COLORECTAL CANCER

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

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