Can a mood stabilizer help fight colorectal cancer?

NCT ID NCT06714357

Recruiting now Disease control Sponsor: National Cancer Institute, Naples Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether adding valproic acid (a drug used for epilepsy) to a repeat course of anti-EGFR therapy (irinotecan and panitumumab) can improve outcomes for people with a specific type of metastatic colorectal cancer (RAS/BRAF wild-type). The study will enroll 130 participants whose cancer has progressed after prior treatment. The main goal is to see if the combination delays cancer growth for at least 16 weeks.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: valproic acid combined with irinotecan and panitumumab
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new treatment option for people with metastatic colorectal cancer whose tumors have stopped responding to standard therapies.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial (130 people) and the combination may not improve outcomes. Valproic acid 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.

COLORECTAL CANCER METASTATIC

Contacts and locations

Locations

AORN San Giuseppe Moscati Avellino
ACTIVE_NOT_RECRUITING

Avellino, Italy, Italy
AORN Sant'Anna e San Sebastiano
RECRUITING

Caserta, CE, Italy
Azienda Sanitaria Universitaria Friuli Centrale
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Udine, Italy, Italy
Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale
RECRUITING

Naples, Napoli, 80131, Italy
Ospedale Civile San Giovanni di Dio
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Frattamaggiore, Napoli, Italy
Pia Fondazione Di Culto E Religione Card G Panico
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Tricase, Lecce, Italy
Presidio Ospedaliero "Santa Maria delle Grazie"
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Pozzuoli, PZ, Italy
Università degli studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli
RECRUITING

Naples, Italia, Italy

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