Dexamethasone for Advanced Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The goal of this clinical research study is to learn if dexamethasone can help to control symptoms such as fatigue, pain, nausea, weight loss, loss of appetite, sleep problems, and/or depression in patients with advanced cancer.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop all current medications, but you cannot participate if you are currently taking Megestrol and haven't stopped it for more than 7 days. Also, you cannot be on oral corticosteroids for more than 7 days before joining the study.
Is dexamethasone generally safe for humans?
Dexamethasone is used in various treatments, but it can cause side effects like neuro-psychiatric issues (mental health problems) and myopathy (muscle weakness), especially in children with leukemia. It is generally well-tolerated in combination with other drugs for multiple myeloma, but its safety can vary depending on the condition and patient.12345
How is the drug Dexamethasone unique in treating advanced cancer?
Dexamethasone is unique in treating advanced cancer because it is a corticosteroid that not only helps manage cancer pain and side effects like nausea but also has the potential to enhance the effectiveness of other cancer treatments, such as docetaxel, by reducing inflammation and inhibiting tumor growth.678910
What data supports the effectiveness of the drug Dexamethasone for advanced cancer?
Dexamethasone is commonly used in advanced cancer patients to help with symptoms like appetite loss, nausea, and fatigue, with positive effects seen within the first week and lasting beyond four weeks. It is also used in combination with other treatments, like docetaxel, to enhance their effectiveness in certain cancers, such as prostate cancer.2691011
Who Is on the Research Team?
Sriram Yennurajalingam, MD
Principal Investigator
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with advanced cancer experiencing at least three symptoms like pain, fatigue, or nausea. They must have a life expectancy of 30 days or more and not be candidates for aggressive cancer therapy. People with allergies to Dexamethasone, anemia, HIV, diabetes, recent major surgery, ongoing infections or those on certain medications are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive either dexamethasone or placebo for 14 days, followed by dexamethasone for another 14 days with dose tapering
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and toxicity after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Dexamethasone
- Placebo
Dexamethasone is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada, Japan for the following indications:
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
M.D. Anderson Cancer Center
Lead Sponsor
American Cancer Society, Inc.
Collaborator