Not yet recruitingPHASE1INTERVENTIONAL

Study of the Safety and Usefulness of Liposomal Curcumin in Multiple Myeloma

This study is looking into a new drug called Liposomal Curcumin (LipoCurc) for individuals with multiple myeloma whose disease has either returned or hasn't responded to previous treatments. LipoCurc contains curcumin, a natural substance found in turmeric, which has shown properties in lab tests that could fight cancer. The main aim of this trial is to discover how safe LipoCurc is and to identify the highest dose that can be given without causing severe side effects. Participants will start with a low dose, and if it's safe, new participants will receive slightly higher doses until the best safe dose is found. This helps researchers understand how the body reacts to the drug and if it could potentially help treat multiple myeloma.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

PHASE1

Sponsor

University Health Network, Toronto

Enrolment target

Start

02 Mar 2026

Estimated completion

02 Mar 2028

Multiple Myeloma Refractory Multiple Myeloma in Relapse

What is this study about?

This research study is about a new drug called LipoCurc, which is being tested in people who have multiple myeloma. Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. Sometimes, this cancer can come back after treatment, or it might not respond to the usual treatments anymore. This is called 'relapsed' or 'refractory' multiple myeloma.

The LipoCurc drug uses a substance called curcumin. You might know curcumin as the ingredient that gives turmeric its yellow colour. Turmeric is a spice often used in cooking and traditional medicine. In lab tests, curcumin has shown some interesting effects: it might protect cells from damage, reduce swelling and pain, and even kill multiple myeloma cells. However, when you take curcumin as a regular tablet, your body doesn't absorb much of it. LipoCurc has been specially designed so that your body can absorb a lot more of the curcumin when it's given through a drip into your veins.

The main goal of this study is to find out how safe LipoCurc is. Researchers want to find the highest dose that can be given to patients without causing very difficult or dangerous side effects. They will start by giving a small dose to the first group of participants and watch them very closely for any side effects. If that dose is safe, the next group will receive a slightly higher dose, and this process will continue. This careful approach helps the research team understand how much of the drug the body can handle, which is a very important first step in developing any new medicine.

Key takeaways

This study is testing a new drug for multiple myeloma, LipoCurc, which comes from turmeric.
The main goal is to find out how safe LipoCurc is and what dose can be given without severe side effects.
It's for people whose multiple myeloma has returned or isn't responding to current treatments.
The drug is given through a drip, and participants will be closely monitored for side effects.
Taking part means trying a new treatment that might help, but there are also unknown risks.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must be at least 18 years old and completely understand what taking part involves before you agree. You also need to be able to come to all the appointments and follow the study's instructions carefully.

Your multiple myeloma must have either relapsed (come back) or be refractory (not responded) to previous treatments. Specifically, you must have tried and not responded to, or your disease progressed after, treatment with at least one immunomodulatory drug (like lenalidomide or pomalidomide), one proteasome inhibitor (like bortezomib), and one anti-CD38 drug (like daratumumab). This study is for people who no longer have effective standard treatment options available.

Even if you've had a stem cell transplant, you might still be able to join, but it needs to have been at least 12 weeks ago, and you shouldn't have any ongoing infections. You also need to have measurable signs of your disease, like certain protein levels in your blood or urine, and be generally well enough to take part in the study, meaning you are mostly able to look after yourself.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you at least 18 years old?
Has your multiple myeloma come back or stopped responding to treatments?
Have you already tried at least three specific types of myeloma drugs (immunomodulatory, proteasome inhibitor, anti-CD38)?
Are there no other standard treatment options currently available for you?
Are you generally well enough to go about your daily activities with some help if needed?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will receive doses of the LipoCurc drug through a drip into your veins. The initial group of participants will be given a lower dose, and if it's safely tolerated, later participants will receive slightly higher doses. The research team will regularly check in with you, keeping a very close eye on how your body reacts to the drug and whether you experience any side effects. You will have regular appointments and tests to monitor your health and how the drug is affecting you. This includes blood tests, urine tests, and other assessments. The total duration of your participation will depend on how you respond to the treatment and the study plan, but you will be closely monitored throughout.

Potential risks and benefits

Potential benefits of taking part include receiving a new, investigational drug that might help treat your multiple myeloma, especially if other treatments haven't worked or your disease has returned. You will also receive careful medical monitoring and support from the study team. However, because this is a new drug, there are potential risks, and side effects are possible. These side effects are currently being studied, and the main aim of this phase is to understand them. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

University Health Network-Princess Margaret Cancer Centre
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada

Common questions

What is multiple myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a type of cancer that affects plasma cells, which are important white blood cells found in your bone marrow.

What is LipoCurc?

LipoCurc is a new drug containing curcumin, a natural substance found in turmeric, which is being tested for its potential to treat multiple myeloma.

Why can't I just take turmeric supplements?

The LipoCurc drug is specially designed so your body absorbs much more of the curcumin than it would from regular turmeric supplements you buy in a shop.

Will this drug cure my cancer?

This early-stage study primarily focuses on the safety of LipoCurc and finding the right dose, rather than curing the cancer. It's a first step in understanding its potential.

What if I want to stop taking part?

You can leave the study at any time, for any reason, and your decision won't affect your future medical care.

How to find out more

Guido Lancman, M.D.

guido.lancman@uhn.ca 416-946-2059 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.