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Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 3 Interventional Ages 40 to 89 Men only

Using curcumin to prevent progression of low-risk prostate cancer

Official title: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Curcumin to Prevent Progression of Biopsy Proven, Low-risk Localized Prostate Cancer Patients Undergoing Active Surveillance

Run by University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center · NCT03769766 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing if curcumin, a natural supplement from turmeric, can help slow down low-risk prostate cancer in patients who are being closely monitored.

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Ages40 Years to 89 Years
SexMen only
Enrollment291 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical Center
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Dallas, Texas)
StatusRecruiting
StartedMarch 11, 2019
Main results expectedNovember 2029
Study endsNovember 2030
Registry record updatedJune 15, 2026
Trial IDNCT03769766 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates for this study are men aged 40-89 with biopsy-proven, low-risk localized prostate cancer who are under active surveillance.

Probably not a fit

Patients who have previously undergone treatment for prostate cancer or have high prostate volume may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates whether curcumin, a natural supplement derived from turmeric, can reduce the progression of low-risk prostate cancer in patients who are under active surveillance. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either curcumin or a placebo, allowing researchers to compare the effects of the treatment against a control group. The study aims to address the anxiety and risk of disease progression faced by patients opting for active surveillance, as there are currently no accepted medications to mitigate this risk. By evaluating the efficacy of curcumin, the trial seeks to provide a potential therapeutic option for managing low-risk prostate cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a safe and effective way to reduce cancer progression in men with low-risk prostate cancer, potentially improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of curcumin in cancer treatment is promising, this specific approach to prevent progression in low-risk prostate cancer under active surveillance is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age between 40-89 years
* Biopsy proven, low-risk, localized prostate cancer (minimum of 8 cores)
* May have had biopsy within last 12 months
* ≤4 separate locations in the prostate involved with cancer. If multiple cores are obtained from same lesion or area than this will count as one location.
* Gleason score ≤6 with no Gleason pattern 4
* Clinical stage T1c-T2a/b
* Serum PSA ≤15 ng/ml
* Life expectancy \> 5 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any previous prostate cancer treatment (radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, oral glucocorticoids, GnRH analogues, prostatectomy)
* Concurrent or previous use within 6 months of screening of any 5α-reductase inhibitor
* Use of anabolic steroids or drugs with antiandrogenic properties
* Prostate volume \>150 cm³
* Patients who are taking antiplatelet, anticoagulant agents or have a history of a bleeding disorder. Patients taking 81 mg of Aspirin will be allowed to enroll with close observation
* History of gastric or duodenal ulcers or untreated hyperacidity syndromes. Patients on stable doses (2 months of therapy) of GERD medication allowed.
* Patients who are currently taking Curcumin and are unwilling to stop or plan to take Curcumin during the study
* Patients with a history of gallbladder problems or gallstones or biliary obstruction, unless patient had cholecystectomy

Where it's running

  • UT Southwestern Medical Center
    Dallas, Texas, United States     Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.