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Using dexmedetomidine to improve long-term survival after cancer surgery in older patients

Impact of Perioperative Dexmedetomidine on Long-term Survival in Older Patients After Cancer Surgery: a Multicenter Randomized Trial

NA · Peking University First Hospital · NCT06030804

This study tests if giving older patients a medication called dexmedetomidine during cancer surgery can help them recover better and live longer.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment4532 (estimated)
Ages60 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorPeking University First Hospital (other)
Locations39 sites (Hefei, Anhui and 38 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06030804 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effects of perioperative dexmedetomidine on long-term survival outcomes in older patients undergoing cancer surgery. It aims to determine whether administering dexmedetomidine during the surgical process can enhance recovery and reduce complications, thereby improving overall survival rates. The study will involve a multicenter randomized design, comparing outcomes between patients receiving dexmedetomidine and those receiving a placebo. The focus is on older patients, who are at higher risk for complications and poorer long-term survival after surgery.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients aged 60 years or older scheduled for radical cancer surgery requiring general anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients with severe bradycardia, certain types of cancer surgeries, or significant hepatic or renal dysfunction may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve long-term survival rates for elderly cancer patients undergoing surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that perioperative dexmedetomidine can reduce complications and improve outcomes, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria 
Inclusion criteria:

1. Aged 60 years or older.
2. Scheduled to undergo radical surgery for cancer under general anesthesia, with an expected surgical duration of 2 hours or longer.
3. Required patient-controlled intravenous analgesia after surgery.

Exclusion criteria:

1. Inability to communicate preoperatively due to visual, auditory, verbal. or other reasons.
2. Surgery for breast cancer or intracranial tumor.
3. Preoperative severe sinus bradycardia (\<50 beats per minute), sick sinus syndrome，or second-degree or above atrioventricular block without pacemaker.
4. Severe hepatic dysfunction (Child-Pugh class C).
5. Severe renal dysfunction (requirement of renal replacement therapy before surgery).
6. Enrolled in other clinical studies.

Where this trial is running

Hefei, Anhui and 38 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Elderly, Cancer Surgery, Dexmedetomidine, Long-Term Survivors, Older patients, Cancer surgery, Long-term survival

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.