Testing two cancer medications together for advanced bowel and stomach cancer

Plain-English translation of NCT04511039 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated May 2026 · Translation generated July 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing a combination of two cancer-fighting medications: trifluridine/tipiracil and talazoparib. The study will see if taking these medications together is safe and how well they work against advanced colorectal or gastroesophageal (stomach and food pipe) cancers that have spread or are locally advanced. The research team will gradually adjust doses to find the right amount and watch for side effects.

Many patients with advanced colorectal or stomach cancers stop responding to standard treatments or cannot tolerate them. This medication combination uses two different approaches to fight cancer cells, so researchers want to see if working together they might help patients whose cancer has already progressed despite other treatments.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer or gastroesophageal cancer that has spread or cannot be surgically removed
you have already received at least one previous cancer treatment that either stopped working or caused side effects you could not tolerate
you have measurable cancer on imaging scans
you are generally in good health with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 or 1 (able to carry out most daily activities)
you have a life expectancy of at least 3 months
your blood counts, kidney function, and liver function are at acceptable levels based on recent lab work

You likely don't qualify if…

you have received cancer treatment within the past 2 weeks (or 6 weeks if it was certain chemotherapy drugs)
you have previously been treated with a PARP inhibitor, FUDR, or trifluridine/tipiracil
you have untreated cancer that has spread to your brain
you have severe heart disease or have recently had a heart attack or stroke
you cannot swallow pills or have a condition that prevents your body from absorbing oral medications

What participation looks like

You will take two oral medications by mouth twice daily for 5 days, then have 9 days off—this 14-day cycle repeats as long as the treatment is working and side effects are manageable. You will have regular clinic visits for blood work, imaging scans to check your cancer, and physical exams. The study team will monitor you closely, especially at first, to watch for any side effects and adjust your doses if needed.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jul 21, 2026 · Not medical advice

Testing two cancer medications together for advanced bowel and stomach cancer

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations