What Is APG-157, and Is It an Oral Cancer Treatment?
APG-157 is an investigational drug made from plant compounds, mainly curcumin from turmeric. It is not an approved treatment for oral cancer and is available only through clinical trials. A small 2020 trial showed it was absorbed and well tolerated and changed some markers of inflammation in saliva, but it was not designed to show whether the drug helps people with cancer. Our office does not provide APG-157 or any other investigational cancer therapy.
What did the 2020 trial test?
Researchers at UCLA ran a randomized, placebo-controlled phase 1 trial with 25 people: 13 healthy volunteers and 12 people with oral cancer. Participants received APG-157 or a placebo, given by mouth every hour for three hours. The researchers measured blood and saliva before and up to 24 hours after. [1]
Phase 1 trials are the first step in human testing. Their job is to check safety and how the body handles a drug, not whether it treats the disease.
What did it find?
Absorption. Curcumin and related compounds reached the bloodstream, with levels peaking at about three hours. Curcumin taken as an ordinary supplement is poorly absorbed, which is the problem this drug was designed to address.
Safety. Heart tracings and blood tests showed no toxicity during the short trial.
Inflammation markers. In participants with cancer, several inflammatory proteins (IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8) were lower in saliva.
Mouth bacteria. One group of bacteria, Bacteroidetes, was reduced in saliva in participants with cancer.
Tumor tissue. In one participant, tumor tissue showed changes suggesting more immune cells were being drawn to the tumor. [1]
The authors suggested APG-157 might one day be tested alongside immunotherapy. That is a hypothesis for later trials.
Where does APG-157 research stand now?
As of October 2026, ClinicalTrials.gov lists a phase 2 trial of APG-157 before surgery or other treatment for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancer (active, no longer recruiting), a phase 2 trial in oral dysplasia (precancerous changes, recruiting), and a planned phase 3 trial in locally advanced head and neck cancer (not yet recruiting). [2] Results from these trials will say far more than the 2020 study can.
Should you take curcumin or turmeric supplements?
The trial tested a specific drug formulation, not over-the-counter turmeric. Don't take supplements in place of, or alongside, cancer treatment without asking your oncology team first. Some supplements can interact with chemotherapy and other medicines.
What is our role around cancer treatment?
My role is dental care and coordination with your medical team, not cancer treatment. That means preparing the mouth before chemotherapy or radiation, managing problems such as dry mouth during and after treatment, and staying in contact with your oncologist. Learn more about dental care around head and neck cancer. If you are interested in a clinical trial, your oncologist is the right person to ask.
If you have a mouth sore or patch that hasn't healed in two weeks, have it examined. Read about oral cancer screening, or contact our office at 904-398-1549.
Sources
Basak SK, Bera A, Yoon AJ, et al. A randomized, phase 1, placebo-controlled trial of APG-157 in oral cancer demonstrates systemic absorption and an inhibitory effect on cytokines and tumor-associated microbes. Cancer. 2020;126(8):1668-1682. doi:10.1002/cncr.32644 (retrieved via PubMed)
ClinicalTrials.gov. APG-157 studies: NCT05312710, NCT05865028, NCT07667296. Status retrieved October 6, 2026.
About the author. CJ Henley, DMD, is a general dentist in Jacksonville whose practice focuses on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, dental implants and dental care around head and neck cancer. His role is dental care and coordination with your medical team. He does not provide cancer treatment. Meet Dr. Henley.
CJ Henley, DMD, PA · 3675 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL 32207 · 904-398-1549
Updated October 2026.