Imatinib for Advanced Thyroid Cancer
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial tests imatinib, a drug that may help treat advanced thyroid cancer by resensitizing cancer cells to radioactive iodine. The focus is on cases where thyroid cancer has spread and no longer responds to standard treatments. Researchers aim to block a specific protein, allowing imatinib to enable radioactive iodine to effectively target and shrink the cancer. The trial seeks participants with papillary thyroid cancer that has not responded to radioactive iodine treatments and cannot be surgically removed. As a Phase 1 trial, the research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants the opportunity to be among the first to receive this potentially groundbreaking therapy.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial requires that you stop taking certain medications, specifically strong CYP3A4 inhibitors and inducers, before starting the study drug. If you are on medications that prolong the QT interval, you should discuss with your doctor about switching or monitoring with ECG tests.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this treatment is likely to be safe for humans?
Studies have shown that imatinib, the drug tested in this trial, has been used safely in treating other types of cancer. For example, past research with patients who had advanced thyroid cancer found that side effects were common but usually mild to moderate. This suggests that while some side effects might occur, they are often not serious. Additionally, imatinib is already approved for treating other cancers like leukemia, providing some confidence about its safety for humans. Although this trial focuses on thyroid cancer, past studies suggest that the drug is generally well-tolerated.12345
Why do researchers think this study treatment might be promising?
Imatinib is unique because it targets specific proteins involved in the growth of cancer cells, which is different from most current treatments for advanced thyroid cancer that often involve surgery, radioactive iodine, or chemotherapy. Unlike these standard treatments, imatinib works by inhibiting the activity of certain tyrosine kinases, enzymes that play a crucial role in the signaling pathways that promote cancer cell proliferation. Researchers are excited about imatinib because it offers a more targeted approach, potentially minimizing damage to healthy cells and reducing side effects compared to traditional therapies. Additionally, the oral administration of imatinib makes it more convenient for patients, potentially improving adherence to the treatment regimen.
What evidence suggests that imatinib might be an effective treatment for advanced thyroid cancer?
Research has shown that imatinib can help control or reduce tumors in some cancers. Specifically, it stopped tumor growth in 84% of patients and reduced tumor size in 16% of cases for certain advanced cancers. In this trial, participants will receive escalating doses of imatinib to evaluate its effectiveness for advanced thyroid cancer. Although imatinib has not significantly shrunk tumors in medullary thyroid cancer, it has helped some patients maintain stable disease. The drug blocks a protein called PDGFRα, which is believed to aid thyroid cancer growth and resistance to regular treatments. By blocking this protein, imatinib might restore the effectiveness of standard treatments, offering hope for patients with advanced thyroid cancer that has spread beyond the neck.16789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Todd McMullen
Principal Investigator
Alberta Health services
Jennifer Spratlin, MD FRCPC
Principal Investigator
Alberta Health services
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults with advanced papillary thyroid cancer that has spread and no longer responds to radioiodine treatment. Participants must have a certain level of blood cell counts, normal organ function tests, and be able to follow the study plan. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are excluded, as well as those with other significant health issues or recent treatments that could affect safety.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive escalating doses of imatinib to restore iodine uptake in thyroid cancer
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Imatinib
Imatinib is already approved in European Union, United States, Canada, Japan, Switzerland for the following indications:
- Chronic myeloid leukemia
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
- Systemic mastocytosis
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome
- Chronic myeloid leukemia
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
- Systemic mastocytosis
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome
- Chronic myeloid leukemia
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
- Systemic mastocytosis
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome
- Chronic myeloid leukemia
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
- Systemic mastocytosis
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome
- Chronic myeloid leukemia
- Gastrointestinal stromal tumors
- Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
- Systemic mastocytosis
- Hypereosinophilic syndrome
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
AHS Cancer Control Alberta
Lead Sponsor
Alberta Cancer Foundation
Collaborator