New hope for rare, aggressive thyroid cancer: drug combo shows promise

NCT ID NCT04171622

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tests whether combining lenvatinib (a targeted drug that blocks cancer growth) with pembrolizumab (an immunotherapy that helps the immune system attack cancer) can improve outcomes for people with advanced anaplastic thyroid cancer that cannot be surgically removed or has spread. The study enrolls 25 participants and measures overall survival, progression-free survival, and tumor response.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

lenvatinib and pembrolizumab

What this could lead to

If successful, this combination could offer a new treatment option for people with advanced anaplastic thyroid cancer, potentially improving survival and controlling tumor growth.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase trial with only 25 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The drugs can cause side effects like high blood pressure, fatigue, and immune-related reactions.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

poorly differentiated thyroid gland carcinoma thyroid cancer thyroid gland carcinoma thyroid gland squamous cell carcinoma thyroid gland undifferentiated (anaplastic) carcinoma Thyroid Neoplasms

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • M D Anderson Cancer Center

    Houston, Texas, 77030, United States