Experimental combo targets deadly thyroid cancer

NCT ID NCT05059470

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 2 trial tested whether the immunotherapy drug pembrolizumab, given after radiation therapy, could help control anaplastic thyroid cancer that is still in the neck. Only 6 patients were enrolled before the study was stopped early. The goal was to see how long patients lived without the cancer growing or spreading.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Pembrolizumab (a drug that helps the immune system fight cancer)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new treatment option for anaplastic thyroid cancer that has not spread beyond the neck.

What could go wrong

This was a very small, early-phase trial that was terminated early, so results are limited. The cancer is aggressive and may still progress despite treatment.

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.

thyroid gland disorder thyroid gland undifferentiated (anaplastic) carcinoma thyroid tumor

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